Smith’s 20 gives Lady Patriots a chance with unbeaten Hazel Green

MADISON — Bob Jones sophomore Jae Smith bent over near the scorers’ table in a mixture of fatigue and frustration.

It was Friday night at the Lady Patriots’ gym and Bob Jones had just gone toe to toe with 11-0 Hazel Green who had just improved to 12-0.

But it had not been a runaway for the Lady Trojans who had to fight to hold off the hard-charging Lady Patriots led by the 20-point effort from Smith.

She was seemingly everywhere for Bob Jones in the game, throwing up all kinds of shots and most of them had fallen.

Bob Jones was down 47-45 to Hazel Green with nine seconds left when Lady Patriots head coach Jasmine Carr called a timeout to strategize the final play of regulation.

The ball was flipped over to Smith who had two Lady Trojans in her face as she attempted a 3-point shot with the time bleeding out.

It was in slow motion as the ball hit the rim twice rattling in and out much to the disappointment of Smith who had given everything for her team.

Hazel Green was led by the senior Amiya Redus who, despite going cold mostly in the second half, still managed to post a team-high 15 points in the win.

The Lady Trojans also turned to their girl in the paint Leah Brooks who used her size and athleticism to collect 12 points while point guard Sydney Steward’s 10 mostly came late with important free throws.

For a complete breakdown of the Bob Jones girls’ basketball game, be sure to pick up a print copy of the Madison Record on Wednesday, December 13.