Florence Boys Basketball vs James Clemens (Area Tournament) 021226

[0:00] It's time for Florence Falcons basketball on sports radio 93.9 The Score. Florence Falcons basketball on 93.9 The Score is brought to you by Florence Utilities, Florence City Schools, the law firm of Johnson Pasture, Medley and Burchill, Lost Pizza, North Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic, TNT Fireworks, Yogurt Mountain, Whataburger, Singing River Dentistry, Bank Independent, Irons Electric, Cypress Creek Indoor Range and Hinegar Johnson and Layton Insurance. Now let's go live to courtside. Here's the voice of the Falcons, Kevin Johnson. And good evening. It's area tournament time here at James Clemens High School, the host site of the Class 7A Area 8 tournament. Glad to be with you tonight. We've just experienced a great first game in which the 2C, Bob Jones, knocked off Austin, the 3C in overtime. 75-70. Austin actually missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer just barely. That would have won it. And a furious comeback by Austin losing it one time 25-4 in the first quarter.

They fought back, took it to overtime, but Bob Jones wins it in overtime and will advance to the championship game and end Austin's season. Heartbreak already for one team and another team right now getting ready to play. Two teams actually, the Florence Falcons and James Clemens Jets on the night before Valentine's to see if the Falcons can break the heart of the top, one of the top ranked teams in the state of Alabama, the James Clemens Jets. And joined now by my good friend, Mike Albertson. And Mike, it seems just like it was yesterday, maybe a year ago, almost to the day.

Florence made their run at the state title by winning the area tournament. It's unbelievable. That's gone by a year, but we know what happened a year ago and it started right in this top setting. It certainly did. And the Florence Falcons took care of business. They really shot the ball well. They worked hard underneath. And face adversity on the road. And, you know, they were able to win both games to win the area tournament there. And then they made a great run in the final four, making it the state finals. This is Falcons team, although a new team, you know, they're not strangers to the big stage.

I'm sure James Clemens remembers that as well, because they were a bunch of juniors. They've got a lot of seniors this year. We'll talk about that in a minute. But Florence and James Clemens this season have split in their two games with James Clemens winning at home on December 5th by 13. And then just a month later, Florence wins it at the coffee gym over James Clemens, giving them one of their four losses. If nothing else, for the Falcons, it proves it can be done. It certainly does. You know, look, this Falcon team, they've played the best of the best and they've played with a lot of these teams.

You know, James Clemens is a familiar foe. And we have seen them not only on tape, but in person and being able to match up with them. You know, here on the road, that first game, we took the loss, but at the coffee gym, took away a victory. This is going to be tough sledding. You know, we're away again. And, you know, this is going to be one of those those true tests of how much have these boys grown over this season. Well, that's what area tournament's all about. It was a good one in the first game.

Let's see if the Falcons and Jets will deliver in game number two of the 7A Area 8 tournament. You're listening to the TNT Fireworks pregame show of Florence Falcons basketball. We're back in one minute. Have you ever seen those halftime scholarships where you have to nail a 40-yard field goal? Yeah, this isn't that. I didn't have to write a long essay or audition or make a half-court shot. I just had to open a bank independent account, use my debit card, sign up for online banking, and have a positive balance.

That's it. A 20% scholarship to UNA. When bank independent invests in students like me, they're investing in all of us and the future of our community. Bank independent. We're invested in your future. Member FDIC. Hey, Falcon fans, this is Keith at Cypress Creek Indoor Range. At Cypress Creek Indoor Range, we prepare you to provide your own safety. Cypress Creek Indoor Range team provides you with the knowledge and the right equipment to defend yourself and family. And our state-of-the-art indoor shooting range gives you the perfect place to practice.

You can take your skills to the next level through our extensive training classes or private lessons. At Cypress Creek Indoor Range, your safety is our number one priority. 50-60, Highway 157, or on the web at cypresscreekrange.com. Welcome back to the TNT Fireworks pregame show. A Florence Falcons basketball area tournament style here on the road at James Clemens. The Falcons getting ready to take on the number one seed, the Jets of James Clemens. It should be a good one. Kevin Johnson, Mike Albertson, glad to be with you on the call tonight.

And, Mike, what is the difference in these two teams really? I would say, from my perspective, James Clemens, several seniors, much like Florence had last season. Plus, there is a size difference. They have a little more depth and size maybe. For Florence, though, I think they shoot the ball as well or maybe even better than this James Clemens team. It could be a balance there. Breaking down the statistics of both teams throughout the season, while James Clemens has a much better record, their stats are pretty comparable.

[5:14] I mean, down to turnovers, to possessions per game, to shots per quarter, all the things that you would want to look at. These teams match up pretty well. Where James Clemens does better is on the rebounding side. Where the Falcons do better is on the shooting side. So, if the Falcons take care of business, this is going to come down to the wide. By the way, you and I have talked about it. We're going to talk about it in a few minutes, about the coaching staffs of these two teams.

But Florence coached by Dylan Burleson. If there's a more detailed, prepared coach in the state of Alabama, I don't know if I've seen it personally. We get the scouting reports. We get the coaching staff reports. And this week, we've got everything they sent basically to the team. And they would send it to us. And I left there going, my goodness, the preparation for such a game. It's incredible. You know, it's how you take a program to the next level. You have great kids with good talent.

But how do you prepare that talent to come into these big games? And that's what Coach Burleson and Mullins and Thompson and, you know, the whole bunch. They really hammer it as the week goes on. They break it down. They tell you what shooter, what tendencies each guy has, where they like to dribble and how to defend them properly. I mean, they go top to bottom each and every player. And it's just great to see that these Falcons are as prepared as prepared can be. I see.

Assistant Coach Corey Hughes over there, one of the great shooters as well at Florence City Schools. He's over there talking to Coach Dylan Burleson now as well. That's why you never say names because you always forget the greats. That's right. Yeah. Forget the greats. And trust me, he was one of the greats and still is. Well, Mike, let's talk about what does Florence need to avoid tonight as this team, as they get ready to take on the Jets? You know, I think the big thing is going to be turnovers.

If you're able to take care of the ball and gain those extra possessions, keep those possessions, it's going to be huge. I mean, just like in any sport, if you give the other team a bunch of possessions and they shoot the same field goal percentage as you, they're going to wind up winning because they have the extra opportunity. So just making sure the Falcons take care of the ball down the stretch, especially on this away court, you know, not non-friendly confines with different officials and things of the sort.

If they take care of the ball, they'll be just fine. The Jets have won 19, lost four in the month of December. In January, they only have two losses. One of those was to Florence, though. Where, Mike, can Florence find some positives, though, in facing this Jets team going into tonight's game? Yeah, I think the positives are they don't, there's not going to be any surprises, really. I mean, they know these players, and this is a senior-laden team, so these guys have shown tendencies on tape for two or three years.

You know what they're up to, and we've played like opponents as well, so we know what schemes work well and don't work well against them. They lost a game late in the season. That might be an interesting factor, you know, just things like that. But these coaches have these boys prepared, and they're ready to roll. I agree with that as well. Both teams warming up. Referees are meeting with the captains. We're about five minutes away from starting lineups being introduced. You're listening to the TNT Fireworks pregame show.

Florence Falcon Basketball. We're back in one minute. Getting the kids to practice on time. Remembering if it's your day to bring snacks. Making it to the game with a clean jersey. Why are simple things sometimes so complicated? Thankfully, with auto owners, insurance doesn't have to be one of them. Auto owners works with independent agents who answer when you call, so you can worry about more important things, like whether your kid is going to run toward first or third base. That's simple human sense. In Florence, see Luke Brown at Hinderger Johnson & Layton Insurance.

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Kevin Johnson, Mike Albertson with you on the road at James Clemmons. In the second game of two tonight, first game, Bob Jones in overtime knocked off Austin. They'll advance to the championship game. They'll await the winner of this one between Florence and JC. Mike, Florence is coached by Dylan Burleson here in his third season. He is quite impressive. We know that. We've seen. We've been around him. But the overall scheme of the program really stands out. It certainly does. And, you know, each and every week, you know, we have, we get the scouting reports and things like that.

You know, just taking that to the next level. But these coaches also love these players very much. You know, just being able to spend time off the court as much as on the court. Just being able to work some things and really just grow together as a unit. And so the coaches do a great job doing that. And these young men, you know, have really grown up this year. And just watching them take steps forward this year, I mean, you can tell the future's bright here in Florence.

[10:35] The Jets are coached by Frankie Sullivan, the former great Auburn standout, who was one of the tremendous players there in program when he played there. Great shooter. And one of the great high school players, by the way, in the state of Alabama as well. He is now in his seventh season for the Jets. Built a winning program here. It is a similarity between the two programs, ironically. About five or six years ago, James Clemens went to the state championship game and lost in the title game.

And last year, Florence made the magical run to the state championship game and lost to eventual state champion Hoover. So both teams have state runner-up trophies in their trophy case from the last five years. So two programs really good. James Clemens comes in ranked, I believe, number four in the state, 19-4 on the season. They had a couple of games canceled during the season by opponents due to weather, other situations. So they missed a couple of games. Meanwhile, Florence comes in 9-20. But, you know, it's not the record that you want if you're Dylan Burleson.

But at the same time, if you look at the schedule, my goodness, they did not shy away from anyone. It was big boy basketball every night. So this team will not back down. They won't be shy. It should be fun to see how these two teams match up. And, Mike, we're speaking to Coach Dylan Burleson. What do you think he tells his Falcons team pregame speech before they come out on the floor tonight? I mean, I think they're not going to face any tougher opponents at this point in the game.

They've played everybody. And so they know who they're playing. They've beat them before. Go out and play your game and do what we do. You know, really and truly, all the preparation is done. Now you've just got to get on the floor and enjoy the game you love. This is what you play for. These very moments right here, playing in the biggest game when the lights are the brightest. This is what it's all about. And have these boys ready. I mean, look, Coach, you know, Coach Morrison talks about burning the boats.

He wouldn't mind burning some boats here as well, the basketball side of things. The officials for tonight's game are from outside this area. We have not seen them, neither is James Cunningham's most likely in anything. Actually, it's sort of ironic. These are three brand-new officials for this game. They brought six officials for the two games, so three for the first game, and then a different three set for this one here tonight. Let's take another one-minute break. We come back to starting lineups. This is the TNT Fireworks pregame show.

Florence talking basketball back in 60. Shoals drop everything. This is not a drill. Lost Pizza Company Shoals is running the full-court press. The full-court press Cuban sandwich, inspired by Coach Tony Pujol. This sandwich brings championship flavor, and it's only available at Lost Pizza Company Shoals. And coming off the bench hot, our brand-new buffalo chicken dip. Creamy, spicy, straight-up MVP material. Run the full-court press at Lost Pizza Company Shoals, where every bite beats the buzzer. Hello, my name is Keith Medley, and I'm an attorney with the law firm of Johnson, Passeur, Medley, and Burchill.

Why call an out-of-town lawyer when you can call our law firm, which has over 100 years of combined experience in all areas of the law. If you have a legal matter, please call me or Leslie Johnson, Debra Bell Passeur, Adam Burchill at 256-766-3131. We're proud to be a sponsor of Florence High School Athletics. No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. Welcome back to the TNT Fireworks pregame show. As we wrap it up, we're going to bring the starting lineups for the Florence Falcons.

