Belt leads James Clemens to win over Bob Jones
Bradley Belt floats a shot in against Bob Jones (Record Photo/Lindsay Vaught)
MADISON- Bradley Belt came off the bench and into the record book Friday night as he led James Clemens to a 60-49 win over Bob Jones. It is the first season sweep of their cross-town rivals for the Jets.
The 6-foot-2 junior swingman transferred from Hazel Green this season. He came off the bench late in the first quarter and hit three of his first four shots. He led all scorers with 17.
“I drove more than I took outside shots,” Belt said. “Coach Petty had us drive more because we felt they couldn’t stop us. Marcus and Zack dominated the boards. It’s a big win for us. It’s a rival game and I’m glad we pulled it out. Trai is a great point guard. He gets whoever is hot the ball.”
James Clemens led from the outset as Trai James’ 3-point play scored the first points of the game. Marcus Lacey dominated the boards scoring four points in the first quarter on offensive rebounds and James Clemens led 13-7 after one.
Belt scored the first five points in the second quarter as the Jets went up 19-9. Bob Jones fought back as Milkyle Stewart hit two three-point shots and Jonathon Moss hit one. Moss led Bob Jones scorers with 11 and Stewart had 7.
Bob Jones got good defense from Demontrez Brown who had three blocked shots. The Patriots scraped the zone defense and went man-to-man and shut down Trai James’ outside shooting. James went 0 for 4 from behind the arc but still scored 15 driving the lane.
Bob Jones stayed close and had chances to take the lead in the third quarter but turnovers and missed shots cost them. Trai James’ driving layup made it 36-31. He then fed Marquis Mitchell for another basket to go up 38-35 after three quarters.
Belt’s long three pointer made it 48-41 and the Jets went on a 10-0 run to pull away at 60-44.
The win means James Clemens can clinch the Area 8 race with a win at Hazel Green next Friday. A loss could result in a two way tie.
Bob Jones coach Graham Aderholt said his team will try to steal a win in the area tournament. That scenario happened last year when top seed James Clemens was upset in the opening game.
“We battled in the first half but we missed so many free throws,” Aderholt said. “Turnovers and free throws have been the story all year. Milkyle had a good first half and kept us in it. We played good defense on James and shut him down from the outside but they have some good players and are strong inside. We’re going to keep working, keep a good positive attitude and hopefully be playing better at the area tournament. It is a new season everybody is 0 and 0.”
Bob Jones will host Sparkman next Friday to close out the area schedule.
