Keith High rode a strong performance from its All-State performer to remain unbeaten.

Arayvion Jones scored 17 points and grabbed 27 rebounds as the Bears defeated Southside High 68-61 on Friday night in Orrville.

The Bears improved to 2-0 on the season despite nearly blowing a 17-point lead. Southside got within 61-57 with 1:30 left, but Jones’ steal ended hopes of a Panthers comeback.

“It was a good win, what a way to gut it out,” Bears coach Clifton Reeves said.

Jones, who played in the Alabama All-Star game during the summer, said Southside is always one of Keith’s most important games.

“This is a rivalry game, we wanted to come out with a win,” Jones said.

The 6-foot-3 Jones had plenty of help from his teammates. Eighth-grader Tommy Tisdale III, the son of Keith High Principal Tommy Tisdale Jr., added 16 points. Victor Millhouse Jr. and Anthony Lumpkin Jr. each had 10 points.

Ernest Hatcher scored a game-high 21 points for Southside (1-2). Taye Spears added 16 points and Christopher Bonner scored 15.

Southside girls 47, Keith 29: Jakeria Robinson scored  17 points to lead the Lady Panthers (3-0).  Kylan Brown added 10 points and 18 rebounds.

Tamika Smiley led Keith with 16 points. She was the Lady Bears’ only double-digit scorer.