Bob Jones claws way to fifth-place game at holiday tournament

Deondre Douglas goes up against Sparkman in the Huntsville Times Classic Dec. 27. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

HUNTSVILLE – After losing a tough opening-round game against Austin, 66-60, in the Huntsville Times Classic, the Bob Jones Patriots pulled out victories against Region opponents Buckhorn and Sparkman Dec. 27 to face Area foe Hazel Green on Dec. 29.

The Buckhorn Bucks took the Patriots to overtime at 71-71 in the conciliation round, but Bob Jones prevailed 78-74.

Hours later, Bob Jones edged Sparkman 67-64 in a game that was tight throughout, with the Senators holding one-point leads after the first and second periods.

Bob Jones began to take command in the third period, albeit a chippy one, with J.D. Sims getting a technical foul 3:47 before the fourth period.

The Patriots still took a 51-45 lead going into the final period after two straight three-pointers. Senior Dalton Barkley led Bob Jones with 19 points, Ryan Dupree had 13 points and Deondre Douglas contributed 12 points after sitting out the Buckhorn game with a hand injury.

“I thought they did really well,” Patriots head coach Graham Aderholt said. “They responded well, played hard. Little worried about their legs overall [after the overtime game against Buckhorn], but I thought they played hard and together and it was fun to watch.”

Jonathon Moss chipped in 10 points against Sparkman and Ryan Scruggs finished with seven points.