Josh Mitchell leads Bob Jones to season opening win over Grissom

Ralph Templeton (4) goes to the basket againt Grissom Tuesday night
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)

MADISON- Josh Mitchell poured in 18 points and started at point guard in his first game back at Bob Jones after spending last season at James Clemens, and the Patriots held off a late Grissom rally to take a 49-44 victory in the opening game of the season.

With four of five starters returning, head coach Graham Aderholt needed a point guard and Mitchell was ready to step in and lead the team he always envisioned he would play for.

“It feels good to be back and playing with my teammates,” Mitchell said after the game. “We are like a brotherhood, it’s like playing with my brothers. It’s a lot of fun. I came in here with a lot of high expectations for this team. I do whatever I have to do to help my team win.”

Mitchell brings ball skills and experience running the point and efficient outside shooting to a team that needed depth at guard.

The Patriots must replace Jamarcus Jones who was point guard last season and graduated.

Ryan Dupree opened the game with a three-point basket and Bob Jones would never trail. Mitchell hit two free throws and a three by Ralph Templeton gave Bob Jones a 15-6 lead. The lead was 15-12 after one quarter. Grissom closed to within two points but Mitchell answered the run with a three and Bob Jones led 24-19 at the half.

Grissom tied the game by opening the third quarter with five straight points. Bob Jones answered back and a slam by Tanner Finley put the Patriots up 34-24. Bob Jones had their biggest lead at 41-30 on a driving layup by Dalton Barkley in the fourth quarter.

But Grissom fought back to tie the game at 44 before Barkley sank two pressure free throws and Grissom’s final shot fell short.

Barkley had 11 points and four rebounds. Finley led the team with seven rebounds including the biggest one of the game with Bob Jones clinging to a one point lead in the final minute.

Coach Graham Aderholt was glad to get a win over a Grissom team that he said will be one of the best in North Alabama.

“Josh stepped up and played well, Dalton played well down the stretch, and Tanner had a huge block and rebound at the end,” Aderholt said. “Overall great team win I’m proud of everybody.”

Bob Jones girls and boys are back in action Saturday night at Austin in games re-scheduled from Friday night.

Dalton Barkley (35) and Josh Mitchell (3) in action Tuesday
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)

BOB JONES GIRLS WIN IN BLOWOUT OF GRISSOM

Bob Jones head Coach Danny Petty didn’t know what to expect when he sent out a starting lineup of five girls who had never started a varsity game. What he got was an amazing 55-point blowout win over Grissom as Bob Jones looked like a team in championship form.

The final score of 83-28 was even more unbelievable considering Bob Jones played without star guard/forward Chandler Elder who sat out as required under the new concussion rule after hitting her head in a scrimmage game.

Elder will sign a basketball scholarship with UA-Huntsville this Friday.

Bob Jones jumped out to an early 21-5 first quarter lead by running the fast break and shooting a high percentage. Rachel Murray got the start at point guard and scored seven points and had six assists as she ran the floor like a veteran and dished to multiple players including Ashley McKay who finished with 12 points.

Another first time starter Meredith Lovelady filled the basket as she hit 5 of 6 from behind the arc and finished with a game high 23 points. Mickala Trappett had 10 points.

Petty was able to empty the bench in the fourth quarter as a 39-12 halftime lead grew to 63-22 after three.

“We miss Chandler but Meredith stepped up and had a real good game. I’m especially proud of our sophomores, Rachel Murray, Mickala Trappett, and Tyler Fredricks,” Petty said.

“You never know how you are going to play that first game. I was real pleased with the way we passed the ball and made the open shots. Grissom has got a young team and so do we so this is a good start for us.”

Bob Jones will play two road games before returning home on Nov. 22 against James Clemens. The first Area 15 game will be at Hazel Green on Dec. 6.