Wearing the road black, trimmed in blue and white, Kevin Johnson, Mike Alverson, glad to be with you. Here are the starting lineups. Tay Jones will get the start, the 6'3 junior. He'll be joined by Jayceon Payne, another junior at 5'10". And the senior point guard, Jayshod Pearson, a 5'9". Point guard has been outstanding. Jayden Irons, a 6'1 junior, will start along with Kevante Green at 6'2". So it'll be Green, Irons, Payne, and Jones, all juniors, joined by the one senior, Jayshod Pearson. For Coach Dylan Burleson's Falcons, wearing the road black, trimmed in blue, white, piping.

And the Jets' senior-laden team, the number one team in the area, went 5-1 out of six games. But one of their losses, the only loss they had was to Florence. So the confidence factor could be a factor there. Mike, I would say as we're waiting on the starting lineups for this J.C. team to be introduced, one of the things I'd say about Florence is keep this thing close to the fourth quarter. Absolutely. You know, you don't want to fall behind, especially on the road like that, being able to settle into the game early and really keep this game close and keep it down to the wire.

I think that's going to be huge on the road, especially in this area tournament. We already saw the game previous. I mean, this is wild. This kind of atmosphere, each and every play, each and every possession, the passion, really the intensity of each and every play is unmatched. It's always great to see tournament basketball. Kion Harris will be the guard along with Sieto Yokota for the Jets. Nicholas Harris will play the post. Isaiah Cleese will get the start as well. Seems like there's been a Cleese playing here forever.

[16:00] And finally, Alexander Blue, a big man. So Blue and Harris are going to be trouble on the inside, that's for sure. Yokota is a great shooter. Harris and Cleese will handle the ball most of the time. Falcons will be going away. We're in the end zone, by the way, above the rim to the right of it, at the far end zone, away from the concession stand. Maybe if you've been in this great facility, it's a great facility. Huge crowd, obviously, for area tournament. All four schools have fans here.

It'll be green for Florence. Jumping center as they'll go left or right, as you would listen. The Falcons going away from us. Jumping center. Blue for the Jets wearing their home white. And it's time to see who will go and punch their ticket to the championship game. And the Jets control the tip. And the Falcons open up man to man. Harris down to the floor. Double team underneath is Blue. I had to kick it back out. Swings it around there to Harris again. Harris back down low.

Stolen away. Green got the steal. Here comes Pearson with it. Four Jets all around him. He slows up at the top of the key. Got it to Jones who drives through two. And it's fouled. He'll not shoot free throws, but it will be the first foul of the day on the Jets. And not a bad start. Yeah, that was a good job by the Falcons. A little help defense. Kavante Green came around the side. Stole the ball. Passed it up. And as Taye Jones was taking it hard to the hole, got fouled.

Inbounds pass. Got it to Green. Lost it. Still fighting for it. And it's taken away. Taken away by the Jets there. Harris gets it. Down the floor quickly. Keon Harris has it. In the lane. Eight-footer on the way. Good. And the first points of the day belong to the Jets. And they open up with a 2-1-2 press. And Florence breaks it. Pearson in the front court. At the three-point line. Sizzles play against the man-to-man defense. Picks up his dribble. Bounce pass now to Jones. Inside the three-point arc.

Looking. Goes left. Has some goat on him. Got the size advantage. Back out to Irons. Swings it to Pearson for three. No good. Rebound. Irons couldn't control it. Saved by Cleves of the Jets. Jets look to run. Come to the right wing. Going into the lane. Ballou. Floater up. No good. Rebound. Boy, that's a foul right there. And the finally blow the whistle. And it's against the Jets. Pearson checking his chops after that one. And that one will be against Harris. Nicholas Harris. Pearson took a hand to the face there.

And, you know, he was just checking. Make sure he still had his lip attached. But it seems like he's fine. And the Falcons had the ball. 2-0. Jets lead it. Falcons with the basketball. Jaceon Payne. Guarded by Yokota. Excuse me. That's actually Jones who got it. And they're going to have a little whistle. And they're going to call an offensive foul. Nope. It was a block. The block and foul. They called the block. Yokota called for the block and foul. That was one of those. That was number two on him, if I'm not mistaken.

That is. And that was one of those borderline calls there. You know, Yokota, while he was in defensive position, I think his feet were still moving a little bit. Sliding into that position. Taye Jones, a little quick to the step. Wanted up making the contact and getting the foul. Quick subs for the Jets. We'll get them in a minute. Florence having trouble getting in and knocked away and stolen away. Now the deep pass is stolen away by Florence. And J.C. on Payne got back. Oh, whoa.

We gave that to the Jets. I think he's saying it tapped off J.C. on Payne. And based on Payne's reaction, I think it must have happened. I think it must have happened. Because Payne did not argue whatsoever or even throw his hands up. Jets win about it underneath the basket. Tough break for Florence there. In the lane, Blue got a step. And he's fouled before the shot. Alexander Blue goes about 6-5, maybe 6-6, something like that. Maybe 6-5 is what I'd say. But his wingspan, he's a disruptor.

I mean, he was the one that tipped that pass on the far baseline there. He's going to be tough there for the Falcons. Inbound pass in the lane and another whistle. Lots of quick whistles right now. That was against Pearson, his first. That was not a great call. Corbin Johnson out of control a little bit. When you're a defender and you're retreating towards the basket and the offensive player hits you, I mean, there's not much else you can do. Johnson's jumper is good, though. Off the inbounds pass.

4-0 lead for the Jets. Falcons yet to score. 6-21 to go in the first. Pearson in the lane. Teardrop blocked out of bounds. It'll stay with Lawrence. He went in hard. Tried to draw the contact. James Clemens will bring in Makai Darby now. And this is where the Falcons are at, a little bit of a disadvantage. They've only had two guys that have played in any playoff or tournament basketball. And it's really going to be tough here. Green shot blocked from Burrow. He didn't see it, but it was actually Burrow who blocked it quickly down the floor.

Jets look to run. Johnson's layup no good. Tipped away by Florence. And they get the basketball. Got to be strong with it in this game. Payne has it for Florence. Down 4-0. 6-minute mark in the first. Payne has his defender on his back. Goes up. Kicks it back out to Irons. Irons swings it up top and is stolen away. Run out the other way. Harris goes up and jams it home. Timeout taken by Florence. We'll do the same. 5-48 to go in the first. Falcons straight at 6-0.

[21:05] We're back in 30. This is Miranda Haddock with the Florence Education Foundation. We invite you to support our Friends of the Foundation campaign. As a Friend of the Foundation, you can contribute any amount to help fund classroom needs in Florence City Schools. Please visit our website at Florence Education Foundation Foundation. To explore our new giving levels and the added perks available. We want to wish Coach Burleson and the entire Falcon basketball team good luck this season. The voice of the Florence High School Falcons. W-Y-T-K-F-M. Petersville. Athens, Decatur.

The Shoals. 93-9. The Score. 5-48 to go in the first quarter. Florence trails. James Clemens 6-0. Kevin Johnson and Mike Albertson with you. Happy Valentine's Day coming up to everyone. Even happy birthday to some we talked to today. So I hope they do well. Well, 5-48 to go. The Jets lead at 6-0. Dylan Bolson takes the sports coat off. So it's time to get serious. Full-court press coming for the Jets. They've got 2-2-1 press. Pearson in backcourt. Keeps the dribble yo-yoing and alive. Gets to the midcourt strike.

They bring the trap. He gets rid of it to Jones. Jones inside to Payne. Can't get the shot off. Back out to Jones. Cross-court to Pearson. Pearson looks. Can't do anything there. Man-to-man defense here by the Jets. Irons has it. Bounce pass inside. Beautiful. Great fake by Green. Got it blocked again. Taken away by Blue. Here come the Jets. They want to run. Cleves pushing it down the floor. Kicks it to Harris. Gets into the paint. Floater off balance. No good. Good box out by Florence.

They get the rebound. Pearson comes out of there. Your left-hand dribble. Left-hand pass. Green. Right-hand shot. Wouldn't go. Everything was well except wouldn't fall. And finally a whistle and foul on Green for a push there. Lawrence will bring a sub in now as they'll bring in Tamari and Skipworth. Green will come out. Six to zero. The Jets lead it. Florence will pick up full court. Trying to get in to Cleves. Nearly threw it away. But you have to chase it down in the back corner. Cleves will bring it up the floor.

They have two or three really good ball handlers. And they've got a lot more depth, as you heard Mike Almondson say. Deep three on the way. No good. Rebound. Chased down by the Jets. They go back inside. Harris got it in the paint. Missed it. But there's the tip. No good. Now the Falcons fight for it. On the floor. Ball on the floor still. Scramble four. And Florence gets it. Guess who'd come out of there with it? It was Pearson. Out of the traffic. Go over to Cage Roy.

Swing it to the side. Now they get it to Irons. You've faked it. Pump fake. Goes up. Shot. Blocked. That's the third block shot. Maybe fourth block shot by Ballou. Down the floor. Cross court. Pass. Kits it inside. Lay up. Good. That was Hill. Check that. That was Darby who laid it in. But fast break points, Mike, are starting to pile up a little bit. You're seeing they want to run the floor. Yeah, absolutely. When we were on this home court last time, James Clemens ran the ball a lot.

Had a lot of run outs early on in the game. And the Falcons adjusted. Let's see how they do this game. Reach in foul. Called on Darby. That's good that they called it. That's a good sign. If they're going to call that. They hadn't called much before that, though. So, like, that was a one-off. Let's see if that's a trend. 4-12 to go. The fourth team foul. Skipworth will come in for Irons. So, Roy and Skipworth in a bad pass. It's thrown away by Cleves. Cleves trying to chase it down.

Gets it. Lost it, though. And a great defense by Florence there. They get it back. Pearson will bring it up the floor. Down to Payne. Into the corner. Florence gets it there. Nowhere to go. Bounce pass to Pearson. Scoop layup is a beauty. And he lays it in. How he got it in, I don't know. But Florence is finally on the board at the four-minute mark. Eight to two. Jets will bring it up the floor. How in the world did he get it up off that glass?

I have no idea. We have not had a good-looking shot for Florence yet. Even that one. Even that one was as acrobatic as you can imagine. In the paint. They lob it. Knocked away. Stolen away. Great play by Jones. Jones for Florence. Down the floor. Got it to Payne. Inside. Got it to Roy. And they're going to call a foul. A blocking foul. And that will send Florence to the free throw line. That's the fifth team foul. Coach Oven's not a big fan of that one.

He's claiming that Jones was out of control as he made contact with the player. But we're going to be shooting two here. And that's big with, I think, Skipworth going to the line. I thought it should have been Payne, but it was Skipworth. I'm not a problem with that. And I thought it was Jones. But, you know, to be fair to us, we're in the end zone. And all three of them have hair that cover their numbers. They do. Eight to two. Skipworth will shoot two.

First one up. Got it. Same size, same haircut. Not our fault. And, you know, free throws, you've got to make shots. That's for sure. Here's for Florence. Substitution for the Jets. Spiller will come in. That's the ninth player already that the Jets have brought in. Florence, I think, has gone maybe seven deep, maybe eight deep. Seven for sure. Eight to three. The Jets lead it. Second free throw coming. And got them both in Skipworth. That's big for Florence. Settle this thing down. Cut the lead in half at eight to four.

[26:31] Payne will pick up full court with Harris. Harris nearly lost it. The midcourt stripe had trouble with it. Finally gets rid of it to Cleese. Cleese. Gets it over to the deep three. Coming on the way by Johnson. Missed everything. Spiller missed the putback. Goes right to Ballou and laid it in. That's just tough. Florence had every chance right there to get that. And gives up a basket. Ten to four. Falcons front court. Skipworth. Cross coat over to Payne. Payne looking for the screen. Can't get it.

