James Clemens snatches win over Sparkman
Marquise Mitchell (1) leads the Jets to win over Senators with 12 of the team’s 51 points. CONTRIBUTED
By CHARLEY GAINES / For the Record
MADISON – James Clemens Jets fans strapped in for a wild, bumpy ride Friday night as the men’s team barely stole a win over the Sparkman Senators 51-48 within the last seconds of a back and forth game.
The Jets had a rocky start, but ended up dominating most of the first half with shot after shot finding the net. That shooting streak started with Zach Hancock (25) sinking a shot from outside the three-point line with an assist from Marcus Lacey (23) in the first few minutes of the game.
The Senators were able to get down court and set up a solid defense, not allowing the Jets to move the ball well inside the three-point line. The Jets took advantage of that defensive strategy by shooting and making shots from outside the line.
The three-point shots seemed to give the Jets momentum as they played a faster game, moving the ball and players around the court more. The men also starting rebounding better, but by the end of the second quarter, the Senators made a comeback. Sparkman closed the gap, and the men hit the locker rooms at the half with the Jets leading 25-24.
The third quarter was the beginning of a more intense game as the teams went back and forth with the lead in the second half. The Jets weren’t making as many shots as the Senators turned up their intensity for most of the third quarter.
Sparkman went into the fourth quarter in the lead 37-36. Noise from fans sounded from each side of the gym in turn as the teams struggled for the lead, but Jets fans were able to grin and relax after they came out on top.
Marquise Mitchell (1) had a huge game against the Senators racking up 12 of the Jets 51 points. Bradley Belt (5) scored 10 points for the team, and Josh Besteda (4) and Lacey got eight points a piece.
The lady Jets weren’t as fortunate Friday night with a 42-18 loss to the Senators. The Jets were able to get the ball on defense, but couldn’t keep it on their end of the court, throwing the ball away for most of the second half. Failed shots were the ultimate nails in the coffin for the women, though.
The James Clemens Jets take on the Bob Jones Patriots in a rivalry game at home this coming Friday, Jan. 15.
