The Southeast Bulloch boys fell just short of advancing to the state playoffs last season, losing to Tattnall County in the Class AAA region  playoffs. 
    With a tough loss still fresh in the memory of many players, the Yellow Jackets are now focused on getting better as summer league play is in full swing.
    Long-time head basketball coach John Page said his team has responded well so far in summer league play. In a Tattnall County basketball tournament, the Yellow Jackets finished with a 3-1 record.
    “We’ve got some experience coming back. We have three starters from last year’s team,” Page said. “With the teams that are in our region, we have to work hard everyday.
    “It (summer league) has been successful so far. You have all your guys there and you can put in everything you’ve been trying to do for the following years.”
    The Yellow Jackets have been working hard this summer, Page said. The team recently finished its overnight mini-camp for the older players of the team.
    The Yellow Jackets have plenty of returning talent from last year’s 12-16 team. SEB will return two-year starter Markel Ming this season. Ming was one of the team’s leading scorers last season.
    Caleb Carter will give the Yellow Jackets a post presence this season. The big man down low is a necessary physical piece to the Jacket’s puzzle. Page said his young player can battle for boards throughout the course of the year.
    “We just have to play a little rugged. We feel good when those guys work and get after it,” Page said about his two post players.
    Carter finished last season with as the team's leading rebounder. The 6-foot-4 post player also added a scoring threat for SEB.
    The Yellow Jackets will need some of Carter’s physicality this season. Page attributes a lack of aggressiveness to the reason his team’s season ended early.
    “We felt like we weren’t aggressive enough last year. When it got down to the season we were one game away from going to the state playoffs,” Page said. “We just felt like we've got to be aggressive and just play harder and play together.”
    Page said he expects Ardaveon Harrison to log more minutes this season.
    “He can score and play on both ends of the ball. We’re looking forward to see him progress as the year goes on,” Page said.
The Yellow Jackets will host a 20-team tournament today. Page said the tournament will be a good gauge to judge where his team stands against some of the top competition in the region.
    SEB’s first game will be at 9 a.m. in the school’s gymnasium.

    Horace Holloman may be reached at (912) 489-9408.