Double team coming. Lost it. Ball stolen away. Here they come run out again. Johnson down the floor. Euro layup. Put up. Missed it. Great defense by Pearson. Who came down along with Skipworth. And he's fouled in the backcourt. Pearson will go shoot free throws. So if you can continue to get these whistles. That's all right. You're in good shape. You know they're letting them play. Each and every foul. It truly is a foul. You know. Not all the time you get these games that are of high intensity.

But each and every foul has been earned so far. It's really been a high intensity game so far. Free throws coming for the senior. Jay Shot Pearson playing in his 91st game as a Falcon. Knocks this one down. He has three on the night. He started 89 of 91 as well by the way. The freshman. Zyburnette will come in. Along with Irons. He'll join Skipworth in there. And Roy and Pearson. At the 250 mark. Florence trailed 10 to 5. Make it 10 to 6. As Florence has hit the free throws. And whittled away at this lead a little bit.

Falcons pick up full court. Pearson cuts off the baseline there. Or sideline excuse me. Finally Cleaves gets it. With Burnett on him. He'll draw back. Coach Frankie Sullivan calling out signals. Florence takes man to man. Cleaves at the top of the key. Yo-yos in the lane. Cross court pass up. Good. Look. No look. Gets it over to Knapp. And Knapp catches it. Puts it in. 12-6. Falcons break the press. Skipworth. Back to Pearson. Pearson settles everybody down. Burnett in the corner. Burnett keeps the dribble alive.

Now brings it up top. Goes back to the baseline. Now has to get some help. Gets it back out to Irons. Boy, the Jets really overplay everything. Pearson has it now on the wing. Gets it to Irons. Irons calls court. Good pass. Roy. Three on the way. Wouldn't go. Rebound high. Goes to Blue. Out of bounds. Last touch by the Jets. He couldn't stay in bounds. So Florence trails by 6-12-6 with 158 to go. Had the basketball. And again, the Jets go to their bench. Jaden Ritchie will come in.

That's the 10th and 11th player maybe that's come in the first quarter. So you can see the attitude. Got a good look. Roy for three in the corner. Wouldn't go. Got his own rebound. Put it up. Block. Out of bounds. Blue has been blue on the inside. Wow. Blue has many blocked shots in the first quarter. In the first couple of games, in a weird way, he was kind of a non-factor, but this game he's come up huge. He's one of those impact players. He has a lot of length underneath, redirecting shots and a lot of blocked shots early on.

Doesn't score just a ton, but he definitely affects it on the defensive end. Florence turns it over on the inbounds. You know, that's a little bit of just not wanting to get an inbounds and maybe not understand what to do there, but waited too long. Players have to be urgent on those inbounds plays. He bounced it on the inline. Florence will pick up full court now. Not a bad place. They've got a bunch of bench players in. If I was Florence, I'd pressure right here. The Jets bring it on the floor.

Richie has it. Now they get to Spiller in the corner. Spiller looking. Takes the deep three. Missed everything by seven feet. Rebound taken by Burnett. He shot over everything. Burnett down the floor quickly. Gets it to the Falcons. In the paint. Nowhere to go. Cross court pass. Knocked away. Nope. Thrown away. Pearson was trying to get it to Payne. Threw it away. Turn over Florence. Trailing 12 to 6. Yeah, that was one of those. That pain was leaking out to the left and Jay Shaw wound up throwing it to the right.

Just a little miscommunication there. Big turnover there. So, the Falcons need to stop here. Up the floor come the Jets. They lob it over to Blue. Put it up. Put it in. The pass was not great. The catch was amazing for a big man. 14 to 6. Jets lead it. Falcons down the floor. Payne who's yet to shoot it. Gets it on the wing. Blue's on him now. Payne. Cross court to Pearson. Drives into Payne. Kicked it in the corner. Burnett open for three. Missed it. And a rebound and a foul called on Irons pushing off on the inside.

So, Jaden gets called for the foul. Into the game will be Jones for Burnett. And Falcons will pick up full court with 1-on-1 to go. In the win versus James Clemens at home. Burnett wound up having somewhere in the ballpark of 16 points. Was a big impact player down the stretch here for the Falcons. So, having him coming off the bench could be a dangerous spot here for James Clemens. Down by eight. This is an important last minute of the first quarter, I feel like, for Florence.

[31:43] Need to step it up right here and get a couple of stops and maybe get a basket. Jets have the basketball, though, and they may play for the last shot if they can. Cleves has it. Should be counting there. That's what I was saying. Finally, Cleves gets by the defender. Cuts it to the wing. Deep three on the way. That one missed. No good. Rebound by the Jets. Ritchie got it. Missed the shot. Partially blocked. Knocked out of bounds. Last touch by Florence. That's the right call.

Irons knocked out of bounds. From our vantage point, it's right underneath us. We can see clearly on these. Pearson will get a breather now. Inbounds pass. Deep three on the way from the corner. No good. Rebound foul. Surround taken by Florence to Skipworth. Skipworth will get it to Payne. Brings up the right sideline. Double teamed in the corner. Trapped. Throw it away. Stolen away. The lob coming down here to Cleves. Put up a layup. Good. And he's fouled. And just like that, you take Pearson out, turn it over, and you give up an and one.

It's an unfortunate situation there for the Falcons. You had Payne. Wound up getting trapped in the corner. Wound up throwing a pass to no man's land. James Cleves with the easy run out. James Cleves with the easy run out. Wound up getting the foul. Made the basket. And they're going to make it a three-point play here or attempt to. Cleves will try to do that. 16-6, the lead. Pearson checked back in. Free throw. Got it to go. Substitution coming in. Six different players have scored in the first quarter for the Jets.

Only two have scored for Florence. And the Falcons trail it 17-6. The 2-2-1 press coming. Payne in backcourt. Gets it to Pearson across the midcourt strike. On the right side. Picked up a spiller. Picks his dribble up. Goes to Irons in the corner. Irons now looking for someone. Bounce pass on the baseline. Got it back into Irons. Laid it up. Put it in. That's the best-looking play for Florence right there in a while. 17-8. Four seconds on the clock. And get it down to the floor.

Richie will have a chance. Spins in the lane. Didn't get it off in time. And at the end of one. Florence trails James Clemens. 17-8. Falcon basketball returns in 60. Hi. I'm Dr. Brady Citizen with Treehouse Children's Dentistry. Our teens in Tuscumbia, Killen, and Madison are so excited to welcome you and your family to our treehouse. We know that choosing a dental home can be a stressful experience. That's why at Treehouse Children's Dentistry, we've created an environment that kids and parents love. Our team is experienced in caring for every child, from infants to teenagers to children with special needs.

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Add your email address to your account. Easily view and pay your bill by clicking on the link in the text or email notification. Visit FlorenceAL.org and select Utilities to register for an account or call 256-760-6512 for more information. One quarter in the books, Florence trails James Clemens 17-8. Kevin Johnson on the call along with Mike Albertson. James Moody in the 93.94 studios, our technician. Hey, congratulations to the Lady Falcons who won last night over James Clemens. It was 58-47. They will advance to the championship game, but they also punched their ticket to Hanceville and the Sweet 16 and 7A.

So, congratulations to the Lady Falcons. They have had an amazing season. 17-14 of the year. Florence will inbound it. Irons will have it in front court. Irons looking for a little help. No one comes to him. Irons now has to dribble itself. Finally bounce past it. Whistle, and that's going to be a foul. Reach in. So, Florence getting fouled some. That's the only thing that's kept them in this game a little bit. Corbin Johnson calling the foul. Yeah, four of the eight points that the Falcons have gotten were from the free throw stripe.

So, you know, half their points being that way early on, the Falcons have been getting fouled. Florence has had trouble getting the ball inbounds. Finally getting into Pearson to Green. Swinging it back out to Pearson. He's open for three. That one's short. No good. And it was saved by the Jets. Blue gets the rebound. Yeah, Blue's been a disruptor all game. He's blocked several shots. He's also the guy that defends the inbound man, which the Falcons have had trouble getting the ball in. Cleaves drives. Oh, he got away the walk.

No, he didn't. I called it. The bench called it. And finally, the official said, you know what? Y'all are all right. That was a travel. Took two witnesses. And the third one said, that's true. 17 to eight. Florence trails it, though. Y'all have the basketball against this full court pressure. Pearson to Payne in backcourt. Back to Pearson. Pearson gets it to the middle of the court. Quickly down the floor to Green. Green back out to Pearson. Swings to Payne. He's open for three. Got it. He can do that when he's open.

[37:07] He finally hits a three. That's big. Trims the leg down to six. Quickly down the floor. Turn over by the Jets. Too fast. Too quick. Too much on that one. Yeah, they're trying to catch a Falcon sleeping. Going back and trying to create a run out there after the score. And while they're getting a little sloppy with the ball, giving the Falcons an extra possession. Falcons inside. Payne lays it up. Puts it in. He has five. And all of a sudden, the Falcons trim it to 14.

A whistle down the court. They're going to get Green reaching in on the foul as they threw it over the top. And they try to do that. They try and catch everybody sleeping. You get a nice little basket. And you get a little slow headed back on the defensive side. Alexander Ballou knew exactly what was going on. He ran the full court. Wound up picking up that easy foul on Kevante Green. Inbounds. Look and try to get into Ballou. He gets it, but not deep. He has to swing it back around.

Police will have it. They go inside to Ballou. Double deep down. Kicks it back out. Drive by Johnson. Floater up. Rolled it in. That's just good basketball there by the Jets. Lead back up to six. Jones for Florence to Pearson across the midcourt stripe. Pearson, yo-yo in the lane. Scoop layup again. That one won't go. Rebound taking McCleaves. And the Jets want to run. They push it up the floor. Down the floor quickly. Layup good. Map puts that one in. Timeout taken by the Falcons. 6.25 to go.

We'll do as well. Florence trails 21-13. We're back in 30. Irons Electric has been family owned and operated for 65 years. Irons Electric is deeply rooted in the Florence High School tradition and is happy to be a part of many past projects, including the recently completed new band room. Irons Electric Company was voted the number one electrical contractor in 2023. Our professional team on staff and master electricians provide the expertise to make sure your project is installed per code to operate safely and flawlessly. From small residential jobs to large commercial projects, call Irons Electric at 256-766-3870.

You won't be shocked by their reputation. 6.25 to go in the first half. Florence trails at 21-13. KJ and M.A. with you here. Florence Falcons, 93-9 to score. Tried to bring you Falcons sports for 22 seasons. Pearson across the midcourt strike. Back to Payne. Got a good look. Three on the way. You wouldn't go in and out. Rebound by Florence, but lost out of bounds. Tried to save it with Burnett. Actually going to save with Florence. Said it was knocked out. Boy, Coach Frankie Sullivan arguing about that, but it'll stay with Florence.

Falcons had trouble getting in bounds. They just got to get in. Finally do in the corner. Payne, step back from two. Short, no good. Rebound, knocked out of bounds. This time I'm going to go to the Jets. You're not going to get that fadeaway jumper foul call there. So you might not want to just flop there, especially with the way James Clemens runs out. But James Clemens gets the ball here and Falcons need to stop. Leaves, drives, put it up. No good. Rebound, yanked down. Taken away by Ballou.

