The Liberty County High School boys’ basketball team beat Long County, 53-43, on Saturday in Ludowici.  
The game was close most of the way.  Liberty led by one point, 12-11, at the end of the first period and by three points, 27-24, at the half. After three quarters of play, the score was tied at 38. However, led by Michael Farrior’s seven points in the fourth period, the Panthers pulled away.  
Farrior led all scorers with 25 points, while teammate Freddie McSwain had 12 points.
The Blue Tide’s Josh Berry had 22 points. Jamaal Anderson added 14 points.  
The teams’ coaches had differing ideas about the key to the fourth quarter.
“We didn’t attack the zone like we should have and didn’t take advantage of the shots we had on the floor,” Long coach Deshon Brock said.
“They had games on Tuesday and Friday, and we haven’t played since last Saturday; I think we just had a little more energy in our legs tonight,” Liberty coach Willie Graham said.
With the win, the Panthers improved to 2-7, while the Blue Tide fell to 2-5.  
Liberty County next plays Dec. 26 in the Gentlemen’s Classic Tournament in Statesboro.  
This weekend, Long County plays in the Savannah Christian Christmas Tournament.  The Blue Tide’s first game will be Friday against the Groves Rebels (3-3).  Both teams appear to be evenly matched, with the Tide averaging 57 points a game and the Rebels notching 54 points. On defense, Long County is allowing 60 points, while Groves is giving up 59 points.  The time of that game wasn’t known at press time.