The Swainsboro Tigers swept their two games of the region tournament with little resistance, claiming the championship by rolling the Toombs County Bulldogs 79-60. Swainsboro (16-1) takes their #1 seed into the state playoffs, which will begin Wednesday night in the Tigers’ Den against Bleckley County (5-20).
The Tigers are playing their best basketball at the most opportune time, and their two region foes paid the price last week. With a swarming defense, Swainsboro overwhelmed Jeff Davis in the semifinals, jumping out to a 27-7 lead in the opening quarter. The Yellow Jackets had no answer for Swainsboro’s press, and Fred Seabrough dominated early with 13 first quarter points. Swainsboro led 43-17 at the half, and then things got really ugly as the Tigers poured it on in the 3rd quarter, winning the period 29-7 for a 72-24 lead. Swainsboro was able to coast the rest of the way and prepare for the championship game on Saturday night. Seabrough had a game-high 23 points, and Derrick Jones threw in 13 points.
On Saturday night, Swainsboro hosted the Toombs County Bulldogs, a surprise entry into the region championship as they struggled most of the season. However, an upset over rival Vidalia and a covid-influenced victory over Woodville-Tompkins gave them a shot at the championship. Swainsboro was not as sharp as the night before, turning the ball over and making mistakes on defense. Tyler Kelly carried the load early with 10 first-quarter points to give Swainsboro a 20-14 lead after a quarter. Swainsboro led 36-27 at the half, but it seemed as though they just couldn’t find the intensity to put the Bulldogs away.
The 3rd quarter saw Derrick Jones get hot. Jones slammed the door shut with 15 points in the quarter for a 63-46 lead with one quarter remaining in the region championship game. Toombs County would make no run on this night, and the Tigers will be able to hang another championship banner. Kelly and Jones both finished with 24 points, and Fred Seabrough scored 13 points.
Swainsboro will host the Bleckley County Royals (5-20), Region 3-AA’s #4 seed on Wednesday night in the first round of the state playoffs.