He's fouled to go to the line and shoot two. He was just too strong. Yeah. I mean, look, we saw it in the tournament last year with Jalen Chandler. Sometimes the big man can take over, and Alexander Ballou has done a great job this far of really controlling this game, both on the boards and on defense. 5-53 goal. When it was Florence cut it to 17-13, the Jets went on a 4-0 run and now may try to expand on that. It's Blue's first free throw, no good.

Dylan Burleson called the timeout because I think he realized, say, this is where we've got to keep this thing in check. We can't let this get out of the black. He's not going to be shy about his timeouts early if he has to. You can't blame him. Blue's second free throw on the way. Got that one to go. One of two. Falcons trail it by nine. Big possession here, you feel like. Pearson dribbles up top. Guarded by Spiller. Gets it to Jones at the top of the key.

Jones in the corner. Driving the baseline is Roy. Double team back out. Swinging around. Trying to get to Payne. He's a double team. Inside. Beautiful pass to Roy. Laid it in. Everybody was trapping, and Roy went to the basket and Payne found him. Big basket there. Cuts it to seven. Cleaves driving hard to the basket. Put it up. Short. No good. Rebound. Whistle. Foul. That one should be on the Jets. It is not. Oh. It's on Jones. I thought he went over the back. He did.

Okay. You saw it correctly. That's why I'm frustrated with that call. He's dominated the game, and if you're going to give him that, there's no chance. Inbounds pass. Tough shot. Put up. No good. Rebound by Florence. Burnett gets the rebound. Pearson up the floor. Florence down by seven here. Five minutes to change to go in the first half. Pearson keeps the dribble alive. Looking. Gets it back to Jones, who lost it out. Rebounds. Just these unforced turnovers. These are careless, what I call careless turnovers. Not that they don't mean to, but they're just having to struggle for every pass, it seems like.

[42:16] They are, and, you know, that's a testament to James Clemmen's defense. You know, they are smothering and trapping quite a bit, really creating some unforced errors. Spillers three. No good. Rebound. Taken by Florence. Good job by Jones there. Pearson had it knocked away. Stolen away. Right back to Johnson, who put it up and put it in. Rare to see that. Corbin Johnson gets it in a big turnaround right there. Nine-point lead. Burnett in the corner. Guarded by Cleves. Got a step into the lane. Put it up.

Wouldn't go. Strong. Rebound taken by the Jets. They look to run again. Spiller goes coast to coast. Laid it up. Put it in. Time out. Florence. The Jets have the engines rolling, and they lead it by 11. 26-15. Falcon basketball returns in 60. Irons Electric has been family-owned and operated for 65 years. Irons Electric is deeply rooted in the Florence High School tradition and is happy to be a part of many past projects, including the recently completed new band room. Irons Electric Company was voted the number one electrical contractor in 2023.

Our professional team-owned staff and master electricians provide the expertise to make sure your project is installed per code to operate safely and flawlessly. From small residential jobs to large commercial projects, call Irons Electric at 256-766-3870. You won't be shocked by their reputation. When you're in the mood for a sweet treat just the way you like it, Yogurt Mountain on Cox Creek Parkway has you covered. With 16 rotating flavors, 40 toppings, and a dozen sauces, the combinations are endless. So whether you want a simple treat or a decked-out dessert, just grab a cup and create your ultimate frozen yogurt concoction.

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The defense is really causing a lot of trouble. Early on, you know, one of the keys, I said, was to be able to protect the ball, to take care of the ball, limit the turnovers, and the Falcons have yet to do that. It's really been tough early on for them to take care of the ball. Johnson, cross-court pass, brings it around, clues to Johnson. Blue trying to post up inside. They get it to him in the paint, and he's fouled. Three seconds called. All right. So he was in there for a while.

Don't see that often, but it was in front of the Florence bench. Maybe a couple of whispers of three seconds in the lane. We'll take it. That's about right. That sounds about right. Florence trails by 11 with four minutes to go. If you can get this to single digits, we saw a game earlier where it really changed. Payne back out, deep three on the way. Front rim, no good. Not from Payne. That was actually from Skipworth. Actually, from Jones, he missed it. Rebound taken by the Jeffs.

Jets will have it up the floor. Johnson up top. Wanting to go inside. Can't. Gets it to Cleese. Now they lob it inside. Double-team comes. He kicks it out to Spiller. He'll try another three. No good. Rebound taken by Florence. It's Payne. Falcons have it. Down by 11. Just need a basket. Settle everything down. Roy kicks it in the corner. Can't get it there. Now they find the corner shot. No, Pearson won't take it. Back stop to Payne. Swing to the Irons. Irons got to control the basketball.

Payne open. Three on the way. Bounces won't go. Rebound fought for. Out of bounds. Last touch by the Jets. It'll stay with Florence. And three more substitutions coming in for the Jets. You see the whole strategy here. It's depth and freshness. They want to run the floor. And they have the depth to do it. They've got a lot of seniors on this team and a lot of guys with a ton of experience. I mean, when one of their starters has come off the bench for the first time since the first quarter, it's something to be said about how they've been able to play well early on.

Payne in the corner. Payne in the corner. Garne by Yokota, who just checked in, dribbles all the way up top, gets it to Irons at the free throw line. Back to Payne now. Payne on the wing. Takes the three. Contested. Got it anyway. Jaceon with eight in this quarter. The only, he has eight of the ten in the quarter. Florence trims it to eight. A defensive stop here would be huge. In the corner. Fake for the three. Pull up from 18 for two. No good. Rebound by Florence.

They call a push off there. Oh, man. That wasn't a bad play by Roy, but it's going to be a foul on Florence. And probably got away, didn't get away with it. Pushed a little bit. I've seen more tonight. You know, we've been watching the NFL playoffs and the college football playoffs. And when they say they have mutual combat, you know, and they don't throw the penalty with the mutual combat. That's well put. That's exactly what was there. Yeah. Yeah. Inbounds pass for the Jets up top.

[47:18] Harris has it. Gets it now to Knapp. Dribble into the paint. Spinning. Harris lost. The ball knocked on the floor and taken away by Florence. Pearson. And we've got numbers. Florence pushes it. Pearson gets it over to Roy to the basket. Lay it up. Put it in. And he's fouled. Cage Roy with four points in the quarter. And Florence has sneaked back in this game and cut it to six. They can cut it to five with a free throw. The Falcons have cut it to six a couple of times so far.

And they're doing just enough to stay in the game. And so, if they're able to break a run here right before the half, this is going to be huge. The half court defense has not been bad. It's the full court defense that's been tough for Florence. When they get out and run, they've got most of their points on the run outs. Roy will shoot one. But first, Irons will come out. Burnett will come in. So, Florence will go a little small here for the last 224 to give Irons a breather.

He has worked so hard against Ballou. And that's been a big part of this, too. This to cut it to a five-point game after trailing by 11. And it wouldn't go. Rebound and yanked down by Cleves. Here comes the Jets. They look to run immediately. Into the paint. Picked up the dribble. Can't go with it. Now, at 12-footer on the way. Missed it. No good. Harris. Excuse me. Oh, man, he got away with one. And that got a push-off inside from the big man Ballou. Didn't get the call for Florence.

And now Ballou will shoot free throws. If you're going to give him that call each and every time, there's no point in playing. Like, that's absolutely atrocious. 2-13 to go in the half. Ballou will shoot free throws. He's a tremendous free throw shooter, usually. It worked. Reverse psychology. No good. I was about to say, Kevin, I've seen him miss. Every free throw doesn't make. That's why I didn't want to say what I really thought. 2-13 to go. Irons will come back in the game. Roy will come out.

He always makes the second one, though. Never misses. Second one on the way. Got that one to go. Well, we tried, didn't we? Full-court press coming. Florence down by seven. Payne to Pearson. Pearson across the midcourt strike. Double-teamed now. In a little bit of trouble. Bounce pass. Gets it to Payne. Payne inside. Irons wide open. Goes up. Had it stripped away. Last touch by the Jets. That's a great recovery by the Jets right there. Harris. If Irons maybe goes up a little earlier, he probably draws the contact.

He certainly does. He went with the pump fake. And then as he was coming, as the defender was coming back down, he was able to strip the ball as Irons was going up. Inbounce pass to Pearson. Way up top. Under the two-minute mark. Florence trails by seven. Jones has it. Top of the key. Bounce pass. Threw it away. There's just the pressure and the pressure and the pressure. And probably about five or six turnovers like that tonight. 150 to go. But Florence still in it. Only down by seven.

Now we'll give it back to the point guard, Cleves. Cleves is an outstanding point guard, by the way. Picked up by Payne. Right side, Yokota. Yokota is usually a great shooter. He drives to the paint. Wants to pull up. And a call on five travel. An offensive foul, actually. He's inside on 24. Is that right? They're going to call Ballou for a foul, finally. I called it right. They got Ballou for pushing off inside. They still got a couple to make up there, that's for sure. I'll tell you the interesting story of that.

That's his first foul. Hard to believe. 27-20. The floor is only down by seven. Falcons quickly down the floor. Irons didn't watch it. Got it back, though. Threw it away. Falcons receive it. Boy, the Falcons catch a break. Pearson said settle down. Lobs it over inside. Burnett got it open. Put it in. The basket's good. I was going to call goaltending, but it still counts, and Burnett puts it in. The clock is still running. The clock is running. They run about 10 seconds off the clock. It was 118.

Now it's 108. So, home court advantage, but Florence has trimmed it to five. Here comes Cleves. He's got a running flow down in the lane. Put it up. Put it in. Stock has never stopped the ball. Got to stop the ball there. Payne will try to answer on the other side, and they knock it from behind and still the way to the Cleves. Harris has it up the floor. Actually, Johnson with it. Johnson, Eurostep in the lane. Floater up. Missed everything. So, where's the foul? He's all over the back.

No call. Taken down by Harris. Harris now drives to the other side. Put up a shot and blocked by Irons. They call a foul. Wow. I'll just say wow on that one. That was wild action, and the whistle finally comes late. Seven-point lead for the Jets, and they'll shoot free throws. Keyon Harris will go to the line. Keep it to single digits in for Lawrence. That's the key. There's one thing by the official that was very interesting. The Falcons huddled up for a second just to team up together.

He got in the middle and spread them all out. I've never seen that before in the middle of the court. They're trying to get home. This game started late for them. Free throw, no good. I don't care when it started. I've never seen that before on the court. He broke up a team huddle. That has nothing to do with the game. 40 seconds to go. Blue will go out of the game for the first time, and I don't know when. Now it sort of evens up a little bit, so we'll see what Florence leaves.

[52:30] Cooper Fulmer into the game for Florence as well. Second free throw coming from Harris. Missed one, but he makes one. That one rolled back in. Eight-point lead for the Jets. Big possession here. Jones bounce pass to Pearson. Pearson cross court. Got it to Burnett. Got it to Payne. Three on the way. Wouldn't go. Rebound saved by the Jets. That's a tremendous rebound to Johnson. He's an athlete. Johnson will have it, and they're going to try to play for the last shot. Frankie Sullivan said, I don't have my big man in.

I'm going to play for the last shot. Florence comes with a trap now, trying to speed everything up. And they'd speed him up, and he'd turn it over. Oh, did he give that back to the Jets? Yeah, it looked like. Dylan Burleson didn't like that one at all. Yeah, he, Taylor Jones, he did kind of tap his chest, and he did tap it. Eight-point lead, and the Jets will have the basketball, and they'll bring Blue back in. Into the Johnson, his double team. He just walked through the double team, walked again, put up the shot, missed it, no good.

