Baker feels young squad will be tested
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Andrea Castle

The Jasper Lady Bulldogs opened their season last week with a 56-30 win over Burkeville. After a low scoring 10-3 first quarter, Jasper was up 31- 9 at the half and never relinquished the advantage.

"We weren't trying to press," Coach Joe Baker said. "I just wanted to see something on defense."

Anna Nation led the scoring with 20 points and also topped the defense with 10 rebounds. Courtney Baker scored nine, Breeunna Hafford, six. Remaining points were evenly distributed.

Jasper returns only three varsity players with multi-year experience. The remainder of the team is composed of last year's junior varsity plus one freshman. However, those former JV sophomores have played together for several years and moved up to play some varsity ball last year.

After a winless district record last year, their prospects should be better this season. However, the competition will be stiff.

Silsbee comes in stateranked number five in the pre-season picks by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC). Orangefield, who was 28-8 last year and competed in the regional tournament the last two seasons, will still be strong. Hardin-Jefferson Lady Hawks return seven of their varsity players so they come in with plenty of experience. Other contenders include Bridge City with some strong senior leadership and West Orange-Stark, who is in the rebuilding phase with a number of young players.

Anna Nation

"We have a lot of potential, but we will be tested this season," Baker said. "I know that there are a lot of expectations for this team and I will be holding them to that standard. As for the district, everyone seems to be balanced and young. I believe our team can be really good and should be in the hunt for a playoff spot behind Silsbee and Orangefield. We will take one game at a time and play hard every time."

Following is a rundown on on the Jasper varsity line-up.

Anna Nation, 5'10" senior; post. Nation is a fourth year varsity player and a good offensive and defensive rebounder. She has a nice shot, shoots free-throws well, and has good hustle.

Clementine Johnson, 5'10" junior; low post. Johnson is a third year varsity player with good strength and is developing into a good low post player. She bangs the boards well and adds physical power.

Brandi Goff

Danielle Scott, 5'2" junior; shooting guard. This is her third year on varsity. She has developed a nice shot over the year and has a desire to be great. She also brings good defensive balance to the team.

D'Aunndrea Spikes 5'7" senior - Spikes started on JV last year and later moved up to varsity. She is a help on the defensive side of the ball, loves to block shots, and works hard. She is still developing her outside shot, but plays hard.

Shalethia Middleton, 5'5" senior; guard. Middleton is a third year varsity player who brings speed and has developed a good outside shot.

Janice Shelby, 5'8" senior; guard. Shelby did not play last year but this will be her third year on varsity. She brings toughness to the defensive side of the game.

Courtney Baker, 5'8" sophomore; point guard. Baker is another who moved up and played some varsity ball last year. She is a good outside shooter, drives into the lane well, and is maturing at point guard. Look for her to break out this year.

Breeunna Hafford

Brandi Goff, 5'9" sophomore; post . A tough low post player, she has the kind of attitude that coaches love. She doesn't say much, she just plays hard.

Brittany Goff, 5'7" sophomore; guard. She will develop into one of our better players before the season is over. She will become a better shooter over the course of the year.

Breeunna Hafford, 5"10" sophomore; forward. Hafford also played a few varsity games last year. She brings a lot to this team and will become a defensive specialist before it's over. She is also developing another area of her game- taking the ball to the hole more.

Michelle Wallace, 4'10" sophomore; guard. Wallace also saw some varsity action last year. She is small but quick and handles the ball well.

Andrea Castle, freshman; forward. Castle is young, but feisty. She has a lot of strength and will be a good forward. She is very quick should develop into a good ball player.

Danielle Scott Michelle Wallace Shalethia Middleton Brittany Goff Clementine Johnson Courtney Baker D'Aundra Spikes