Dogs fall short of first goal
Baker wanted 5-2 mark over first half of distict play
By GEORGIA PURDY

JASPER'S RODERICK KYLES (24) and DJ Jackson (14) battle with a pair of Silsbee defenders for a rebound during last week's contest with the Tigers. Silsbee, one of the favorites in District 21-3A, defeated Jasper 82-64 during the first half of the district season.

The Jasper Bulldogs posted two district losses last week to Silsbee and Hardin-Jefferson, giving them a 2-3 record in District 21-3A. Silsbee, Hardin- Jefferson and West Orange- Stark are still the district leaders.

"Our goal was to finish the first half of district play with a 5-2 mark," Coach Terry Young said. "Obviously, that is no longer a reality. Our goal now, which is realistic, is to win the next four games and head into the WO-S game with a district record of 6-3 and in the interim, start focusing personnel changes and strategy that will give us the best chance of beating the big three."

Jasper lost 82-64 to Silsbee Friday night. The Tigers led 21-12 at the end of the first quarter and 46- 27 at the half. The Bulldogs pulled within 10 points in the third period, scored 20 points to Silsbee's 15, but could not overcome the deficit. The quarter ended with the Tigers up 61-47. The teams were evenly matched in the fourth with Jasper scoring 13 and Silsbee, 14.

ROMAN LAND drops in two points against Silsbee as Keith Graham (33) and DJ Jackson (14) look on.

Desmond Smith led the Bulldog scoring effort with 15 points, followed by Roman Land, 14; Keith Graham, 12; and Dominique Bailey, eight. Roderick Kyles had four; Aaron Garrett, John Sells, and DJ Jackson had two each.

Jasper gave up a possible 17 points at the free throw line, shooting 11 for 28 or 39 percent.

The 'Dogs lost 80-60 to Hardin-Jefferson Tuesday night. After trailing only four points (15-19) at the end of the first quarter, Jasper was only able to score 13 to the Hawks' 25 in the second period, ending eight points (32-40) at the half. Play was pretty even in the third. Jasper scored 14 to Hardin Jefferson's 18, but the fourth quarter proved fatal as the Hawks poured in 22 points to the Bulldogs' 14.

Land led the Bulldogs with 16 points, followed by Bailey, 12; and Graham, 10. Jasper was 12 for 22 (55 percent) from the free throw line.

KEITH GRAHAM (33) and Desmond Smith battle a Silsbee player for a rebound during last week's loss to the Tigers. Jasper continued its district play last night taking on the Kirbyville Wildcats.

"Having played the top three teams in the district- two that are state-ranked, my assessment is that we can play with all of them," Young said. "Defensive break downs, poor free throw shooting and our ability to match our opponents intensity have led to this 2-3 district mark."

Jasper junior varsity lost 55-54 to Silsbee in overtime Friday night.

Malcolm Bronson led with 14 points, followed by Christian Goff, 11; Michael Brewer, nine; and Johnathan Hadnot, seven.

They lost by only four points (66-62) to Hardin- Jefferson Tuesday. Bronson scored 32 of those points.

"I'm very proud of them," JV coach Tim Little said. "We're only a couple of balls away from 5-0. We're disappointed tonight because we thought we would win this one."

Friday night district scores are as follows: Hardin-Jefferson over Orangefield 79-47; Hamshire Fannett, 58, Kirbyville, 57; West Orange-Stark, 89, Bridge City, 45.

Jasper played Kirbyville last night and will be at home Friday night against Orangefield. That game will end the first round of district play.