Finley leads Bob Jones to big win over Sparkman

Tanner Finley strokes a three against Sparkman
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)

MADISON- Tanner Finley had the hot hand Friday night against Sparkman as the senior swingman found the range from three-point land and led Bob Jones to a big 67-44 Class 6A, Area 15 win.

Finley hit 8 of 12 shots behind the arc and finished with a career high 27 points.

“He is one of the best shooters we have had come through Bob Jones,” said Coach Graham Aderholt. “He has the green light to shoot and keep shooting. I’ve got full confidence in him as a shooter.”

Finley helped blow the game open early as his three put Bob Jones up 15-4 and the Patriots led 16-8 after one. Sparkman closed to 18-14 but that is as close as the game would get.

Finley’s driving layup closed the first half as Bob Jones led 28-17. Finley also hit the boards and led Bob Jones with 8 total rebounds. Josh Mitchell had 10 points in the first half for Bob Jones.

Bob Jones pushed the lead out to 21 late in the third as Finley heated up with back-to-back three point shots. Aderholt took his starters out in the fourth quarter as both team’s reserves got some work.

“My coach and my teammates they have faith in me,” Finley said. “My teammates were screening for me and getting me open. Coach wants me to shoot. If I miss a few I have to just shoot through it.”

It was quite a turnaround for Finley who had 3 points against James Clemens and 10 against Decatur in Bob Jones last two home games.

“It’s a big win for us,” Aderholt said. “If we win out in our area games we have a chance to host it. The guys played hard.”

Josh Mitchell finished with 20 points, and Dalton Barkley had 7. For Sparkman Jamal Johnson finished with 11 points.