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Wilkes wins COTY; Tide place six on All-Region teams
Dwayne Rowe
Dwayne Rowe (2) saves the ball against Appling County - photo by Gerald Thomas III

LUDOWICI -- The Long County Blue Tide basketball teams just capped off the regular season and region tournament with the girls clinching the three seed and the boys winning the region title. After both championship games Friday night, the All-Region 1-AAA teams were announced.

On the Lady Tide’s side, they placed two on the first and second team with three earning Honorable Mention. Junior Jada Young, who averaged a double-double throughout the season, notched her second first team appearance in a row.

Young consistently averaged double digit points and rebounds this season. Her best came with a triple-double against Pierce County earlier in the season.

Lady Tide newcomer sophomore Amiyah Simpkins was named to the second team after her impressive debut season.

She was joined by senior Makayla Raimer and juniors Mackenzie McFarland and Adryanna Harley on the Honorable Mention list.

For the boys’ team, both seniors Cam Johnson and Dwayne Rowe were named to the first team. This is the second appearance on the team for Johnson while Rowe finally got over the second team hump to secure his spot.

Senior Trinity Gray was a consistent threat in the paint for the Tide and he was rewarded for his efforts with a second team nod.

Sophomore Kaleel Anderson was an integral piece of the Tide’s success this season as he cemented his spot as a big part of their team going forward. He also made the second team.

Senior Jacob Cooper and junior transfer Christian Glenn were both given Honorable Mention for their efforts this year.

Head Coach Reggie Wilkes was named region Coach of the Year for the second time in three years after the Tide won seven straight games and nine of the last 10 after starting the year 6-9. The Tide defeated top-seeded Tattnall County 71-70 in the region tournament finals to win their second region title in three years.

The Blue Tide basketball teams move on to the state playoffs. The Lady Tide will travel to Hinesville to take on Liberty County Tuesday, Feb. 22 and the boys will host Beach on Wednesday, Feb. 23.