A new year has begun for the Long County High School boys’ basketball team, which aims to position itself for the region tournament and make the state playoffs. 
But neither task will be easy for the Blue Tide, who will face several tough teams in Region 2-AA.
Vidalia, which is ranked No. 4 in Class AA according to the PrepCountry/ Georgia Association coaches’ poll, is the team to beat. The Indians are undefeated in 2-AA and have a 13-1 overall record.
They also have what many people consider to be the best offense and defense in the region. Vidalia averages 76 points a night while allowing only 52 per contest.
Tattnall County (6-5 overall) and Mcintosh County Academy both are 4-1 in the region, and Long County (5-5 overall) holds the fourth spot at 3-2 in the region.
Brantley County (4-6 overall) rounds out the top five with a 3-3 region record. 
Appling County, Toombs County, Jeff Davis and Pierce County are below .500 in the region.
Region play started in earnest Tuesday night, when the Blue Tide traveled to Reidsville to take on Tattnall County.
On Friday night, Long County takes on Pierce County  in Blackshear. The Bears are 1-8 overall and 0-5 in the region. 
Also on Friday night, the Lady Tide will take on the Lady Bears. The Long County girls are still looking for their first win of the year.
The girls’ game begins at
6 p.m., and the boys’ game starts at 7:30 p.m.