The regular season kicks off Saturday for the Long County boys’ basketball team as the Blue Tide travel to Jesup to take on Wayne County.

Though the teams are in different regions and classifications, with Wayne in Class AAAA and Long in Class AA, they have been archrivals in recent years, at least partly due to the proximity of Ludowici and Jesup.

Since 2009, the Blue Tide have an 8-7 advantage over the Yellow Jackets in the series.

Last season, the Blue Tide won both games against the Jackets, 66-64 and 87-82.

The Tide will try to continue their advantage over the Yellow Jackets and will need seniors Josh Berry, Chris LaRochester and Jamaal Anderson to lead the way.

The Lady Tide, who also play the Lady Jackets on Saturday, are looking to bounce back from a 35-31 loss Nov. 17 to Toombs County.

Wayne County has had the edge on the Lady Tide, leading the series, 12-3, since 2009.

Last season, the Lady Jackets easily won both of their games with the Tide, 58-20 and 38-17.

But Long County has a new coach in Kayla Hires, who stresses hard work and fundamental basketball.

The Lady Tide go into the contest hoping to pull off the upset, but to do that they will need seniors Raven Rose, Derissa Crawford and Mikayla Lovette to play strong.

Tipoff for the Lady Tide game is 6:30 p.m. with the Blue Tide boys’ game scheduled for 8 p.m.

Look for more on Long County hoops in upcoming issues.