The Long County High School girls’ basketball team fell to New Hampstead High School, 53-21, on Saturday in Ludowici.  
The visiting Phoenix came out hard and fast, taking the early lead over the Lady Tide and never looking back. Though the home team played hard, it was evident the Lady Tide could not match the speed or ball-handling of their opponents.
“We were a little shell-shocked in the first half. We haven’t seen that kind of speed before,” Long County head coach Brian Todd said.
Todd said he was pleased with his players’ efforts, but that they have to improve in several areas.
“We’re young. We’ve got three sophomores and two freshmen starting for us,” he said. “But even so, we have got to quit making some mistakes. We need better ball handling and we have got to get stronger.”  
The coach praised the play of his two freshmen starters, Elexxus Wrighton and Malaka Elix. Wrighton had 10 points and Elix had six to lead the Lady Tide scoring.
 “We’re going to keep going at it and keep improving,” Todd said. “These first seven games, I want us to focus on getting better, and then the region games start. That’s the prize we want to keep our eyes on.”
Long County hosts Tattnall County on Friday. The Lady Warriors have dominated the series between the schools, winning nine of 10 games, including last year’s contest, 49-23.  
The game starts at
6:30 p.m.