Sparkman escapes James Clemens with a win
Chris Jones controls the ball for James Clemens against Sparkman (Record Photo/contributed)
MADISON- Sparkman claimed a big early season win Friday night at James Clemens 54-49. Sparkman was led by JP Fletcher who scored 16 in the fourth quarter to bring Sparkman back after trailing most of the first half.
James Clemens got off to a fast start on a three by Jordan Fletcher. A three by Bradley Belt put James Clemens up 14-9.
Missed free throws hurt James Clemens. The Jets hit only 2 of 7 free throws in the first half. Sparkman’s AJ Horton hit a three to cut the Jets halftime lead to one.
In the fourth quarter Fletcher started off with a three to put Sparkman up 41-40 at the 5:00 mark.
Fletcher started to penetrate and get to the free throw line where he hit 8 of 9 in the fourth quarter alone. James Clemens got their last points on a driving layup by Belt then was held scoreless the final two minutes.
Fletcher finished with 19 points. For James Clemens, Belt finished with 20 points and Jordan Fletcher with 10. The loss was not well received by Head Coach Danny Petty.
“We gave up too much on defense and the free throws killed us. We made a lot of mistakes. We got some young guys but we got some seniors and the seniors have to get out here and lead. We missed a lot of shots inside. We have to quit making excuses on the fouls and finish. Physically we should have dominated this team. We played with too much finesse.”
“Bradley has to play under control, take what the defense gives him, and at times move the basketball.”
Marcus Lacey, a senior starter for James Clemens, had 4 points, well below his average.
Petty got some good minutes from Jamil Muhammad who started play after football season ended.
“Jamil is one of the bright spots. He’s got a great attitude and will get better.”
While the season is still early, James Clemens (4-2, 0-1 in area play) finds themselves needing road wins. They get Bob Jones at home next Friday Dec. 9.
“Its a rivalry game and they put a lot of pressure on you. It will be interesting to see how we bounce back,” Petty said.
