James Clemens downs two-time defending champ Lee at HTC

Marquis Mitchell pulls up for a shot against Lee in the HTC Dec. 27. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

HUNTSVILLE – The James Clemens Jets flew to new heights in this year’s Huntsville Times Classic at Huntsville High School Dec. 27. While Bob Jones was pushed to the conciliation round after falling to Austin Dec. 26, the Jets powered through its first three games by double digits in each contest to reach the finals against the J.O. Johnson Jaguars.

The Jets downed Decatur 47-29, Butler 57-46 and then took down the Lee Generals, the two-time defending champions of the HTC, in dominating fashion, 67-48.

“Our defense played pretty good the whole tournament,” Jets head coach Danny Petty said. “It starts on defense for us – rebounding, and just playing defense.”

James Clemens built a quick lead against Lee, jumping on top 24-8 at the end of the first quarter and held a still-comfortable 34-20 lead at halftime.

Zach Hancock led the Jets with 19 points, including four three-pointers, a strong showing for the usual reserve. Jason Landman had 15 points for the Jets.

“Jason Landman played one of his better games,” Petty said. “Trai [James] and Josh Garth played well. Marquis [Mitchell] is playing a great tournament, and that’s what you’ve got to have.”

R.J. Williams suffered an ankle injury in the quarterfinals against Butler. Deondre Douglas from Bob Jones sat out a tournament game due to a hand injury.

Garth finished with 10 points and Mitchell chipped in seven for the Jets.

“We were pretty patient on offense, which was big,” Petty said.  “With our turnovers, I think we had just two or three turnovers the first half.”

James Clemens will face one of Petty’s former teams, J.O. Johnson, in the finals. Petty coached the Jaguars to a state title in 1987.