Jets take Class 7A, Area 8 title, to play in sub-regional tournament matchup on Thursday

MADISON – No matter how much the game of basketball has changed over the decades, the key to winning championship games will almost always involve rebounding and free throws.

Those two elements propelled James Clemens big time Friday night in a 69-65 win over the Austin Black Bears in the Class 7A, Area 8 championship game.

James Clemens controlled the backboard to a 51-35 advantage. Austin hit just 16 of 35 free throws, including nine of 19 in the second half.

“Our inability to get rebounds and inability to hit free throws really hurt,” Austin boys head coach Major Deacon said. “When you get beat in rebounds, it means more possessions for the other team. That’s difficult to overcome.”
The Jets took advantage of that and quickly overcame an early Austin maintain their lead through the rest of thee game.

Austin opened the game taking a 7-0 lead. James Clemens led 16-15 after the first quarter and had a 32-30 advantage at halftime. The Jets had a 53-46 lead after three quarters.

Free throws were the difference. Both teams shot 35. James Clemens hit 20 and Austin hit 16.

James Clemens’ Jordan Frazier scored 29 points with 21 coming in the second half.

The Jets will now proceed to the Northwest Regional tournament at Wallace State in Hanceville on Thursday. They will take on Thompson at 10:30 a.m.

Sparkman will also be at Wallace State this week after coming in runner-up in the Class 7A Area 7 tournament at Huntsville. They will face Spain Park on Wednesday.