The Long County Blue Tide boys basketball team fell in the Sweet Sixteen of the state playoffs this season. They were led to the Region 3-AAA regular season championship thanks in big part to the play of their two starting guards.

The guards, senior Zyi’air Holt and junior Jy’son Mallard, each were awarded for their hard work this season. On Tuesday, March 17, they were named to the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association AAA South All-State teams.

Holt and Mallard were two of 14 players in AAA to be named to the South team. This is the first time the Blue Tide have had two players be named All-State in the same season.

It is also the first time since the 20017-2018 season they had a player make All-State. Current assistant coach Henry Blair was named all-state during that season.

Holt was and has been a clear leader for the Tide throughout his career. This season, he led the team with 6.5 rebounds per game and 2.8 assists per game.

He also finished his career with just shy of 1,000 points and was a region 3-AAA First Team selection.

Mallard had a proficient season for the Tide as well, leading the team with 14.4 points per game and a 35 percent three-point shooting mark. He was named Region 3-AAA Co-Offensive Player of the Year.

Holt now looks to continue his basketball career at the collegiate level while Mallard will return for his senior season, which will feature new challenges in AAA state-runner up Harlem, now a part of the new Region 3-AAAA.