Jasper captures first at Goodrich tourney
Lady Dawgs move to 5-7 in early non-district play
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy MICHELLE WALLACE (3) gets up over the Kirbyville defender to take a shot. The Lady Wildcats defeated Jasper in the opening game in district play

After a disappointing loss to Kirbyville in the district opener, the Jasper Lady Bulldogs turned their team around and won the championship at the Goodrich tournament over the weekend.

In tournament play, Jasper defeated Shepherd 61-44 in game one. Leading scorers were Courtney Baker, 21 points, followed by Melsasia Kelly, 11; Anna Nation, 7; and Shalethia Middleton and Danielle Scott with six each.

The Lady 'Dogs went on to defeat Big Sandy 49-40 and then Conroe Junior Varsity 46-40 in the final game. With the 3-0 effort at the tournament, they are 5- 7 on the season.

"After the loss to Kirbyville, I told them we would not walk away from the tournament without the championship," coach Joe Baker said. "They believed they could do it and they did. This is a great accomplishment for our program. They bounced back after Tuesday's poor performance and everyone on the team put forth great effort."

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy BREEUNNA HAFFORD (20) sinks the basket despite the Kirbyville defender's attempt to block the shot.

Courtney Baker received the tournament MVP award and Sheleithia Middleton, Brandi Goff, Breeunna Hafford, and Michelle Wallace received all -tournament team honors.

The 14-day break between games was probable cause for the 62-45 district loss to Kirbyville. Jasper had no games scheduled between Nov. 20 and Dec. 4 when they opened district play.

The Lady Bulldogs were sluggish, plus 16 turnovers, 12 fouls and cold shooting followed.

"We had a bad night," Baker said. "We were sluggish since we hadn't played since the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. We also had a rough night at the freethrow line with only 39 percent. Besides, that we missed 16 layups."

Other stats were equally low: three assists, one steal and one block showed just how much the layoff hurt. The Lady Wildcats were not an impressive team, yet they beat Jasper down the court consistently and blocked a number of shots.

Melsasia Kelly, Breeunna Hafford, and Anna Nation had 11 points each. Also contributing points were Brandi Goff, Danielle Scott and Courtney Baker.

"I think the tournament championship got our legs back under us," Baker said. "This team is very capable of great things this season . I think by winning this tournament, it will boost their confidence and motivate them to bring their level of play up to standard. I also want to thank the fans who came out and supported us this weekend."

The Jasper Lady Bulldogs played Orangefield last night in a district contest and will go up against Bridge City at home Dec. 18.