Trai James strokes a three ball in the first half against Bob Jones. (Record photo/Lindsay Vaught)

MADISON- James Clemens rode the hot shooting of Trai James to build a first half lead but needed an offensive rebound and basket from Marcus Lacey with 36 seconds left to edge Bob Jones 53-52 for the Jets first Area 8 win. Bob Jones falls to 0-2 in area play.

A packed house of over 1,000 fans watched at the new Bob Jones gym.

James hit his first three to put James Clemens up 7-6. Bob Jones led 15-14 after one quarter. James stroked six three point baskets in the first half against Bob Jones’ zone defense. His three pointer and a fast break basket by Lacey put the Jets up 33-26 at half.

“I got hot,” said James who finished with 24 points. “I credit my teammates for getting me open. We were ready for the defense they ran so it set up for me to get good open shots. We could have been stronger at the end but we are glad to get the win.”

James Clemens had their biggest lead at 48-41 on a Lacey jump shot.

Jonathan Moss went to work for Bob Jones and scored five points in the final three minutes. His free throw tied the game at 50 and Devontae Mason hit a free throw to put Bob Jones up 51-50.

Bob Jones had two shots at a game winning hoop but they bounced off. Sean Goodman had a strong game for Bob Jones finishing with 18 points. Moss had seven. Lacey finished with 16 for the Jets.

“It was a great atmosphere, it always is in this rivalry game but I’m glad to get the win and get this one out of the way,” said James Clemens coach Danny Petty. “Trai got it going the first half, he can do that. Marcus has got to play well for us. He is our big guy. He has the talent and is getting better and better. We had them but let them get back in it. They had a couple guys that played well.”

The two teams meet again Jan. 15 at James Clemens.

James Clemens hosts Buckhorn next Tuesday and Hazel Green (area game) next Friday. Bob Jones hosts Columbia Monday. The Patriots play at Sparkman next Friday night.