Bob Jones, Mae Jemison advance at N2 Hoops Tournament
John Petty goes up for a dunk against Sparkman (Record Photo/Ernest Reese)
MADISON- Day two of the Hometown Lenders N2 Hoops Invitational saw more exciting basketball. Some good teams went home including Madison Academy, Hazel Green, Lee (Huntsville), and Sparkman.
The crowds built throughout the evening session in anticipation of the Mae Jemison Sparkman game.
They were not disappointed as Alabama signee John Petty dominated on both ends of the court. He showed his complete game with 6 assists, 7 rebounds, and 32 points.
He shot 70% from the field hitting 13 of 19 including 4 of 5 from beyond the three point line. Still Sparkman kept it close as JP Fletcher and Maurice Anderson heated up. Petty had a breakaway 360 dunk in the last minute to seal the 70-60 win.
Jemison will play Blackman at 9 am with the winner advancing to the championship game at 6:30 pm.
Jemison head coach Jack Doss only went six deep in his playing rotation so the thought of playing two games in one day is a concern.
“It comes down to strength of character and we will be tested. It could hurt us that we didn’t sub. It will come down to fortitude. We’ve got two more tough games to go.”
Doss also counts on point guard Brandon Crosby who had six rebounds and 3 assists. Center Devontae Lanier had 10 rebounds.
Doss said that Petty has been a pleasure to coach.
“Easy, hungry, he is a competitor and competitors always want to be coached. He was among the top four players in the state as a freshman and I told him he would be #1 if he worked and he has put in the work. Now he is an All-American. He has matured a lot more this year and I’m proud of him.”
“He has a great basketball build. He’s long and has got some spring in his step.”
Doss said he came to the tournament because he wanted to stay in town.
“We’ve been out of town so much. We’ve enjoyed being here helping Luther with this tournament.”
Luther Tiggs led Bob Jones to another impressive performance in the final game of the night and will face Austin at 10:30 am in the other quarterfinal game.
The Patriots trailed Hazel Green by as much as eight points in the first half. Hazel Green’s Jalen Myers sank a three to go up 55-48 in the third quarter.
TD Farris sparked the comeback driving the lane for a basket. Chase Fiddler’s steal and score put Bob Jones up 66-62.
Bob Jones scored an amazing 26 points in the fourth quarter and held Hazel Green scoreless the final three minutes of the 74-64 win.
