Even in the summertime, Keith and Southside have a knack of playing their best basketball against one another.

The schools kicked off a three-team play date Friday morning at Keith High School with another classic. The Bears won the game 40-39 on a rebound and layup by Domonique Jones in the final minute, but had to hang on. Southside’s DeQuan Johnson missed the front end of a one-and-one with 1.3 seconds left that would’ve given Southside the win, since each made free throw counted for two in the play date.

Keith head coach Tommy Tisdale said both coaches wanted to see how their teams would react to being in a close game in the final minutes.

“You can’t simulate being down one, going to the line — you can talk it all you want in practice but you can’t simulate it in a real game or even a modified game against a different opponent,” Tisdale said.

“That’s a situation that may arise during the season.”

Tisdale was frustrated that his team seemed to play better against Southside after some lackluster showings in games throughout the summer.

“Now that you’ve shown it to me, I’ve got to get it every day,” Tisdale said of his team’s effort.

Following a layup by Terry Johnson that gave Southside a 39-38 lead, both teams had chances at free throws in the final minute. The game-winning basket came as the result of Jones’ layup after a missed 3-pointer by Kendarius Perry.

“I see it progressing in spots,” said Southside coach Cedric Brown. “Some guys I wish would come on a little bit more, but it’s summer and we’re just getting the hang of it.”

Justyn Pettway led Keith with 13 points in the game.

Keshawn Arrington scored 14 points to lead the way for Southside.