Seniors, new coach may lead Jasper volleyball to playoffs
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Amber Grant

Jasper has five returning players, all seniors, forming the core of this year's varsity volleyball team. After a disappointing season last year where they finished at the bottom of the district, they are hoping for a much better showing.

New head coach Casey Murphy said she has little information about other teams in the district but knows the competition will be stiff.

"Being new, I don't have information about individual teams, but I already know this is a tough district," she said. "Silsbee did very well in the recent Vidor tournament and I think that was mostly against Class 4A teams."

Silsbee won the District 21-3A title last year but was knocked out of the playoffs by La Grange at Area. Hamshire-Fannett won over Splendora in the bi-district round but fell to Columbus at Area. Both Silsbee and Hamshire-Fannett have been in post-season playoffs for the past several years. Bridge City lost to Liberty in bi-district.

"This district is tough but that doesn't mean we won't win games," Murphy said. "We have a lot of work to do but have made a tremendous amount of progress."

D'Aundra Spikes

The Lady Bulldogs are once again, short on height, and will be forced to rely on defense and playing smart.

Following is the varsity line-up.

D'Aundrea Spikes, 5'7" senior, outside hitter. Spikes is a second year varsity player with good hands. "She is great on the back row, but shines at the net," Murphy said. "She keeps our spirits high but knows when to be serious."

Amber Grant, 5'6" senior, setter. Grant is a third year veteran, a good allaround player and quick. "Her athleticism amazes everyone each time she plays," Murphy said. "She perfectly complements Janice Shelby, our other setter."

Janice Shelby, 5'3" senior, setter. Shelby is also a third-year veteran and quick. "She can turn a terrible pass into the perfect set," Murphy said. "Her serves have proven to be tough to return."

Keyna Mason, 5'61/2", senior, middle hitter. This is Mason's second year on varsity.

Shay Adams

"Mason is a true leader on and off the court," Murphy said. "She has the power to motivate and communicates well on the court."

Shalethia Middleton, 5'4" senior, libero. The libero is a back row defensive specialist and Middleton's second year of experience in that position will be a plus for the team. She is quick, athletic and can pass the ball. "The team would be in a lot of trouble without Shalithia's agility," Murphy said. "As a defensive specialist, she picks up balls on the back row that others aren't able to get to. She is a true athlete."

Shay Adams, 5'9" senior, middle hitter. Adams' is a second year veteran who brings height to the team. She is also a good blocker and consistent server.

"Her height is an asset to the team," Murphy said. "She blocks the ball well and also knows where she needs to be."

Rasheeda Cauley, 5'7" senior, middle hitter. This is Cauley's first year on varsity.

"Rasheeda has the ability to stay positive in any situation," Murphy said. "She has grown a lot as a player."

Deanna Spikes

Jerica Baker, 5'5 1/2" senior, middle/outside hitter. This is Baker's first year on varsity.

"Jerica brings intelligence to the court," Murphy said. "She seems to truly understand the strategy of the game."

Shanae Randall, 5'7" junior, middle hitter. Randall will also play varsity for the first time.

"Shanae is an excellent communicator," Murphy said. "She works well at the net and has a powerful serve."

Raykeshia Myers, 5'7" junior, outside hitter. "

Raykeshia is developing into a strong front row player and we can see her progress daily," Murphy said.

Deanna Spikes, 5'6" junior, outside hitter. Deanna is a first year varsity player with good skills on the back row.

"She is one of the youngest players but one of the strongest leaders," Murphy said. "She brings focus to the court and is essential on the back row."

Janice Shelby Jerica Baker Kenya Mason Rasheeda Cauley Raykeshia Myers Shalethia Middleton Shanae Randall