The Long County Blue Tide boys basketball team advanced to the second round of the AAA state playoffs with a 70-54 win over the Lafayette Ramblers in the first round Wednesday.

After missing the state playoffs for the first time in seven years last season, the Blue Tide are back in the postseason after a historic regular season, winning the second most games in a regular season in nearly 30 years.

The first quarter started off exactly how the Tide would have wanted as they went on an 11-0 run after falling behind 2-0 early. Ja’mere Martin and Jy’son Mallard both hit 3-pointers during the run as they led by nine points three minutes into the game.

After the Ramblers called a timeout, they worked their way back into the game with a 10-6 run to close the first quarter as the Tide led 17-12 going into the second quarter.

The Tide held the Ramblers in check in the second quarter, allowing just seven points with Martin hitting his third 3 of the game and Zyi Holt taking over, scoring eight of his 10 first-half points in the second quarter.

With a 34-19 lead at the half, the Tide seemed to slow down to open the second half. However, the Ramblers took advantage as they opened on a 12-6 run to get their deficit back down to single digits.

The Tide then went on an 8-0 run of their own, leading by 17 with a minute left in the third. This seemed to be all they really needed to go on cruise control.

Holt and Martin both had 21 points in the game with Holt adding 10 rebounds. Kelvin Hayes Jr. also added 15 points for the Tide.

With the win, the Blue Tide advance to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2023. They will take on the No. 9 Troup County Tigers on Saturday.

The Tide will look to advance to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2023.