Rebound by Jones for nine seconds. Florence looks to run it out, get it to Fulmer. Fulmer looking it out, kicked it to Pearson. Pearson stepped back, got it to Fulmer, swings it around. Payne for three at the buzzer. Wouldn't go. That would have been huge, but would not fall. And after one half of basketball, Florence trails James Clemens 30-22. This is Falcon basketball. We're back in two minutes. Hey, Falcon fans, this is Keith at Cypress Creek Indoor Range. At Cypress Creek Indoor Range, we prepare you to provide your own safety.

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That's simple human sense. In Florence, see Luke Brown at Henniger Johnson & Layton Insurance. Call 256-764-8682. Back here on the road, TNT Fireworks Halftime Show. Kevin Johnson, Mike Albertson, Ruthie, Florence Falcons basketball. With the Falcons trail, James Clemens in area tournament play, 30-22. And Mike, to be honest about it, it wasn't pretty. But if you look up and you're only down eight and you're Dylan Burleson, you've got to say, you know what? We didn't play well. We beat ourselves up. We gave up a lot of fast break points.

And we're only down eight. Hey, it's still a game. It certainly is still a game. And we know how the Falcons have played thus far this year. They could get really streaky, you know, in many ways. Well, unfortunately, the streak in the first quarter wasn't to their favor. But they have the ability to score and score in bunches. And being able to get J.C. on pain, a couple great looks in that second quarter is going to be huge as we move forward. The Falcons showed a little toughness.

Some of those younger players came in and really wrestled with Alexander Blue underneath. And, you know, showed a little toughness there. So, being able to get punched in the mouth on the road and come back in that second quarter, I'll take it at this point. I think it's well said. And, you know, this Falcon team, pain got a couple good looks. He hit eight points, I think, in the second quarter alone, which that was big. But if you take away the breakouts and maybe Baloo, who's the difference in the game, the Falcons are right here.

And I go back to that first game when we walked in, it was a 13-point lead for Bob Jones over Austin. And Austin had a shot to win it in regulation, missed it, went to overtime and lost. But it just shows the second half, anything can happen in the area of tournament play. Absolutely. Now, once these teams settle in and they really, really start competing, down the stretch is going to be a super exciting game. I'm looking forward to seeing how it plays out because I can see that the Falcons are really competing and fighting hard thus far.

[57:45] Really, the depth of James Clemens plus the size has really created fits, being able to run out and everything as they were. It really executed their game plan well, but the Falcons being able to keep themselves in this game, if they're able to adjust and really play hard in the second half, we might be able to have that opportunity to shoot the ball as time expires. We'll see what happens. Let's get our halftime stats brought to us by good friends Chick-fil-A in Florence. Mike Albertson, take it away.

Thanks, Kevin. Leading the way for James Clemens, no surprise. Alexander Ballou with six points. We've got Isaiah Cleves with five. We've got Keon Harris with five points. Also, Corbin Johnson with six. Makai Daly. Darby with two points. We've got TJ Knapp with four. And Jacob Spiller with two points. Leading the way for the Falcons is Jason Payne with eight points. J.H.I. Pearson with four. Cage Roy with four. Tamari and Skipworth with two. Jayden Irons with two. And Zylan Burnett with two points. So, Florence trails by eight at the half, 30 to 22.

More from the TNT Fireworks Halftime Show after this one-minute timeout. Hello, my name is Debra Bell Passuer, and I'm an attorney with the law firm of Johnson, Passuer, Medley, and Burchell. Please don't call an out-of-town lawyer when you can call our law firm, which has over 100 years of combined experience in all areas of the law. Check us out first. Please call me, Leslie Johnson, Keith Medley, Adam Burchell, at 256-766-3131. We are proud to be a sponsor of Florence High School Athletics. No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

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The last 7-8, Area 8 tournament ever to be played because reclassification takes Florence to 5-A. There will only be six classifications. Then the two private school classifications. So Florence will be the largest 5-A. Some people said, how did Florence go from 7-A to 5-A? Well, technically, there is no longer a 7-A. So all the top 32 teams moved from 7-A to 6-A. And Florence dropped down. So, for instance, if it would have stayed like it was, Florence would have dropped down to 6-A. But now it's 5-A. So they'll be in 5-A classification next year.

So clarify that. And you'll hear about the change. And if we say that, by the time all the courts settled everything, who knows. But right now we're in 5-A. You know, a lot of things are outside of my control. And I'm not going to worry about it. They wrote it down, put it on paper. I'm saying, okay. And whatever happens come August, we'll play with it then as well. Just wherever Kenny Morrison tells us to show up, we'll show up and we'll be there. And I look forward to that.

But first things first, the Falcons basketball team out here warming up, getting ready for third quarter action, trailing by 8. I want to say a big shout-out to a Falcon team who had an amazing start to the season. How about the Florence Falcons boys soccer team? They go to Birmingham and play in a prestigious tournament to open the season. They took on the number one team and knocked them off. They took on the number two team and shut them out. They took on the number three team and shut them out.

Florence won three games, and all three teams were number one, number two, and number three. And none of the other teams scored a goal against Florence. Glenn Hirshide, pretty good job, young man. That's a good coach. I say he's still a young man to me. Coach Hirshide's got him going the right direction. They certainly do. I'm not trying to overstate it much, but one of their key players in the past, their captain, he went off to play football this January. So he wasn't even playing on the team.

Walt Barrett was on this team as the years have gone on. He graduated early, went to Austin Peay, and settled himself there. So best of luck to Walt there. But that soccer team, what an impact, what a statement early on. You know, you want to put your name out there. You beat the top three, you know, look out, everybody. That's going to be an excellent thing. And if they are going to be able to continue to roll and stay healthy, we might have a special season on our hands.

[1:02:45] Spring sports going underway. Tennis, soccer, baseball, softball. I'm telling you, the coldest sports of the whole season is not football. The coldest sports, not basketball. It's those spring sports right now. Get your heaters out and blankets ready. Put some good action coming up. Let's take one more 30-second timeout. We come back. Third quarter action. This is Falcon Basketball. We're back at 30. This is Miranda Haddock with the Florence Education Foundation. We invite you to support our Friends of the Foundation campaign. As a friend of the Foundation, you can contribute any amount to help fund classroom needs in Florence City Schools.

Please visit our website at FlorenceEducationFoundation.org to explore our new giving levels and the added perks available. We want to wish Coach Burleson and the entire Falcon Basketball team good luck this season. Area tournament play, Class 7-8, Area 8. Kevin Johnson, Mike Alberson with you here on 93.9 The Score. You're home for Florence Falcons basketball where the Falcons trail it 30-22. Mike, turnovers was a key part for the Falcons in the first half. It certainly was. Early on, Coach Mullins actually signaled up to us. He put up the six fingers and said turnovers.

He was letting us know that that's been the key thus far. When you look at the score, I mean, yeah, it's an eight-point difference, but six turnovers, that's six extra possessions, 12-plus possible points. So, I mean, yeah, there's your name of the game right there. Protect the ball in the second half and chip away. Jets will have the basketball going away from us to the other end of the end zone, the end of the end of the court, excuse me. Florence will have Pearson, Jones, Payne, Irons, and Green on the floor for the Falcons.

Down by eight. Cleves dribbles into the paint, got a good step, put it up off the glass, and then that's just too easy. Way too easy right there. And Cleves makes the lead a ten-point game. My goodness, he just got pushed out of bounds and said, Payne, and Yokota just picked up his third. Yeah, that was a classic NHL hip check into the boards there, only it was out of bounds. There was no way for the official to let that one go. In U.S. Olympic hockey style, that might have been a two-minute minor.

Here come the Falcons with it. Jones in the paint, Kings blackout, Pearson has it. Pearson swings around to Payne. Payne got by his man and tripped up, and that's number four on Yokota. Payne with a nice move around the edge. Yokota was sliding the feet, tripped up Payne. He had nothing, you know, there's nothing the official could have done there to protect Yokota. That's unfortunate. We've watched that young man play a lot of basketball, and to have him off the court stinks. You've got a player cramping here on the court right in front of us as well.

Johnson just went down like he had been shot by the side. That is not funny. I have been there, done that. You can see his leg is flexed out. It looks painful from here. Good grief. Frankie Sullivan sleeves it. He just looked up here. He said, I got you. I pointed him. Oh, man. He come out. Just get that foot put up there and that cramp. You see that calf flexed like that from that far away. He couldn't straighten out his foot. That's tough. It's still cramping up there.

Oh, my gosh. I can't even watch it. It's such a knot right now. They're just going to hop off the floor. He's a tough kid, Corbin Johnson. So, Johnson and Yokota go. The only problem with this Jets team is they got about 14 players. They go about 12 deep. So, they'll bring in a couple subs in. They'll bring in Darby and also Nap. I feel for any of those kids getting hurt like that. But the cramp, it's not a serious injury, but it's a painful, painful injury. Yeah.

You can see he's actually being helped into the locker room there. Get him an IV or something. Irons will have it for Florence at the top of the key. In the corner to Payne. Cleves all over Payne. Payne picks up his dribble. And a foul called here. That's the third foul. And that one against maybe the big man, Blue, who picked up his third. That's 13 foul in the quarter on the Jets. So, if Athens could get to the free throw line, that could make a big difference.

Green in the paint. Span. Put up the jumper. Wouldn't go. That's a good look. Wouldn't foul. Cleves got the rebound. Quick outlet the other way. Layup. Good. That's a key in where the Falcons have been beat. Down the floor. Darby beat everybody down the floor. Florence basketball, it'll stay with the Falcons. And it wasn't for lack of defense. We had two Falcons back on that defensive play there. They just run it out so well. They were able to find the nice easy bucket. 12-point lead right now for the Jets.

A little bit of a danger time. That's a hole right there. Actually, they're going to call a delay of game warning. on that one for reaching over the line. He can't reach over the line there. The second one would result in a technical foul. So, Florence actually getting held on the inbounds passes a lot, too. Especially Payne is being held a lot. Finally, they get it to Payne in backcourt. The Falcons has had trouble getting the ball inbound tip of the hat to the Jets defense.

[1:07:56] Down by 12. Payne, yo-yos with the basketball to the wing to Pearson. Pearson now swings it back around. Ball moves quickly now. Irons got it back out top. Jones has it. Made the giant drop into the lane. Put up the shot. Put it in. Contact all over the place, but he gets the shot to go. Let the bodies hit the floor. And a double foul called here on Cleves and Pearson. Good grief. Cleves went down. Pearson standing up. I'll take that tradeoff, though. That's the fourth team foul already with 644 to go in the quarter.

He did it again. He just did it again. He kicked them. He kicked them right in front of the official, and they did nothing. That's a technical right there. Good grief. J-Shot's got to be smart, too. Down the floor is Cleves. Now they call a quick whistle on Pearson. Next to zero contact. That's just trying to clean it up, but that's a joke. Yep. For what we've seen all game. And Pearson and Cleves are going to be talked to by the official. That's good officiating there.

Telling both of them that's enough. We're watching. Settle down. That's good officiating there. I agree with that one. That's the way to handle it. Cleves has the basketball now. Inbounds. Knapp has it on the wing. They try to lob it inside, and we'll call the foul on irons on the inside. Good grief not to push off. His arm was fully extended. He's seven foot tall with that wingspan. You can't. You can't. Oh, my gosh. The whistles have come quick and fast here. Ball up. No good.

