Bob Jones’ Tyler Fredericks (32) drives to the rim against Libba Gilliam (14) in basketball action Dec. 5. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – The Bob Jones girls varsity basketball team was behind for most of the game against the visiting Madison Academy Mustangs Dec. 5, but used a tough defensive effort in the third quarter and key baskets late to down the Mustangs 40-37.

Madison Academy used a trio of quick three-pointers to power through to a 16-4 lead early, which stuck for several minutes and resembled the 18-7 deficit the Patriots faced going into the second period.

“We’ve got to come out better; I was looking at the box score and it was 18-7 [after the first period],” head coach Andre Reynolds said. “But, these girls, I commend them that they always play hard and never let up.”

The Patriots then managed to hold Madison Academy to 11 points over the next two periods, including 3 in the third period, which set up a 29-26 score going into the final period.

Bob Jones took its first lead with 5:35 left in the game with two free throws by Rachel Murray to go up 30-29.

Jayla Crump then hit a crucial basket while being fouled with 36 seconds left to lead Madison Academy 39-37. Tyler Fredericks hit the last shot of the game on her second free throw with eight seconds left. Fredericks led Bob Jones with nine rebounds.

“Fredericks came out and had nine points and nine rebounds, so I think we did an outstanding job on the boards,” Reynolds said. These girls fight hard all the time, so that was one big plus for us getting those rebounds.

Mustang Libba Gilliam led all players with 17 points, and Reynolds made defensive adjustments on the perimeter to limit Gilliam to five points in the second half. Madison Academy’s Jaden Langford led all players with 11 rebounds, yet Bob Jones held the rebounding advantage 36-26. Crump had nine points and Ari Alexander finished with eight points for the Patriots.

After facing James Clemens, the Patriots continue with their Region schedule against Hazel Green Dec. 16.