James Clemens rises to the occasion, first win over Bob Jones
Jordan Harris (2) goes over three Bob Jones defenders to score, Harris had 38 points in the win
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)
MADISON- James Clemens students celebrated deep into the night on Friday after the Jets basketball team thumped Bob Jones 63-57 in overtime for the Jets first-ever basketball win over their cross-town rivals.
A career high 38 points by senior Jordan Harris almost was not enough as James Clemens needed a three point shot by Harris with 7 seconds left in regulation to get the game into overtime.
From there, fellow senior Tykeem Franklin took over scoring five points to open the four minute overtime period. The Jets kept hitting free throws and built a nine point lead and held on at the end. Franklin finished with 19 points and was 8 for 8 from the free throw line.
“If it was close I knew we would have a chance to win the game,” Harris said. “This is a big win for us. This is the one we all wanted. All week we were telling everyone it was just another game but we knew this was a huge game for our program. Coach Tiggs had us prepared for this type of ending.”
The win runs James Clemens’ record to 20-7 and the Jets are unbeaten at home. They host the Area 16 tournament starting Friday night Feb. 7 when they face Austin. Decatur and Florence also square off that night.
Played before a capacity crowd, James Clemens had to rally to get the game in overtime.
James Clemens held a slim 38-37 lead going into the fourth quarter. A 7-0 run by Bob Jones put the Jets down by five before Harris banked in a three point shot. Bob Jones led by two when Tykeem Franklin missed a layup with eight seconds left but the Jets fouled and Dalton Barkley hit one of two free throws setting up the dramatic last shot. Harris never hesitated as he hit his third three point shot with one second left. He scored 12 in the fourth quarter.
For Harris it was extra special. As a sophomore he played on a Bob Jones team that was ranked #1 in the state and won 32 games.
“This is the best crowd we have had and for us to get the win in front of the students is big,” Harris said. “We just want them to keep coming out. This is a big win for them too.”
James Clemens fans storm the court after win over Bob Jones
James Clemens Head Basketball Coach Luther Tiggs has led the Jets to a perfect 6-0 record against Austin, Decatur, and Florence in Area 16 play but this win ended two years of frustration for the second year school.
“It was a pride game for us, this game meant so much to our student body,” said Tiggs who didn’t have much voice left after the game. “You can see the growth from last year.”
“Jordan has been struggling but he was looking to get his offense going tonight.”
Trailing in the fourth quarter James Clemens players did not panic. “If you look at our schedule, the tough competition has prepared us for tight games like this,” Tiggs said. “We’re trying to build our own legacy and create an identity for our school.”
Bob Jones played the game without starting point guard Josh Mitchell who missed the game with an excused absence due to a death in the family.
“It was a tough game, they played hard, I give them a lot of credit,” Harris said.
Bob Jones was led by Dalton Barkley with 17 points. At times, Barkley looked like a point guard as the Patriots struggled to generate offense without Mitchell.
“Josh is a big part of our offense averaging 16 points a game but the guys fought hard and played really well at times. It’s a learning experience for us,” said Bob Jones coach Graham Aderholt. “Josh is a guy that can create and make a play for us but I thought Ralph handled the ball well and Moss came in and played really well.”
“We had the game won we just let it get away,” Aderholt added.
Bob Jones plays Sparkman in the Area 15 tournament Friday Feb. 7 at Hazel Green.
