Dawgs fall just short of playoffs
By GEORGIA PURDY

JASPER'S DESMOND SMITH provides a strong defensive stance to a Kirbyville defender during last week's contest.The Bulldogs defeated Kirbyville but a loss to Silsbee dropped Jasper into fourth place in district and just out of the Class 3A playoffs.

Jasper will end in fourth place after the second round 68-53 loss to Silsbee and 68-44 win over Kirbyville last week.

Down 15-8 at the end of the first period, Jasper tied Silsbee's second quarter performance at 14-14 to end the first half down by only seven points. But seven points is a lot against a team like the Tigers who have beaten both Hardin-Jefferson and West Orange-Stark.

The 'Dogs outscored Silsbee 22-19 in the third. Heading into the fourth quarter, they trailed by only four points 48-44, only to come up short in the fourth period. The Tigers held them to only nine points while they dropped in another 22 for the 15-point victory.

Jasper's top three scorers were Dominique Bailey, 15; Keith Graham, nine; and Roman Land, eight.

The Bulldogs led the Wildcats Friday night although Kirbyville threatened several times. At the end of the first quarter, Jasper led 18-16 and were up 29-25. They topped Kirbyville by six points in the third period and sank 22 to the 'Cats' nine in the fourth.

JASPER'S TITUS TURNER goes up for a rebound during the Bulldogs victory over Kirbyville last week.

Desmond Smith was high point with 22, followed by Keith Graham, 20; Roman Land, 13.

"Senior night was a lot of fun," coach Terry Young said. "I appreciate their contributions to this year's team. It's always difficult when a new coach comes in but these guys have been troopers and have played a huge role in setting the foundation for what we believe is going to be a very bright future. We wish them well and our goal is to be there for them long after their playing days are over."

Young said the Silsbee game was a "microcosm" of their season.

"We've shown flashes of of being an outstanding team but we're not quite there yet," he said.

Young said he also appreciated the opportunity to play against "some of the finest and most talented coaches in the state."

"Coach Williams, coach Sutherland and coach McCarter make you better," he said.

Young said he was already looking forward to next year, combining the returning players with the talent coming up from the junior varsity.