James Clemens drops basketball region semifinal in overtime

Jets rally late but fall short in thrilling playoff matchup

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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James Clemens High School's boys basketball team rallied late to force overtime in their Class 7A Northwest Region Semifinal matchup against Tuscaloosa County, but ultimately fell 75-73 in the extra period. The Jets ended their stellar 21-5 season with the tough playoff loss.

Why it matters

The loss ends James Clemens' promising season just one game shy of the regional final. The close, back-and-forth contest highlighted the competitiveness of the 7A playoff race and the resilience of the Jets, who fought back from a halftime deficit to force overtime.

The details

James Clemens trailed by five points at halftime but mounted a 23-18 fourth-quarter comeback to tie the game at 66 and force overtime. In the extra period, the Jets were outscored 9-7 as Tuscaloosa County's Ford Traweek hit the game-winning layup in the final seconds. Corban Johnson led James Clemens with 22 points, while Alexander Blue added 15 and Isaiah Cleaves scored 12.

  • The game was played on February 25, 2026 in the Class 7A Northwest Region Semifinal.
  • James Clemens trailed by five points at halftime but rallied in the fourth quarter to force overtime.

The players

Corban Johnson

A key player for James Clemens, scoring a team-high 22 points in the loss.

Alexander Blue

Contributed 15 points for James Clemens in the close playoff defeat.

Ford Traweek

Scored a game-high 34 points for Tuscaloosa County, including the game-winning layup in overtime.

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What they’re saying

“It's just that confidence. We've got a never-quit attitude. These kids embrace that.”

— Frankie Sullivan, James Clemens coach (The Madison Record)

“I think we struggled with their bigs inside. I think our guys battled, especially in the second half.”

— Bryant Starkey, Bob Jones coach (The Madison Record)

What’s next

The loss ends James Clemens' season, while Tuscaloosa County advances to the regional final.

The takeaway

Despite the tough playoff defeat, James Clemens' resilient comeback effort and strong 21-5 season showed the team's competitiveness and bright future. The close game highlighted the parity in the 7A playoff race.