Sparkman finishes on top in Class 7A Area 8, will host tournament
MADISON- Road wins are tough anytime in basketball especially area games. Sparkman got just enough from their top-scoring duo of Darrian Howard and Malik Tyson to claim a 58-48 win at Bob Jones Friday night.
“It’s difficult to go on the road and win so to come in here and win feels good for our team. We have not always played well here,” said Sparkman Head Basketball Coach Jaime Coggins. “Winning all our area games is one of our goals. It’s big to get to play on our home floor.”
Sparkman lost in the elite eight to Hoover last year at the Northwest Regional and could very well face them again this year.
“Hoover and Vestavia Hills; those are the teams we have to beat to get to Birmingham should we advance,” Coggins said.
Sparkman got all they could handle against a Bob Jones team that came ready to play.
Tyson got Sparkman going early with two three-point baskets. Chase Fiddler hit his first attempt from beyond the arc for Bob Jones. Rondell Cole scored on an offensive rebound to put Sparkman up 17-11 after one quarter.
Demontrez Brown got hot in the second quarter scoring on a three-point play and hit another short jumper. Mike Brown came off the bench for Bob Jones to nail a three and the game was tied at 26 at the half.
Howard got going for Sparkman in the third quarter with a three and a steal and score. AJ Horton had a driving layup and free throw as Sparkman built a 47-40 lead after three. Amarious Beasley scored after an offensive rebound as Sparkman pulled away.
Both teams played tough man defense and missed a ton of shots around the basket.
“The first half we did not guard well and we missed a lot of easy shots in the lane it was frustrating. We picked up the defense in the second half and got us going on offense as we made some more shots. Darrian and Malik have carried us all year. They are the two guys that step up and make plays for us in crunch time. They have shown consistency all year making big shots and getting big rebounds.”
Howard had 15 and Tyson had 16 and a huge rebound in the final minute of the game. For Bob Jones Demontrez Brown and Chase Fiddler had 13 each.
Sparkman finishes area play undefeated at 6-0. Bob Jones finishes 1-5, James Clemens 2-4, and Buckhorn 3-3.
It is the third straight season Sparkman will host the area tournament. They will play Bob Jones and James Clemens will face Buckhorn in the opening round. Winners will advance to regional at Wallace State-Hanceville.