The rebound goes right to the Jets who laid it up, put it in, and a foul call on the foul. That was no contact there. We're talking quick whistles now. So, a little back and forth, and all of a sudden, the whistles have come in. 628 to go here in the third quarter. It's a 12-point lead. But now, both teams have seven fouls combined in a minute and a half. In the first half, it was nowhere close to that, really. Irons picked up the foul. Might have been his third, if I'm not mistaken.

Free throw's coming for Darby to try to make it the largest lead of the day for the Jets. And he rolled the free throw in. So, he has all five points here in the – or five of the seven points in the quarter. And the lead at 13. This is a big possession here for Florence. In the lane, Jones is hit and fouled. He'll go to the line to shoot two. Let's do free throws. So, with 620 to go, if Florence will be aggressive, Mike, and get to the basket, you can get to the free throw line some.

If they're going to blow the whistle this quickly. I mean, that was an absolute foul. But if they were going to continue to blow the whistles, I mean, get to the line as much as possible and score while that clock isn't running, that's huge. Jones, first one on the way. Spins it in. And when I say spins it in, this viewpoint from up top above the basket, he puts a lot of spin on the basketball. The lefty does, only a junior. And it's a little bit of awkward spin.

It's almost side spin. Sack went on the way, got them both. Hey, it works for him. Lead down to 11. Knapping back to court. Picked up by Pearson. Down the floor now. Harris inside to blue. And a foul call to Florence is green. So, we're going to shoot free throws for a lot in this quarter because all of a sudden, the whistles have come fast and furious in quarter number three. Both teams in the double bonus. Well, Florence was looking good for a minute there. And then all of a sudden, they started blowing the whistles a lot.

Free throws by Ballou. Got that one to go. Might as well just run the clock and just have a free throw shooting contest for the rest of this one. Green will come out of the game. And I didn't see him come in. I think it's Burnett. Second one with no blue. No good. Rebound taken down by Roy of Florence. Jones will bring it across the midcourt strike. Hard to the basket. Got a step. Put the shot up. Got it to go. Floated that one over two with the Jets players.

Jets try to run out the other end. Falcons got back better that time. Darby's layup, though. No good. Rebound tipped around. Taken by Florence. Coming out of there. Florence with it. Triple team. Gets rid of it. Can push it. They got numbers now. Down the floor. Florence has it to Roy. Hands it off to Payne. He's double teamed in the corner. Has to throw it off of a Jets player. Going to go out of bounds and no Jets touched it. Yeah, they missed the two guys that shoved him out of bounds for him to force that ball, though.

I mean, you're calling touch fouls that don't have any effect on the play, but the ones that do, you don't call. It's bizarre. Knapp in back court. Ten-point lead for the Jets. Cleaves up the floor. Uses his body. Shield defender. Gets it over to Knapp. Swings it around. Harris back to Cleaves. Goes baseline with it. Reverse layup of Beauty. He's pretty special. He has nine on the day unofficially. A 12-point lead. Pearson. Guarded there by Harris. Right in front of the Florence bench. To Payne up top.

[1:13:15] Guarded by Knapp. To Roy. Back to Pearson. Open. Three ball on the way. Got it. Big shot there by J-Shod. Timeout taken by Florence. 40-31. 5-04 to go here in the third. Falcon basketball returns in one minute. Thanks for choosing Whataburger. What can I get started for you? At Whataburger, each meal is made to order, so you can always get exactly what you crave. If that's a Whataburger What-A-Meal, you got it. But if you're in the mood for something a little more you, like a Whataburger with grilled onions, crispy bacon, and creamy pepper sauce, go for it.

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For more information about their practice or to request an appointment, go to SingingRiverDentistry.com. The voice of the Florence High School Falcons. WYTKFM. Rogersville. Athens. Decatur. The Shoals. 93.9. The Score. Jets will bring the basketball in, and Cleves will bring it up the floor. Quick three on the way from the corner is up and no good. Blue got the rebound. Blue put it in. Just can't block him out. Just too much on the inside is Blue. Falcons try to answer on the other end. Three-pointer no good by Payne.

Blue gets the rebound. Florence throws it by 11. Johnson will bring it up the floor. Johnson keeps the dribble alive. Blue's been in the lane for an hour. Johnson trying to back his man down. Good help right there. Ball swings around. Darby drives inside to Blue. In the paint. Put up a shot. He's fouled. They'll go to the line and shoot two. I've seen more contact than football. I mean, seriously. The thing is, Blue is a really good post player. And honestly, this Florence team has not got the strong post player inside that's going up against a 6'5", 6'6".

Kid. They have guys that are willing to get down and dirty, but they're just outmatched. Yeah. I mean, that's nothing against the kids. Free throw is good by Blue. To make it a 12-point lead. He's a big, strong player. I mean, you watch him going down the court. He's using his body. He's letting those guys know who the dog is in that middle. Both free throws good this time by Blue. Alexander Blue has been pretty special. 13-point lead for the Jets. Payne gets it over to Jones.

Jones to Burnett. Burnett dribbles up top. Got it to Pearson. Pearson keeps it inside the lane. Now kicks it back out to Burnett at the top of the key. Burnett drives. Looking. Bounce pass down the baseline. Knocked away from Jones. Jones bounce pass inside to Roy. Ball on the floor. Whistle. And a foul call because I saw a fist. Who's the foul on? He's calling. He's. How is that a foul on the guy that's on. They called it on Roy. Who's cutting to the basket. He's standing up.

The guy that cut his legs out underneath did not get. Did not get the foul call. It was right in front of us. And Mike Alberson described it well. That's insane. 13-point lead and free throws coming for the Jets at the 3.56 mark. And the guy that dove into the player's legs. Wound up is shooting free throws now. That's a new one. No good. Johnson missed that one terribly. Skipworth will have to come in for Roy. That's insanely bad. 44-31. 3.56 to go. And again, if you're Florence, you've got to get this thing down to single digits at the end of the quarter, I feel like.

That's your goal a little bit here. Win the next four minutes. Next free throw by Johnson. He missed them both. The ball didn't lie at all on that one. Rebound taken by Florence. Down to Ford. Threw it away. Jones threw it to Skipworth. He was trying to spin. Wasn't ready for it. The unforced turnovers have been a, well, as we used to say, a bugaboo. That means it's just a tough, tough thing. Yeah, that was not on Skipworth. That pass was high and tight. He tried to make an adjustment in the air.

There was no way that pass was getting to him. But the defense of the Jets have been so smothering. The Falcons, when they see an open look, they're trying to take advantage of it. That's it. Back door cut. Spiller layup. Good. To perfection right there. Just you see, that was a veteran play right there by veteran team. Pearson in the corner. Good look for Burnett. Three on the way. Went and go. Rebound by Spiller. Goes it up the floor. Ball on the floor. It's taken away by the Jets.

[1:18:23] They go down. Lay it up. But Johnson put it in. And the lead up to 17. Look out. Danger time for Florence in the 3-16 mark of the third. Pearson to Burnett in the corner. Ball knocked away. Nearly stolen. Last touch by the Jets. They smell blood in the water right now. And they should. This Jets team has really won this game by getting out and running the break. And you can see this is a team with a lot of experience. Being able to smell the blood in the water and really apply even more pressure than they already have is something to be seen.

A lot of seniors on this team, they know what they're doing and really applying the pressure at this point. Pearson step back three. Tough shot. Makes it anyway. Jay Shodd, the senior, will not go down without a fight. I guarantee you. That's 10 on the night for him. 48-34. Cleves for the Jets in front court. The Johnson picked up by Burnett. The count starts. He'll dribble back to the right. Got into the lane. Florence does a good job helping and stolen away by Burnett. Burnett played the pass alone as they did the switch.

Pearson will bring it up to the right sideline. Looking. He'll try another three. Why not? He was fouled. He'll shoot three. We'll take that at the 228 mark. So, a chance to put a 6-0 run together by Jay Shodd Pearson alone. Got to hit the first. The senior wears number two. First one on the way. Got that one to go. As I said earlier, when you play 91 games in this black and blue uniform and you start 89 of them, you're pretty special. Second one's good. Knapp and Harris.

That's Kyan Harris will come in. Florence has Burnett on the floor along with Jones, Skipworth, and Payne. And Pearson at the free throw to try to complete the three-point play and does. So, he knocks down three. He'll get a quick breather as Cooper Fulmer will come in for Skipworth. Forty-eight, thirty-seven. So, the Falcons were down by 17. They responded with a 6-0 run from the senior, Pearson. But the ball's in the hands of Cleves now. Cleves will bring it up for you. I think he's going to go one-on-one all the way.

Driving to the basket. Lobbed it up. Put it up. Missed the shot. Rebound by Burnett. Tried the alley-oop. And Burnett gets the rebound. Burnett in back court. The freshman lobs it up to Payne. Brings it up the front court. The double-team comes. Payne in the lane. Got it around to Pearson. Lost it. Picked it back up. Saved it. Got it to Burnett. In the corner. Jones drives baseline. Kicked it in the other corner. Fulmer. Three on the way. That would have been big. Missed it. No good.

Rebound by Cleves. They want to run again. Darby down the floor. Darby goes up. Missed the layup. There's Ballou fighting for the rebound. Got it. Put it up. Put it in. Just too much Ballou tonight. Down by 13 with 143 to go in the third. Pearson front court. Picked up by Darby. Got into the paint. Up and under. Beautiful move. But couldn't get the shot to go. Rebound taken down by Knapp. Did everything right. But that one wouldn't fall. Knapp will bring it up to four. Fulmer will pick him up.

Bounce pass to the right side. They go back up to Knapp. He lost. It goes out back court. Turned over by the Jets. So Florence will get the basketball back with 120 to go. Down by 13. Jones inbounded. Got to get ready. The ball's in his hands. Somebody's got to go get it. Finally get into Burnett. That's the thing I've talked about. Just not watching. Burnett into the lane. Kicks it in the corner. Fulmer will try another three. Got it. Cooper Fulmer drains the three. And the Falcons have cut this lead down to 10.

Falcons pick up full court. Gleaves will have it in his hands. When he gets it in his hands, watch out. Payne will guard him at the midcourt strike. Dylan Burleson saying, come on, guys. I know you've got one more left in you. Gleaves into the paint. Almost lost it. Saved. Put up. Laid up. Good. Right place. Right time for Kyan Harris. Falcons want to run. Falcons down the floor. Burnett. Beautiful fake. Put it up. Put it in. Falcons wants to finally get it down there. The freshman answers back.

Cut it back to 10 with 40 seconds to go. Fulmer will try it. Cleaves now. Cleaves will keep it in his hands. At the top of the key. Drive it. In the lane. Fulmer knocked it away. Now he has to save it. Goes inside. Knocked away. And a whistle. And a foul. And that is going to be timeout. What is that called there? A warning? I'm not sure what that was. He pointed to the James Clemens bench. He gave 14 on the hold. I guess on blue. He gave Burnett a foul.

[1:23:28] Burnett was going around the side. It didn't look like he was holding them. There's no way. And then Coach Sullivan, I guess. Was unhappy about something. He got a warning. He ended up getting a warning, I guess. But, I mean, so much for a warning. He's still out on the court. Blue hits another free throw. He's hit five today. Maybe even six. That's six. Second free throw. Got that one. Well, you go long enough to the free throw line. You start making them. 12-point game. 54-42.

