From staff reports
North Jefferson News
HUEYTOWN — A combination of poor shooting from inside the 3-point arc and too many turnovers proved to be Gardendale's downfall, as they lost to Clay-Chalkville 53-43 Monday afternoon in the opening round of the Jefferson County Schools Boys Basketball Tournament large-schools division at Hueytown.
The Rockets were just 6-of-20 (30 percent) on 2-point shots; they were actually better from beyond the arc, hitting 8-of-18 (44 percent). But 29 turnovers against a quick Cougars team was a serious impediment.
Juan Jackson led Gardendale with 16 points, going 4-for-7 on treys. Rey Evans scored nine points and pulled down 10 rebounds.
Cory Judkins led Clay with 16 points, including a pair of threes, and Marcus Baldwin added 10. The Cougars shot at a 46 percent rate from the floor.
It's the third time in four meetings that Clay has beaten Gardendale, with the one Rocket win coming on a buzzer-beater on their home floor.
The Rockets go into the consolation bracket, where they face the loser of Minor and McAdory on Thursday at 3 p.m. Clay faces the winner of that same game at 6.
