Sparkman defeats Bob Jones; surges in area race

Sparkman High Maurice Anderson drivng into the key for two points againt Bob Jones. (Record photo/ Scott Lowe)

HARVEST- Sparkman wrapped up their area games Friday night with a 53-42 win over Bob Jones. The win means Sparkman will finish in at least a tie for the area race and could win it outright if Bob Jones loses at Buckhorn Monday night in a makeup game. If Bob Jones wins the two teams will decide the area finish with a coin flip.

The Senators didn’t leave anything to chance at they pulled away in the second half behind sophomore Malik Tyson who finished with 17. Sparkman shot 15 free throws in the fourth quarter. J.P. Fletcher and Maurice Anderson sparked the offense with fast break runs and were aggressive around the basket.

Sparkman Head Coach Jaime Coggins team has won four area games in a row including back to back last weekend knocking off Buckhorn then James Clemens by 26 points Saturday night in a makeup game. Their only loss was Dec 16 at Bob Jones.

“Its a huge game anytime we play Bob Jones and its an area game so it was important to win that one,” Coggins said. “We stepped up on the defensive end and really got after it. Shot selection was much better in the second half. Malik had 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and he guarded Demontrez Brown and in the second half did a better job and shut him down.”

Bob Jones kept it close for a half and led 22-21 at halftime. Brown had 9 in the first half for Bob Jones but the Patriots were careless with the ball leading to turnovers.

Brown missed a dunk to open the third quarter and it seemed to give Sparkman a boost. Tyson took advantage with an offensive rebound and scored. Maurice Andersen’s three-point play put Sparkman up 38-26, their biggest lead.

Fletcher hit a big three late in the game to keep Sparkman comfortably ahead.

“We missed three one and ones which is six points,” Coggins said. “This is when we want to be playing our best. We use the early season and tournaments to find our identity and what we do well and establish our rotations.”

Last year Sparkman was upset in the opening round of the area tournament so that is sticking with the players as motivation.

Chase Fiddler led Bob Jones with 11 including two three’s and one steal and dunk.