Jasper opens roundball season with 62-39 win
By GEORGIA PURDY

KEITH GRAHAM (33), above, finds his path to the bucket blocked by a pair of Carthage defenders. Pictured left, Danterio Anderson (21) works hard to prevent an inbounds pass. Jasper defeated Carthage 62-39 in the season opener for both squads.

The Jasper Bulldogs opened basketball season to a good crowd and a 62-39 win over Carthage Nov. 14.

It was a fast-paced but low-scoring game, especially in the first quarter. Both teams missed a number of shots and committed turnovers. The period ended 10-9.

Jasper scored 19 points in the second, held Carthage to only seven and ended the first half at 29-16. Carthage rallied in the third quarter with 15 points, but the Bulldogs topped them with 16 and then held an 18-7 lead in the fourth.

The 'Dogs don't have exceptional height, but the season opener indicates that they do have speed and are aggressive on both offense and defense.

"Oh, we can't slow down," one of the players said after the game. "If we do, coach Young will pull us out of the game."

The fast break served them well and if they continue to hone their offensive skills, the Bulldogs could be a real presence in the new district, which is home to two pre-season state ranked teams- West Orange-Stark and Hardin-Jefferson.

Roderick Kyles led the scoring with 17 points, followed by Roman Land and Desmond Smith with nine each. Smith and Land also shot one three-pointer each. Dominique Bailey contributed eight; Aaron Garrett had seven.

Smith led in rebounds with five offensive and four defensive. Land took down three each.

Titus Turner and DJ Jackson grabbed two defensive rebounds each.

The team effort resulted in a total of 16 defensive and 15 offensive rebounds.

Land led in steals. He took the ball away three times while Danterio Anderson, Jaren Bronson, Turner, Garret and Bailey forced one turnover each.

Assists came from Bailey with four; Bronson, three; Keith Graham and Smith, two each.

Graham also had one block.

Junior varsity lost their opener with Warren's varsity team.

The freshman team also lost to Carthage. Both teams played with only one day of practice.

The Bulldogs will play Little Cypress- Mauriceville at home Tuesday, Nov. 28.

DJ Jackson

Freshmen begin at 5 p.m., with JV and varisty following.

DANTERIO ANDERSON flies through the air with a tough shot during last Tuesday's victory over Carthage.