Sparkman hits last second shot for win over Bob Jones
Sparkman forward Darreon Miller shoots a three point shot against Bob Jones (Record Photo/Lindsay Vaught)
HARVEST- Jalen Green nailed a three point shot as time ran out Friday night to lift Sparkman to a 40-38 area win over Bob Jones. The win means Sparkman has home area wins over both James Clemens and Bob Jones.
It appeared the Patriots would escape with a win and end a losing streak that has now reached 8 games. The last time Bob Jones won was the opening game of the N2Hoops tournament.
Bob Jones had a 10 point lead late in the third quarter but two back court turnovers spurred the Sparkman comeback.
“We went to the press and it got us some turnovers and easy buckets and it energized us and we started making some plays on the offensive end,” said Sparkman Head Coach Jaime Coggins. “Bob Jones played a strong game. I told our players before the game don’t be deceived by their record. Moss had a great game for them. All our area games have been close and come down to the wire.”
Jonathon Moss had his best game this season. He had 10 points in the first half as Bob Jones took a 20-13 lead at the half half. Moss hit 2 three pointers and two driving layups. Gavin Lewis had a three point play in the third quarter as Bob Jones had their biggest lead at 29-19.
But turnovers stopped the momentum all game. Bob Jones had 18 of them. In the second quarter Bob Jones had four straight turnovers including a charging foul and fouling a three point shooter. Bob Jones led by 7 going into the fourth quarter but Sparkman’s press gave the Patriots trouble.
Brandon Miller hit a three for Sparkman to make it a 1 point game at 32-31 with four minutes left. Miller led Sparkman with 12 points, 10 in the second half. Maurice Anderson had 7.
Devontae Mason gave Bob Jones a 37-34 lead on a three pointer but Sparkman answered.
“Our guys battled hard, every game they have played hard. We just got to find a way to close out these close games,” said Bob Jones coach Graham Aderholt. “We could easily be 3-0 in the area. When we start making some shots we can win some games. Our shot selection was poor down the stretch. They turned up the pressure and got some turnovers. We missed a free throw and they go down and get a good look and made a good play.”
“This game, even though it is a loss, is a step in the right direction. Every game we have shown signs of improvement. These guys know that, their heads are right and they are encouraging each other.”
Moss finished with 12 points, Mason with 9 and Gavin Lewis 7.
Bob Jones will be back in action at The Huntsville Times Classic the day after Christmas and has a chance to regroup before their next set of area games in January.
“We need to clean up some things so our goal is to be playing our best in January,” Aderholt said.
