James Clemens, Bob Jones advance in area tournaments
Tykeem Franklin drives against Austin in Friday night action
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)
MADISON- It is the one game of the season that coaches worry the most about. The opening game of area tournaments is a win or go home proposition. Friday night both James Clemens and Bob Jones passed the tests and will play Monday night for area championships.
James Clemens was looking to take advantage of home court against a talented but under achieving Austin team. The Jets roared back after trailing early and posted a 61-47 win. They will play Decatur at home Monday night for the Area 16 Championship. The winner will host a sub-region game.
“Austin was ready to play and gave a great effort,” James Clemens Coach Luther Tiggs said. “It wasn’t the opponent I wanted but we have been successful at home and we were able to close it out. I’m just proud of our kids to have an opportunity to move on in the post- season.”
Austin jumped out to an 8-0 lead forcing Tiggs to use an early time out.
Jordan Harris led the Jets back. He hit a three-point shot and drew fouls working in the post and hit 9 of 11 free throws in the first half. The game was tied at 19 after one quarter and the Jets led by one at halftime.
“We had some defensive breakdowns in the first half and so we went back to what got us to this point which was Tykeem driving the ball,” Tiggs said. “We knew we just needed to get some stops and manufacture some baskets. Our leaders stepped up and said hey it’s still a long game.
We’ve shot the ball well all year but in the playoffs you have to attack the basket and get higher percentage shots.”
James Clemens entered the fourth quarter with a slim four point lead.
Tykeem Franklin was the difference in the game as he went 10 for 10 from the free throw line in the pivotal fourth quarter. Austin was whistled for 12 fouls in the second half and had one player foul out.
“My shot wasn’t falling so I had to get to the goal and draw some fouls. I know I can knock down my free throws so I wanted the ball in the fourth quarter,” said Franklin who finished with 17 points.
“It feels good to get this win. We have great confidence going into Monday, we feel we can beat Decatur.”
For Franklin, playing at home “is very big, our record is 9-1 this season at home. We can win on the road but we would rather play at home. It would mean a lot in the second year of this school to get to Wallace State. It would be great fun for me and my teammates.”
Jordan Harris finished with 22 points which led all scorers.
Defensively, James Clemens held Austin’s leading scorer Cameron Reedus to his average of 17 points.
Austin’s Kendrick Smith ended the game with a thunder dunk but it was too little too late.
Last season James Clemens lost the Area 15 title game to Austin and had to travel to Sparkman where they lost in a sub-region game.
In the Area 15 Tournament at Hazel Green, Bob Jones dominated and posted a 56-40 win over Sparkman. They will play Hazel Green on Monday night for the area championship.
