While head coach Kristin Barnhill would have preferred a No. 4 seed to play one less game in Southeast Bulloch's region tournament, she can’t complain about a home court advantage.
    A big fourth quarter spurred on SEB’s home crowd, helping carry the Yellow Jackets to a 49-37 victory in the first round of the region 3-AAA playoffs. Even though they’ll have to travel to Johnson Wednesday, they’re one win against Savannah away from going to the state playoffs for the first time since 2013.
    “It’s testament to the senior leadership we have with girls like Cole, Sara and Ce-Arra,” Barnhill said. “We were determined to not close the book on this season yet.”
    SEB roared out to a 11-4 lead in the first quarter, playing what has become their trademark style defense by leaping into passing lanes and forcing turnovers. Nine of Islands' 13 first quarter possessions ended in turnovers, but when they could hold on to the ball the turned six points out of the other four.
    Howard contributed six points in SEB’s 14-point first quarter to go along with three rebounds and a steal. It’s key to note Islands had a knack of converting buckets when they held on to the ball, because when SEB couldn’t turn the Sharks over they started scoring in bunches.
    SEB managed to keep their pace through the first four minutes of the first quarter, with Cole Robertson doing a lot of the heavy lifting. The senior recorded a basket, rebound, steal and assist all within those first four minutes to help extend SEB’s lead to an 18-9 count.
    “We started to play not to lose instead of to win,” Barnhill said. “We gave up some transition threes and lost our rhythm.”
    However Islands would start their charge at the 3:29 mark with a three-pointer from #14, which started an avalanche of points in the final four minutes -- ending in a 13-5 Islands run. Four of SEB’s final six possessions would end in turnovers, allowing Islands to work back in to take a 23-22 halftime lead.
    The two teams would trade points all the way through the third quarter, until the final minute when SEB strung three baskets in their final four possessions to take a 36-30 lead. SEB would continue their run going into the fourth quarter, with Krystyn Turner and #20 combining for eight of their first ten points to shoot out 46-32. Islands would never recover. 
    “We looked up and thought ‘wait, we’re up by 12?’,” Barnhill said. “Our defense down the stretch is what really propelled us.” 
    Sara Howard was a tremendous presence in the paint, scoring 20 points on 9-of-16 shooting with 14 rebounds and four blocks. Islands would only shoot 33 percent in the paint while she was in the game, forcing the Sharks outside to shoot less-efficient jumpers.
    Krystyn Turner added 13 points with 11 rebounds and five steals, while #20 added eight points and eight boards.
    SEB (10-14, 7-7) as previously mentioned will face No. 4 seed Savannah (9-16, 7-7) tomorrow for shot at state playoff berth in the four-five game at 4:00 p.m.

Southeast Bulloch 78, Windsor Forest 76
    Southeast Bulloch’s boys withstood a late night offensive barrage from Windsor Forest, as the Knights shot 58 percent from the field but lost 78-76 in the first round of the region playoffs.
    With under ten seconds to play, Desean Taylor missed a corner three but followed his shot under the basket to put a lay-in off the glass to put SEB up 78-76 with 7.9 seconds to play. Windsor Forest would lose the ball to Aaron Houston to following possession, but confusion as to whether Houston called an illegal timeout while he was on the ground caused an inadvertent whistle.
    Now with 4.6 seconds to play, Windsor caught a wide open corner three and missed it long -- preserving the win for the Yellow Jackets and extending their season one more day. SEB was down 76-72 with two minutes left, but got a layup from Cam Wilson followed by a pair of free throws from Houston. An errant pass by Windsor Forest out of bounds set up the Taylor go-ahead shot.
    “We did all of that with just seven guys playing,” said head coach John Page. “It’s been such a pleasure coaching these kids. I’m glad I get one more game with them.”
    Pierless Brown scored 23 points to lead the Jackets, followed by Desean Taylor’s 15, Caleb Carter’s 13 and Cam Wilson’s 11. SEB (10-16, 5-9) will travel to Johnson tomorrow to face the third-seeded Atomsmashers at 8:30 p.m. The Jackets will have their work cut out if they want to advance and claim a spot in the state tournament. SEB dropped both regular season matchups against Johnson by scores of 97-54 and 71-48.