Falcons with a basketball. Chance to cut this to 10. Burnett lost it. He's going behind the back. Lost it. Cleves has it. 1-on-1. Cleves up and under. Draw the contact. Will go the line to shoot two. Smart play by the senior point guard for James Clemens. And I'll be glad when Isaiah Cleves goes to college. These men, something else. 12-point lead. And they'll try to extend it out. Lawrence had cut it to 10 twice here in the third quarter. The Cleves will hit the first. Burnett will come out.

Skipworth will come in. I'm still not sure about that foul on Burnett a minute ago. Second free throw from Cleves. Missed that one. Blue got the rebound and put it in. Nobody boxed him out well enough. That's the top things that will beat you right there. 15-point lead. Pearson wide open. Three ball. Got to take it. In and out wouldn't go. Rebound chased out of bounds. Last touch by Florence with 3.6 on the clock. I don't want to be much of a naysayer, but we're going to need somewhat of a miracle to be coming back on this one.

Inbounds pass. They get it in. They're not going to try anything. They'll just hold it. And that will do it for three quarters. Florence trails by 15 with one quarter left possibly in the season. This is Falcon basketball. We're back in 60. Florence Utilities now offers new bill pay options. Sign up for paperless, auto pay, text pay, and more to make your life easier. When you go green and go paperless, you'll no longer have paper bills filling up your mailbox and you'll be helping the environment. Sign up for text pay.

Bill notifications go directly to your phone by text. Click the link and easily view and pay your bill. To take advantage of these convenient ways to view and pay your utility bill, visit FlorenceAL.org front slash enroll or call 760-6512 for more information. Irons Electric has been family owned and operated for 65 years. Irons Electric is deeply rooted in the Florence High School tradition and is happy to be a part of many past projects, including the recently completed new band room. Irons Electric Company was voted the number one electrical contractor in 2023.

Our professional team on staff and master electricians provide the expertise to make sure your project is installed per code to operate safely and flawlessly. From small residential jobs to large commercial projects, call Irons Electric at 256-766-3870. You won't be shocked by their reputation. One quarter left in this one. It's not good news for Florence. They trail 57-42 to the top seed, James Clemens. Florence scored 20 points in the third quarter, Mike, but the problem was the Jets. Jets scored 27. That'll usually do it right there. Anything you can do, I can do better.

And so the Jets definitely took it to the Falcons that time. It was a nice run there for both teams at one point. They both had nice little runs, but the Jets' run was quite a bit bigger. And unfortunately, we're down 15 with eight minutes to go. Falcons are inbound. Backcourt Pearson has it. Don't panic, but you just got to take care of the basketball and get some good looks, but you got to take some shots. Jones, and it costs steps. Okay. A lot of contact. A lot of contact.

Yep. Grief. Inbounds coming for the Jets. Cleves will bring it up the left sideline. And a whistle. That's on Pearson. That's not a smart foul. Jay Shaw trying to get that one back. But he's going to lose that one. They're not calling that player control, especially when you hip-check a guy. That's not going to be called. It's not a wise, not our best play of the night. Cleves has it. Hands it off to Harris. Ball pops around a nap in the corner. They post up. Now Cleves inside.

He spins back and throws it away. So the Jets turn it over. Got to start chipping away, guys. Little by little, you got to make them pay. Every time there's a turnover, you got to put up some points here. Pearson will have it up the front court. Gets it to Green. Irons has it top of the key. Irons back to Green. Green's got a good shot if he takes it, but he hasn't in a while. Payne to Irons. Irons looks back. Gets it to Green at the free throw line.

[1:28:45] Drive. Spins in the lane. Beautiful. Turnaround jumper. Good. That's the best play of Green so far in this game. Knock it out. Went down. Trended to the 13. Cleves picked up by Pearson at the midcourt stride. Uses his body shield. Got the step. Lost it going up. That's a great strip right there by Jones. He's double, triple teamed the backcourt. All he's got to do is dribble out of it, and now he does. Jones will bring it up the court. Double teamed again. Looking, trying to step through.

And a 10-second call, and that's the right thing. All he had to do, when you're in that part, throw it towards the goal. There's usually somebody open. And he had a man wide open down here. The problem is, that man that's wide open down here, there were so many guys that were separated from him. Run to the ball. You know he's being trapped in that corner, and they were kind of, they were very far away. It was a low percentage pass, and he got caught with the 10 seconds.

That 10-second call was a lot coming from Frankie Sullivan on the bench, too. He was working, and I don't blame him. Inbounds pass. Comes to Darby. Picked up by Jones. Darby got a step. Put the left-hand layup. No good. Rebound taken down by Irons. Irons can get it to Payne, who will bring up the left sideline. Got a step towards the lane. Boy, he's hit, knocked down, and no call. Rebound taken around. A turnover, and it goes to the Jets, and Darby will throw it down.

Well, I thought there was a lot of contact in front of me. I almost took off my headset and yelled contact at the official sitting right below me. Payne can't do a whole lot more than that. Pearson in the lane. Got a step. Put it up. Put it in. Jay shot. No quit. Trimps the lead to 13. 59-46 at the 6-0 minute mark. Inside Blue is wide open. Put it up. Put it in. Falcons can't do anything with him. Too much Blue. 19 on the evening for Blue.

And about – that's points. I don't know how many blocked shots. Payne is double-teamed, forced out of bounds, pushed out of bounds. And we finally get an official who calls that a foul. That will go against Knox Harris. It's kind of amazing that that was the first time that that was called. And, look, kudos to James Clements for keeping applying the pressure that way. If they're not going to call it, absolutely use that to your advantage. Inbounds pass, not a good one. It's stolen away. That's good defense, and that was just poor execution by Florence there.

Darby will have it picked up by Irons. Irons trying to see – that should be a five count right there. I don't know why it's not five. Now he breaks the count. He was right with him. Now pass it back out to Darby. And Cleese will have it picked up by Payne. 5.25 to go, and the Jets going to run a little clock to get it to Blue. Back over to Nap. Kicks it back out to Cleese, and the Jets are going to build this clock inside. Blue wide open.

Missed the dunk. Was going for it, but it goes right to a Jets player. and they'll have another chance to run some clock. Dylan Burleson said, you've got to come out and guard. Blue on the baseline. Picked up by Irons. Trying to go against Irons. Spins the other way. Put it up. Put it in. It's a big-time move by a big man there. 63-46. Payne will bring it up the floor. J.C. on. Yo-Yo's with it. Three on the way. Won't go. Green went up for the rebound.

Got it. Turned around. Put it up. Wouldn't go. Halfway down. It came out. That type of night for Florence. The Jets have it. Blue didn't even have to jump for the rebound. He just stood there and waited for it. It was uncontested at that point once Green faded away with that shot. Blue down on the baseline again. Spins back. Good double team that time. Ball knocked away. Fought for it. Jump ball. Possession there will go back to Florence, I believe. He called timeout. He called timeout.

He gave a timeout to Frankie Sullivan. We're going to take a 30-second timeout so we can cool off as well. 4.23 to go in the game. Florence down by 17. This is Falcon Basketball. We're back in 30. I've been walking toward this my whole life. You didn't always know where I was going, and neither did I. But you always encouraged me to chase my dreams. Bank Independent is helping me take the next step. By opening an account, I unlocked a scholarship to UNA. Now, I'm ready for what's next, knowing I've always had support every step of the way.

Bank Independent. We're invested in your future. For more information, visit bibank.com slash scholarship member FDIC. 4.23 to go in the game, and possibly in the season for the Florence Falcons, who trailed 63-46. The Jets led it after one, 17-8. They've led it the whole way, 30-22 at the half, where the Florence had it cut to eight. The Jets outscored Florence 27-20 in the third quarter. It led it by 15. Then they lead it by 17. Now, Kevin Johnson and Mike Albertson. It's not been a fluent game for either team, but, you know, Mike, let's be honest about it.

[1:33:54] Tip of the hat to a senior-laden Jets team who do what they do. You know, I said it off the air. I'll say it on the air. This team does look like a Final Four caliber team, and we kind of knew that going in. They made it to Hanceville last year and returned all their starters. So, you know, they're just taking care of business at this point. And the set play there for Ballou, he let the two defenders go by him when he went up to get the pass and then just laid it in.

The largest lead of the day at 19. Pearson, floater, short, no good. Rebound taken by Harris. Up the floor to Ballou. He goes up, lays it in, and he's fouled. We're going to call that at this rate. There was no – oh, gosh. Anyway, Blue had a run out, and if the wind hit him as Jaceon Payne ran by, that would be a lot. He had an uncontested layup, and I don't understand it. But this game is completely out of hand at this rate. 67-46. Free throw, no good.

Rebound taken by Florence. The Jets have run the floor. It's Florence down the floor. Pearson for three again. Got another one. He has shot the ball so well tonight. 67-49. You know, and that's your singer not going out without a fight. You know, he's definitely putting it all out there and landed on the line for his team. Please, wild shot, no good, but a whistle and a foul, and it was a right call. Florence pushed inside that time. I saw that. Being aggressive on rebounds. I mean, there's nothing that hasn't happened before, but, yes, there was a push underneath.

Easy call for the official happened right in front. They're going to lob it into Blue again. Just can't stop it. Don't have the size advantage. Burnett went up to try to block it and just call for the foul. And we got Blue trying to be a bully now, talking trash to the freshmen after the foul. So, you know, this is how these games go. You get out of hand and then you can start talking trash. It's not good. Dylan Burleson has done everything he could to get this team ready.

It's a free throw no good. And the Falcons, I think, probably if they look back on it, the biggest thing was they had no answer for Blue. And too many outlet passes for easy layups and transitions. And turnovers. I mean, you add those three things. I mean, Blue has absolutely dominated this game. He's got nine in this quarter by himself. And they're going to make Blue go out of the game for his shirt tail. They've warned him three times, four times. They said, hey, your shirt tail's not in.

I don't know what the deal is there. And now another whistle. There's five on the floor. The officials don't know there's five on the floor. Coach Sullivan's giving Blue a hard time here. Because he knows down the stretch, you know, to have a player sent off like that, it's not helpful. Florence runs together, but Pearson keeps the ball in his hands. Pearson step back to Jones. Back to Pearson. Open for three again. He makes another one. How many has he made tonight, Mike? That's a lot.

It's about five or six. That is four on the night. Okay, that was four. I had him with five. Maybe I'm counting a little too much. And a whistle on Jones. Foul as he was trying to trap there. Florence down by 16. Former with one. Jayshod with four. And we got Jayceon with two. Man, my bookkeeping is going awry. I'm going to have to get better at this. 68-52. 3.08 to go. End of the season, looks like, for the Falcons. Who fought vaguely all year long. There was never a doubt this effort was there.

The free throw's good. But just, honestly, just didn't have the chemistry, maybe. Still young, still learning. And, honestly, the lack of having size sometimes really plays a factor, too. Absolutely. And, you know, just as it goes. I mean, we saw last year how important size was. We had a couple big men underneath that really took care of business. And this year we're a bit undersized. I mean, we're the smallest team on the court almost all the time. And it's really played at a disadvantage. 70-52, Pearson lost that one.

Frustrated because that one went through the hands. So, Harris will inbound it. Gets in to Cleves. Cleves will bring it up the floor and Pearson chases back. Cross-court pass to Darby. Tipped away by, guess who, Pearson. Good hands. Pearson down the floor. Gets it to Payne. Stepped into the three. Wouldn't go. Rebound goes on the backside to Darby for the Jets. 2.40 to go. Jets comfortably with an 18-point lead. Cleves. Gets by two Falcons and kicks it back out. Frankie Sullivan said that's right. And for the Jets, let's be honest, this is something they're going to want to work on, too.

