Kellum leads Lady Cats to win over Jasper 67-33
By GEORGIA PURDY

JASPER’S SHALITHIA MIDDLETON drives past a pair of Kirbyville defenders during last Tuesday’s District 21-3A opener. Kirbyville’s Demetra Kellum (23) scored 22 points to lead the Lady Cats to a 67-33 victory over Jasper.

Jasper varsity girls weren’t able to overcome a 20-2 first quarter deficit against Kirbyville last week and lost their first district game 67-33.

“We just couldn’t overcome both the poor first and third quarters,” coach Joe Baker said. “We shot only 22.4 percent from the floor and 57 percent from the free throw line.”

The Lady Bulldogs seemed to warm up in the second period, matching Kirbyville’s 12 points, to end the quarter 32-16. But the third quarter left them even further behind, 48-21. In the fourth, Jasper again scored 12 as The Lady Cats went on to add another 19.

“We have to shoot the ball better in order to stay in the game,” Baker said. “Our defense was good. Breuanna Hafford played a great defensive game against one of 21-3A’s top players, the Kellum girl.”

Kirbyville’s Demetra Kellum lived up to her reputation with a game total of 22 points.

“We played hard against this team and that’s the kind of effort that can turn this season around,” Baker said. “Kirbyville had balanced scoring, and they hit 78 percent of their free throws. Kellum hit nine of her points from the free throw line. We knew we needed to slow her down and keep the ball out of her hands as much as possible, and for the most part we were successful.”

One bright spot for the Lady ‘Dogs was a decrease in turnovers, seven as opposed to previous double digits.

“We did better with turnovers, but we have to have a more productive first quarter offensively,” Baker said. “We also have to improve rebounding, both offensive and defensive.”

Jasper’s scoring effort was led by Courtney Baker with 10 points, followed by Amber Grant, nine.

Jasper’s junior varsity, with only a six-member team, won their game 35- 29.

D’Aundrea Spikes led with 15 points, followed by Janice Shelby, 12.

The Lady Bulldogs played Orangefield last night and will meet Bridge City on the road Dec. 18.