Jasper drops district tilts to Bridge City, H-F
By GEORGIA PURDY

BRITTANY BRONSON, a senior on the Jasper Lady Bulldogs, tosses in two points during a recent contest with Orangefield.

Jasper head girls’ basketball coach Joe Baker says they are still looking for a win, but the team is showing potential.

The Lady Bulldogs lost two district games last week to Bridge City and Hamshire Fannett.

“We’re still looking for that first win, but I must admit that the girls are starting to play with desire and I’m starting to see their potential come forth,” Baker said.

In Jasper’s 63-33 loss to Bridge City, shooting percentages were a problem, especially from the field. They were nine for 20 at the free throw line and 12/45 from the field.

“One thing that is hurting us right now is shooting from the field,” Baker said. “Our shots are just not going in. I can’t fault them for not shooting the ball.”

Jasper trailed 18-11 at the end of the first quarter and were behind 30-17 at the half. The third period ended 44-26.

Janice Shelby and Audri Phillips finished with eight points each. Shalithia Middleton had seven, Anna Nation, four; Clementine Johnson, three.

Bridge City’s Christine Jacques scored 25 points. Lauren and Jenna Angelle had 10 points each.

Even with a 60-41 loss to Hamshire Fannett, Baker said that his team put forth a lot of effort.

“They put forth the effort I knew that were capable of,” he said. “Even with the loss, they are due praise for the way they fought. Foul trouble really did us in.” At the end of the first quarter,

Jasper trailed 19-8, were down 31-20 at the half and 41-33 at the end of the third.

Middleton, usually a good shooter was held to two points for the entire game and fouled out at the end of the fourth quarter.

“Brittany Bronson and Anna Nation stepped up their play,” Baker said. “Brittany finished with 15 points; Anna had 14.”

Baker named Tameeka Galloway and Danielle Scott as defensive standouts with Janice Shelby doing a good job of managing the game with point guard Middleton out of play.

“We had a lot of turnovers that I think cost us the game,” he said. “We went 3/10 from the free throw line while Hamshire Fannett made 21 out of 31 attempts. I think our girls are getting the picture now. They know that victory was close and we let the game get away due to turnovers.”

Leading scorers for Hamshire Fannett were Memri Carmon with 18 points; and Macy Howerton chipped in eight points.

Jasper will play West Orange-Stark on the road Jan. 5, and will be at home against Hardin-Jefferson Jan. 9.