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Tide teams begin quest for 2-AA title
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The Long County High School boys and girls basketball teams begin their quest for 2-AA Region championships today in Nahunta.

In 2007, the Blue Tide were runners-up in the region to champs McIntosh County. Last year they won region, defeating Appling County. Guess which year felt the best.

Tonight’s game is at 8:30.

According to head coach Deshon Brock, winning that region title is the second of a three-phase goal that he and the team set in 2009.

"We had a three phase-goal. Phase one was to finish the season as the number one seed. Phase two was to win the region. And phase three was to win the state championship," the coach said.

The team did end the season on top of Region 2-AA with a 14-2 record, including closing out the season on a 17-game win streak. The Tide hasn’t lost since Dec. 13 when they lost a nail-biter to Tattnall County 70-71.

Oh, and, they did avenge that loss, beating the Warriors 80-61 in a rematch.

The Blue Tide boys go into tonight’s game with the most prolific offense in the region, and one of the highest scoring offenses in the state, putting up 76 points a game, which is 15 higher than the next highest team, McIntosh County, which is the number two seed, averaging 61 points a game.

If the Tide has an Achilles heel it is defense. The Blue and White are giving up 61 points a game. Only three teams in the 2-AA Region gave up more points; Charlton County (7-14), Pierce County (6-18) and Brantley County (3-19).

The Lady Tide also start region playoffs today. It won’t be easy for the girls. The number one seed is Brantley County and the number three is Appling County.

During the season, the Long ladies split their series with Brantley, but the Lady Pirates from Appling County beat the Lady Tide in both of their games.

One area where the Lady Tide is really strong is in balance. They are averaging 50 points and giving up 51 a night. The weakness for the girls is on the bench, where there is heart and determination, but little experience.

The girls are on a hot streak, as they closed out the season with wins over Jeff Davis and Glynn Academy. The Ludowici girls also have won 13 of their last 16 games.

The boys will face either the Appling County Pirates or the Benedictine Cadets, who played yesterday. The girls face either the Lady Pirates from Appling or the Saints from St. Vincent’s Academy, who also played on Thursday.

The 2-AA Region Tournament is in at Brantley County High School in Nahunta and the Lady Tide plays today at 4 p.m.

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