Having lost twice during the regular season to the Appling County Pirates, the third time was a charm for the Blue Tide, as the boys’ basketball team beat the number two team in the state, 51-43 for the 2-AA Region Championship.
In Saturday’s game, both teams appeared to come out tight, and were only able to score two points apiece through the first six minutes. And with both offenses struggling, at the end of the first Appling was on top 12-9.
In the second quarter, the offenses began to find their groove, with the Pirates leading most of the period. However with just under two minutes left in the half Long County went up, 27-25. Then, just before the buzzer, Jimmy Bacon hit a three-pointer from the corner, to give the Blue Tide a 30-25 lead at the break.
The third period was an even quarter with both teams going back and fourth. The Pirates put up 11 and the Blue put up 9. Going into the final period, Long County had a narrow 39-36 lead.
In the fourth quarter, the Pirate defense held Long County scoreless through the first four minutes, and tied the game at 39-39 with six minutes left in the contest. But the Tide got the momentum back, and was up 47-41 with 2:07 left.
With Appling County forced to commit fouls to conserve time, the game was put out of reach when Robert Gamble hit both free throws with less than a minute in the game, to put Long County up 49-41.
The Blue Tide went on to win the game 51-43, bringing home the Region 2-AA Championship.
In the game, Lazaruss Baggs had 4 points, Ricky Rivera and Robert Gamble each had 6, Justin Boyd had 9, Prince Moody had 10, and Jimmy Bacon led all scorers with 14 points.
“Man it feels great; we set this goal all year, and it is great to finally reach it,” said head coach Deshon Brock.
He thinks his team has a shot in the state tournament.
“If we make good shot selections, crash the boards, and play good fundamental basketball, we’ll do alright,” he said.
Last year the boys made the Sweet Sixteen Round of the tournament, and this year have the potential to go even further.
The Blue Tide will host their first game in the state tournament Friday. Tip-off in Ludowici is at 7:30 p.m.
In Saturday’s game, both teams appeared to come out tight, and were only able to score two points apiece through the first six minutes. And with both offenses struggling, at the end of the first Appling was on top 12-9.
In the second quarter, the offenses began to find their groove, with the Pirates leading most of the period. However with just under two minutes left in the half Long County went up, 27-25. Then, just before the buzzer, Jimmy Bacon hit a three-pointer from the corner, to give the Blue Tide a 30-25 lead at the break.
The third period was an even quarter with both teams going back and fourth. The Pirates put up 11 and the Blue put up 9. Going into the final period, Long County had a narrow 39-36 lead.
In the fourth quarter, the Pirate defense held Long County scoreless through the first four minutes, and tied the game at 39-39 with six minutes left in the contest. But the Tide got the momentum back, and was up 47-41 with 2:07 left.
With Appling County forced to commit fouls to conserve time, the game was put out of reach when Robert Gamble hit both free throws with less than a minute in the game, to put Long County up 49-41.
The Blue Tide went on to win the game 51-43, bringing home the Region 2-AA Championship.
In the game, Lazaruss Baggs had 4 points, Ricky Rivera and Robert Gamble each had 6, Justin Boyd had 9, Prince Moody had 10, and Jimmy Bacon led all scorers with 14 points.
“Man it feels great; we set this goal all year, and it is great to finally reach it,” said head coach Deshon Brock.
He thinks his team has a shot in the state tournament.
“If we make good shot selections, crash the boards, and play good fundamental basketball, we’ll do alright,” he said.
Last year the boys made the Sweet Sixteen Round of the tournament, and this year have the potential to go even further.
The Blue Tide will host their first game in the state tournament Friday. Tip-off in Ludowici is at 7:30 p.m.