In a game that showcased the grit and determination of two neighboring rivals, the Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets stormed back in the second half to secure a 59-49 victory over the Bulloch Academy Gators. Played at Southeast Bulloch High School, the matchup had all the intensity expected when these two local teams show up to play.
The game started with Bulloch Academy seizing control early. The Gators jumped out to a 16-10 lead in the first quarter, capitalizing on strong offensive efforts from Jackson Sheppard, Ike Hubbard and JB Roach. Sheppard showcased his leadership with a mix of mid-range jumpers and aggressive drives, while Roach chipped in key baskets to keep the Gators ahead.
The second quarter saw much of the same, with Bulloch Academy maintaining their lead and heading into halftime up 27-23. Sheppard made his presence felt with a game-high 13 points, hitting critical shots to extend the Gators’ momentum. At this point, it seemed as though Bulloch Academy was poised to pull away for a decisive victory, but the Yellow Jackets had other plans.
Coming out of the halftime break, Southeast Bulloch completely flipped the script. A mix of disciplined defense and efficient offense fueled a dramatic third-quarter turnaround. Sophomore Aaden Peterson, who had been steady in the first half, exploded offensively in the second. Peterson scored 22 points in the game, with much of his effort coming after halftime.
Senior Michael Dixon also stepped up in a big way for the Yellow Jackets. Dixon was physical presence in the paint as well, and put up 20 points, dominating on both ends of the floor. His rebounding and three point shots gave Southeast Bulloch the edge they needed to take control. The Yellow Jackets outscored the Gators 17-8 in the third quarter, turning a four-point halftime deficit into a five-point lead heading into the final.
The fourth quarter was all about maintaining momentum, and the Yellow Jackets delivered. Ashley Collins, another senior leader for Southeast Bulloch, added six points to the tally, while junior Tyrone McGee contributed five points, including a clutch basket in the final minutes that sealed the victory. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Southeast Bulloch had outscored Bulloch Academy 36-22 in the second half, completing their comeback and securing a much-needed win.
For Bulloch Academy, the second half proved to be a challenge they couldn’t overcome. Turnovers and missed opportunities allowed Southeast Bulloch to chip away at their lead and eventually pull away. Despite the loss, the Gators had bright spots in their performance, particularly from Sheppard, Eason, and Hubbard. However, they’ll need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face Pinewood Christian Academy on January 14.
The win improves Southeast Bulloch’s record to 2-7 on the season, giving them a shot of confidence heading into their January 14 matchup against Groves High School. With Peterson and Dixon hitting their stride and a team that appears to be finding its rhythm, the Yellow Jackets will look to build on this performance and turn their season around.
This game, marked by its intense rivalry, served as a reminder of what makes local matchups so compelling. Southeast Bulloch’s resilience and determination to fight back in the second half made this victory even sweeter for the Yellow Jackets and their home crowd.
Head Coach Tony Raymond was pleased by the win, noting the team need this win not only because it is a big game with the neighbors, but its big for the region. He stated that this will be the same mindset heading into Tuesday's game, a win is a win, no matter how pretty or ugly it gets. When asked who the MVP was for the game, Coach Raymond said it was definitely a team effort. Had some great things happen offensively and defensively, and that's what brought home the win.
Game Summary
- Southeast Bulloch (2-7): 1Q: 10 | 2Q: 23 | 3Q: 40 | Final: 59
Top Performers: Aaden Peterson (22 points), Michael Dixon (20 points), Ashley Collins (6 points) - Bulloch Academy (4-8): 1Q: 16 | 2Q: 27 | 3Q: 35 | Final: 49
Top Performers: Jackson Sheppard (13 points), Ike Hubbard (10 points), Nick Eason (8 points)