James Clemens basketball tips off this week
James Clemens head basketball coach Danny Petty in back with (l to r) Brandon Belt, Trai James, and Marcus Lacey (Record Photo/ Lindsay Vaught)
MADISON- New is the word at James Clemens as Danny Petty begins his second season.
Last year Petty put together an impressive lineup and finished first in Area 8 but was upset by Hazel Green in the area tournament. The disappointment still lingers for the veteran coach who has won 3 state championships with three different teams.
“That team could have made it to Birmingham (and the final four) if we could have got out of the area and to the regional where we could match up better with our size. One bad game and its over. We just couldn’t score,” Petty said.
Three starters from that team are now gone: Josh Garth, RJ Williams, and Jason Landman. Petty was counting on Landman who was a junior to return but he moved to Las Vegas.
“Anytime you lose a 6-foot-7 player it’s tough but I really like our kids. They’re working hard. We are quicker and shoot better than last year’s team but we’re not as big.”
The Jets got a transfer from Hazel Green, Brandon Belt, a left-handed shooting guard who will play a lot. Trai James returns at point guard and Marquis Mitchell (6-foot-2) at forward.
Petty now has had a full offseason with the team.
“They know what we are trying to do and we’ve had a good summer. I say we have ten starters. With the tempo we will play, the press and run, we are going to rotate a lot of players. We are deep this year,” Petty said.
Trai James (6-foot-1) was all state and played for the AHSAA North squad in All-Star Week in July. He is a two year starter for James Clemens. Against Bob Jones in a 71-61 win last year to clinch area he, Mitchell, and Hancock all scored in double digits.
“It’s always the biggest game of the year. A lot of fans come out to watch, the students get involved,” James said of playing Bob Jones.
James is looking forward to having Belt play shooting guard after playing against him last year.
“He is going to help us out a lot. He’s a scorer, and that’s what we need.”
This year, James wants to “knock down more shots and keep my teammates involved. We have a lot of good shooters so my assist numbers should go up too.”
Marcus Lacey (6-foot-3) up from JV and Zack Hancock (6-foot-4) will play post.
The Jets play at Decatur to open the season Tuesday Nov 10 and open at home against Huntsville on Thursday, Nov. 12.
Among the schedule highlights are The Huntsville Times Classic Dec 28-30, at Bob Jones Dec. 11, and home to Bob Jones Jan. 15.
