Dalton Barkley challenges a shot by Marquis Mitchell in Friday night’s game (Record photo/Lindsay Vaught)

MADISON- With the game on the line, Bob Jones senior Ryan Dupree hit a driving bank shot with four seconds left to lift the Patriots to a 40-39 win. The road win is big because it is also a Class 7A, Area 8 game.

“This is a huge win to start area play. We needed this, our guys are fired up,” said Bob Jones coach Graham Aderholt.

The win gives Bob Jones momentum after an up and down start to the season.

Both teams were tight coming out and went scoreless for two minutes until Dalton Barkley grabbed an offensive rebound and scored. Bob Jones led 6-0 before RJ Williams got James Clemens first basket.

Bob Jones led 10-7 after one quarter and 22-16 at the half. Marquis Mitchell kept James Clemens close with a slam dunk that ignited the big home crowd.

Devontae Mason gave Bob Jones a lift off the bench with five first half points including the Patriots first three pointer.

James Clemens struggled from the field against Bob Jones’ zone defense. The Jets shot 23% in the first half including 1 of 13 from three point land.

In the third quarter, Bob Jones got baskets from JD Sims and Deondre Douglas for a 34-21 lead, their biggest of the game.

Deondre Douglas had his best game of the season for Bob Jones against his former team. He had eight points and six rebounds.

“It means a lot to him coming back here and playing well,” said Aderholt. “He played strong and was a force down low.”

James Clemens went on a 15-2 run led by Trae James’ 2 three point baskets and an alley-oop to Jason Landman. James three point play tied the game at 36 at 4:13 in the fourth quarter. James finished with a game high 16 points.

Tied at 38, James Clemens started to hold the ball for the last shot but Trai James was fouled and hit only one of two free throws, setting the stage for Dupree to get the game winner.

“We drew that up having him come off that high ball screen,” Aderholt said. “ As a senior Ryan had done so much for this program and he deserves a moment like that, I am so proud of him.”

Dupree finished with 8 points, Jonathon Moss led Bob Jones with 9. Leading scorer Dalton Barkley had 4 points and 9 rebounds.

“They tried to limit some of the things he did but it opened up the court for other guys,” Aderholt said of Barkley.

No player had more than 3 fouls, Bob Jones had only 6 the entire game. From the free throw line Bob Jones was 6 of 7 and James Clemens was 4 of 9.

Bob Jones, now 6-5 (1-0 in area), faces Hazel Green at home next Tuesday night. James Clemens goes to 9-3 (1-1 in area).

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