James Clemens loses to Hazel Green 61-49, ending its season
The Jets’ Marquis Mitchell (1) in Area tournament action against Hazel Green Feb. 5. James Clemens lost 61–49 to end its 2014–15 season. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)
By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer
MADISON – For the first few minutes of James Clemens’ matchup against Hazel Green Feb. 5, the Jets looked the part of the No. 1 seed in the Class 7A, Area 8 tournament. A trip to the AHSAA playoffs at Wallace State was on the line, and they came out firing on their home court.
R.J. Williams hit two early three-pointers en route to an 11–4 lead over the Trojans, and then Hazel Green came to life, scoring eight straight to end the first period.
The bleeding continued into the second period, as Hazel Green piled on points for a 20–11 lead until the Jets scored again. The Trojans led 30–17 at halftime, and James Clemens played catch-up the rest of the game.
“Hazel Green played well and did the things they needed to do,” James Clemens head coach Danny Petty said. “They hit their free throws and made that big run and we couldn’t come back from it.”
Trai James started off the third period with a quick three-pointer, steal and layup to bring James Clemens with three points of Hazel Green. The Trojans made another run, though, to lead 43–33 going into the fourth period.
James hit two quick three-pointers to start the final period, but Hazel Green widened its lead to 12 points and cruised to victory despite James’ 27 total points.
“It’s an emotional time,” Petty said. “We’ve got a great group of kids, I mean just a really great group of kids. I just really hate it for the seniors, because I really thought we could go to the next level and all that.”
R.J. Williams contributed 14 points for the Jets, while Marquis Mitchell and Josh Besteda each chipped in three points. Jason Landman was held scoreless, while fellow starter Josh Garth had two points before fouling out. The Jets committed 25 team fouls on the evening while Hazel Green had just nine.
While James Clemens will return James, Landman and Mitchell next season, Petty said he will concentrate on assessing the next steps for the current seniors.
“Some of them have a future in basketball, so we’ve just got to meet with them and talk about what they’re going to do,” Petty said.
