Led by Jimmy Bacon, Ricky Rivera, Eli Guest, Donte Brown and Justin Boyd, the Blue Tide is looking to repeat as the 2-AA Region champions.
The Blue Tide boys are currently in third place in the region behind McIntosh and Tattnall counties. Their region record is 7-2, while the Bucs and Warriors stand a game ahead at 8-2.
Long County has an overall record of 11-5, with region losses at the hands of the Benedictine Cadets and the Warriors. Their other three losses have been to larger schools including Glynn Academy, and twice to powerhouse Liberty County High School.
Right now, the Blue Tide is riding a nine-game winning streak and has the most potent offense in the 2-AA Region. The Long team is averaging 74 points a game, with the next closest team in the region being Appling County with 62 points.
The Ludowici team’s problem hasn’t been scoring, it’s been stopping others from scoring. They are giving up 62 points a night, which is the third-worst defense in the 2-AA.
Despite this problem, the Blue Tide is still poised to play for the region title again, and may be in a position to make a bid for the state title.
Last night, the Tide boys took on Tattnall County in a rematch. In their first game earlier this season, the Warriors won 71-70. Results for the game were not available at press time.
On Friday, the Tide travel to Blackshear to take on Pierce County. The Bears are struggling this year with a 4-14 overall record and a 1-9 Region 2AA mark.
The game starts at 7:30 PM.
Lady Tide
The Lady Tide is No. 1 in the 2-AA Region with a 7-2 record. The girls have won seven of their last eight games, and have a half-game lead on Brantley County and Pierce County.
Though the team has lost seven games with a 9-7 overall record, five of those losses were to larger schools.
According to head coach Ryan Bailey, the Tide played the larger schools earlier in the year to help prepare for the more important region games.
This year’s team is led by Brittany Mills, Shanetra Quarterman, India Gamble, Caela LaRochester and Sharika Turner.
The Lady Tide has been allowing 48 points a game, while putting up 51 points a night. They currently have the third-best offense, but also the third-worst defense in the 2-AA Region.
The girls took on the Tattnall County ladies last night, but results from that game were not available at press time.
On Friday, the Lady Tide travel to Blackshear for a big showdown with Pierce County.
The Lady Bears have a region record of 7-3 and an overall record of 9-6. The game begins at 6 p.m.