Long County’s boys and girls each had the annual Blue and White scrimmages Saturday to help prepare for the upcoming season.
In the boy’s game, the white squad won a nail-biter 68-66. In the girl’s game, the blue team won 63-58.

Blue Tide head coach Deshon Brock said he was pleased with his players’ competiveness.
“First and foremost, the game was very competitive and came right down to the buzzer with Ryhiem Izzard making the game winning shot as the time was running out,” Brock said. “It also gave guys like Stephon Hugley and Kai Collins a chance to get a dry run before the first game. And they both played well.”

He did say some areas needed improvement
“We still have to work on our help side defense as well as rebounding, but we will get there,” the coach said.

Brock also noted the individual effort of several players.
“Terry Smith led the blue team with 25 points,” he said. “Christian Bass played very well from the block. And Nate Francis knocked down a couple threes from the outside. I thought that Henry Blair and Ryhiem Izzard were a deadly one, two combo for the white team. And, again, Kai put some of the starters on notice as he is vying for a starting spot and or more minutes.”

Lady Tide head coach Brian Todd said he too was pleased with his team’s play, but at times the girls were too aggressive on the court.
“We shot the ball really well and with our guard play being pivotal to our success, I was happy to see us shoot the ball like we did,” Todd said. “But we seemed to be overly aggressive, we have to work on not fouling so much and playing sound defense.”

The coach also praised the individual effort of several players.
“Malaka Elix, Lexi Wrighton and Patra London led the way,” he said. “And Anazha Kincaid and Ja’Leshia were the leading scorers for the white team.”

Both coaches said the annual games are a favorite for the players and the fans.
“We like to kick our season by having this annual event. It’s a good way to let the community see all the players play a good amount of time,” Todd said.

“I hold this game not only to help me evaluate the team, going into the first game, but it also allows the boys to get that first game jitters out of the way,” Brock said. “We treat it like a real game. There is normally a decent crowd and the kids really enjoy playing in it. It also gives the community a chance to get a first glimpse at the team.”
Tuesday, Long County scrimmaged Bacon County in Ludowici. Pick up a Sunday paper for results from those games.

Correction
The Nov. 9 Courier incorrectly reported that the Blue Tide lost in last year’s first round of the state tournament 76-61 to Lovett. Actually that was the second round. Long County defeated Metter in the first round. The Courier regrets the error.