The Charles Henderson Lady Trojans defeated Bob Jones 59-31 to claim the third place prize in the Hoover High School basketball tournament this weekend.

After defeating Central Tuscaloosa 41-33 and falling to Hoover 34-32 on Friday night, the Lady Trojans needed a win against Montevallo for a chance to play for third place in the tournament. After a knock’em down effort, the Lady Trojans advanced with a 53-43 win over the Bulldogs.

The Lady Trojans were able to gain separation in the opening half off a strong shooting performance by Miaira Jones. Head coach Dyneshia Jones was able to put in some of her reserves and younger players.

As the game wound down, the Bulldogs were able to get within single digits forcing Jones to bring back her veterans, who were able to close the game out and secure the 53-43 win.

Jones led the Trojans in scoring with 18 points. Maori Davenport finished with 12 points, 18 rebounds and three steals in game one.

Jones was happy to see the girls were not too fatigued after their two games on Friday.

“They are young,” Jones said. “I made sure they got their rest. I got them up early to get some breakfast, but I knew the would be fine.”

The Trojans didn’t have as much rest heading into game two. The Trojans had to quickly prepare for a good Bob Jones team out of 7A.

“I didn’t feel too bad about that because the other team had to play also,” Jones said. “They played at 9, too.”

Game two was the Davenport show, as the big center finished with 16 block shots, 17 points and 18 rebounds to give herself a triple-double for the game.

The Trojans never trailed throughout the contest. The Patriots were able to hang around in the first half, before the Trojans were able to pull away in the second due to a suffocating defense.

“They did a very good job,” Jones said. “It was a struggle. We led the whole time but we didn’t pull away until the second half. We played great defense.”

The two wins give the Lady Trojans a 7-1 record on the season and invaluable confidence.

“I think we are doing a great job,” Jones said. “Bob Jones is a 7A school and they played them really well. This group does what it takes to win. They know how committed you have to be. It’s important to get that experience. We are playing bigger and better teams, setting ourselves up for the area. That is what is most important.”

The Trojans will now have to transfer from tournament play to just single games when they play Bullock County on Tuesday.