[1:39:04] Getting leads and being able to handle that basketball. They've got four or five ball handlers, Mike. That was called on Irons. I wasn't sure what he was calling. He beat the defender. He was past him. And that's the fifth foul on Irons who will foul out. And on the tip of the hat to Jaden Irons, he has done this all season long. We've asked him to play the post against bigger players all season long. He has given everything he's got. He certainly has. He's quite the competitor.

I mean, he burst onto the scene on the football field. And we said, well, this player can be special. And we see him developing as a basketball player as well. Just being, you know, just a big strong man. But having some game as well. You know, just being able to see the court and do a lot of good things. A lot of the lunch pail things that you don't see necessarily on the stat sheet. He's been a great player all year. Corbin Johnson, one of two on the free throws.

Gives the Jets a 19-point lead, 71-52 with 213. Payne drives. Eurostep layup, blocked from behind. That's been the night as well. Block shots. That's a backcourt. Hey, and they got it right. As Darby was across the midcourt stripe, threw it back. That was the tricky part. He lost the ball on the front end. But after he crossed an established position on that front court, threw a backcourt. You know, easy call for the official. But that was just a matter of the player losing where he was on the court.

Pearson picked up by Yokota. Those two have faced off a lot of basketball over the past three seasons. Jones for Florence. Lost it. Picked it back up to Pearson. Top of the key. He's having to dribble against Blue now. And Pearson says, I'll take on the challenge. Back out Fulmer. Open. Three ball on the way. Back rim. Wouldn't go. Boy, had a good look. And a foul inside. I think Roy did a good job boxing out. Which four do they call it on is the question.

They're going to call it on Roy there. I couldn't see it directly. So, I can't say. But no argument there from Dylan Burleson. No. Keon Harris did a great job boxing out there. And, you know, while Roy was fighting for the ball, he just kept boxing him out. He wound up being all over his back on that point. That was his textbook on the back call. Jamie and Lewis will check in for Roy, who fouled out. And Dylan Burleson coaching up Roy on the sideline here.

Still standing with him, talking to him. And all the bench players still standing, waiting for Roy to take a seat. Just shows the culture change. Those little things like that. Those matter. But it just hasn't been the Falcons' night. Better days are yet to come for the Falcons, I guarantee you. Absolutely. Even the Falcons on the bench right now. We have a couple guys that are not dressed out, but they are future Falcons. Giving them a little taste of what this could be, you know, in the future for them.

Just being able to see the atmosphere and getting this opportunity to be on the bench is something special for them as well. Second free throw coming. We'll miss both of them. Rebound taken by Florence. Payne will bring it up the floor. He's a double team. Cross court. Pass Pearson gives it up to Fulmer. Three on the way. It wouldn't go. Rebound taken by the Jets. They've empty their bench out now. Except for Harris. Keon Harris is in the game. He splits the double team. Harris goes inside.

They give it away. Lay up, put up, and in. As one of their players comes off the bench, Javon Grant, gets a basket. 21-point lead. Pearson for another three. Why not? The senior has been special for three years. And that three was just, well, that's a J-shot Pearson thing right there. Front court for the Jets. Timeout taken by Frankie Sullivan. He won't keep it right here. He's just getting substitutes in. We'll still keep it right here. As the official said, timeout. That's a class move there by Frankie Sullivan.

Understanding the situation. He had a player that maybe didn't get a whole lot of time throughout this year. Just got a bucket and called the timeout just to bring his guys together so that they could all celebrate as a team. That's a nice special move there by Coach Sullivan. Hats off to him. You know, you could tell he gets it. While he's a competitor and he can be out there sometimes, he's really just an excellent basketball coach. And we've seen it throughout the years. 57 seconds to go.

Florence will fall in this one and end their season. They lead the trail 73-55. Right now, we've got our three seniors out on the court. J.B. Lewis, Cooper Fulmer, and J. Shaw Pearson to close it out here for the Falcons along with Bo Berski and J.C. On Payne. Falcons playing defense and nearly forced a turnover, but saved by the Jets. Double team comes, and they do force a turnover now. Slow Falcons have it with 47 seconds to go. One of the James Clemens cheerleaders here next to me doing a little dance.

[1:44:08] She's ready for the next game coming up. Congratulations to the Jets. Pearson three. He's hot as a firecracker. If he's going out, he's going out like J. Shaw Pearson only knows how. Hit another three. That's six on the night for him. Like I said, didn't I say you had six threes earlier? Grant lost it going up in a whistle foul. They're going to call a foul on Pearson, who just fouled out of the game, and he runs to the big. I love that young man. I mean, I'll give him a stand and no.

He sees us up here. He looks up here, and he knows how much we appreciate that youngster right there. And there's a hug from several of the coaches, including the head coach. He deserves it. He has been the heart and soul of this team for a couple of years now in many ways. Free throw no good. And by the way, congratulations to J. Shaw Pearson, who was signed by the University of North Alabama in football, offered and signed. And that's tremendous that he's going to play at the next level.

Pretty special moment. Both free throws no good. Rebound by Lewis with 30 seconds to go. Florence down by 15. Payne will come down. Pull back for three. Got it. Payne dreams that one. Cut it to 13. Stolen away by Fulmer. Fulmer bounce pass. Lost it. Got it back. Back to Payne. Three on the way. Good. Cut it down to nine points with 10 seconds to go. Stolen away by Florence. Payne for three. No good. Rebound by Burski. Put it up. No good. Rebound taken by Florence. And that's going to do it.

Florence will fall 73-64. But there was no fight. No quit in this team. They fought to the EMI. And they certainly did. And, you know, you want to talk about handing off the torch here. You know, you had J. Shaw Pearson hitting those final two threes there before he fouled out. And who takes over? But J. John Payne hitting the next two threes. You know, like that's a – you can't draw it up any better. You know, you want to look to the future. And J. John Payne showed you what's next.

So, you know, as we hate the way that this game played out and everything, you know, the future is bright here for the Falcons. Hats off to James Clemens who did a phenomenal job. They are going to make a run in this playoffs. And, you know, the way they're playing, they're going to be a tough out for anybody. So, I see them going in quite well in that tournament. Falcons Falls, 7364. This is Falcon Basketball. We're back in one minute. Hey, Falcon fans. This is Keith at Cypress Creek Indoor Range.

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Remembering if it's your day to bring snacks. Making it to the game with a clean jersey. Why are simple things sometimes so complicated? Thankfully, with auto owners, insurance doesn't have to be one of them. Auto owners works with independent agents who answer when you call. So you can worry about more important things. Like whether your kid is going to run toward first or third base. That's simple human sense. In Florence, see Luke Brown at Henniker Johnson & Layton Insurance. Call 256-764-8682. Shoals drop everything. This is not a drill.

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And close their season out tonight in area tournament play. It's been a tough season for the Falcons. And tonight maybe just sort of summed it all up. Just a lot of things that happened tonight. Could not get stops when they needed. Probably got beat on the boards more than we wish to admit. And really turnovers as well against a really good team. This Falcon team has fought hard all season alone. It's not that they didn't have any quit in them. But in the end, they fall 73-64 to a really good Jets team.

Who will advance to take on Bob Jones on Saturday night here. I don't think this place will be quite as empty as it was tonight. I say empty. It wasn't a bad crowd here. But I would expect Saturday night it will be packed here between the two teams from Madison. As they play for an area championship. That should be electric for sure. Best of luck to both teams going forward. And for the Falcons, they fall tonight 73-64. Final stats brought to us by Mike Albertson. My good friends at Chick-fil-A.

[1:49:20] Mike? Thanks, Kevin. Leading the way for James Clements was Alexander Blue with 27 points. We had Corbin Johnson with 9. Mekhi Darby with 9. Keon Harris with 7. Isaiah Cleaves with 12. TJ Knapp with 4. We have Jacob Spiller with 4 points. And Javion Grant with 2 points. Leading the way for the Falcons. In his final game, Jaceon, or Mayshod Pearson with 27 points. Jaceon Payne had 14. Taylin Jones, 6. Tamari and Skipworth with 2. Cage Roy with 4. Cooper Fulmer with 3 points. Jaden Irons with 2. Xylem Payne with 2 points. Falcons never let in the game. They trailed early and never could get the lead.

They trailed by 9, 17-8 after 1, and ended up losing tonight, 73-64. Valiant effort, but just could not pull it out. That is for sure. Just synopsis of this season. Not the way we wanted it. But let's not miss that this team has taken strides as a program as well. Absolutely. You know, this team only had 2 returning players. That experience. So, it was basically a brand new team. Jaceon Pearson had a, I mean, was the only returning starter. And then Jaceon Payne was the only returning scorer, really.

I mean, we had Cooper Fulmer and Kevante Green had some minutes down the stretch. But really, it was the lion's share of those first two guys. And they, you know, they led this team in scoring for the majority of the season. But we watched these other guys develop as the season has gone on. So, you know, you're watching these young players. Before you guys, Taylor Jones, he got a lot of quality minutes. He was able to fight hard underneath. Cage Roy, you know, Jaden Burnett, the freshman coming out of nowhere, kind of really making his mark.

So, the future is bright here for this program. I know I could go down the roster and do a whole big synopsis. We might even be able to do a preview show next year. Who knows? But the reality is, is that coaches really worked on these players and they've developed over the season. And you can see that the future is right there in front of us. We just need to continue to take those steps forward as the offseason progresses. The culture is good. I like that.

Just little things I see. Just how the team, this team could have easily quit during the season. They could have easily given up. They did not. They kept it together. They kept fighting every week. They won some big games. They had some close ones not go their way. And they fought hard. But it just did not go their way in the end. But the Falcons did play well at times. And really, again, I say maybe they're just outmatched most times. It wasn't their fault. It was just talent versus talent.

But I think the culture has changed. And I go little things like just how the players continue to gut it out, how they welcomed each other on the bench, how they listened to coaches and took coaching and stayed with it. So, hats off to them and to the three seniors who have been with this team for the past couple of years. Congratulations to JV Lewis, to Fulmer, Cooper Fulmer, and obviously to J-Shot Pearson for three great careers. And we appreciate their hard work. And we look forward to another season coming up next year.

By the way, just a heads up, the Lady Falcons will be in the Sweet 16. They also play tomorrow night at Bob Jones. And they'll be in the Sweet 16 at Hanceville. I believe that's next Friday. So, a week from tomorrow, they'll be in Hanceville playing in the 7A Girls Sweet 16. So, congratulations to the Lady Falcons. And congratulations to the men as well for a great season. Just coming up a little short tonight. Well, that's going to do it for us. We want to say thank you to all our sponsors for making it possible for us to bring you Florence Falcon basketball this season all year long.

For our good friends and our station manager, Greg Thornton. For James Moody, 939 The Score Studios. My best friend over here, Mike Albertson. I'm Kevin Johnson saying have a great night. Go Falcons. As always, I'll see you in church on Sunday. Good night, everyone. You've been listening to Florence Falcons basketball on Sports Radio 93.9 The Score. Florence Falcons basketball on 93.9 The Score has been brought to you by Florence Utilities. Florence City Schools. The law firm of Johnson, Pasture, Medley, and Birchel. Lost Pizza, North Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic, TNT Fireworks, Yogurt Mountain, Whataburger, Singing River Dentistry, Bank Independent, Irons Electric, Cypress Creek Indoor Range, and Hinegar Johnson & Layton Insurance.

Thanks for listening, and go Falcons!