Dawgs pin hoops hopes on strong class
Young points Dawgs towards playoff berth
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

TWO KEY PLAYERS IN the 2007-08 Jasper Bulldog basketball season will be sophomore Dominique Bailey, above, and senior Aaron Garrett (2). Bailey was an alldistrict selection last year for the Bulldogs and will again lead the action from the point guard position. Garrett, who plays the guard position, will be counted on to score for the Dawgs this year. Jasper is considered one of the favorites in District 21-3A to earn a playoff berth this year along with Hardin-Jefferson, Silsbee, West Orange-Stark. Orangefield and Kirbyville are also expected to contend for a playoff spot as well.

The Jasper Bulldogs began district this week, with making the playoffs their goal. They played Bridge City last night and will face Hamshire-Fannett Friday, Dec. 21 at home.

Hardin-Jefferson, last year's state champion, is again ranked number one by the Texas Basketball Coaches Association and every other team in District 21-3A is just hoping to occupy one of the other two slots.

"I believe everything goes through Hardin- Jefferson. They're the state champions," head coach Terry Young said. "All preseason polls have them slotted to win District 21-3A, and I think they should be there until one of us proves otherwise."

Newsboy file photos

The district should be just as tough as last year with not only the defending champion Hawks, but Silsbee as well. In 2006- 2007, the Tigers advanced to the Region III finals before losing to H-J.

"I believe the district is very similar to last year with one exception. I think Orangefield could contend for the third spot with us, West-Orange Stark and Silsbee," Young said. "Orangefield will be the most improved and Kirbyville is another sleeper team who had an excellent ninth grade class coming through."

Young is probably correct in his assessment of Orangefield if preseason play is any indicator. The Bobcats lost to Silsbee by only one point, 50-49 in the Orangefield tournament.

"Our goal is to finish district with 10 wins and get into the playoffs. Nondistrict results have Hardin- Jefferson, Silsbee and Orangefield playing well, while all the rest of us are struggling, he said. "I think our athleticism, speed and depth should allow us to battle for playoff position. I also believe our guard play is the strength of our team. We must get more production from our post in order to be successful. We have played a tough non-district schedule with the likes of LCM, Kountze and Pollok Central all of whom I think will get us ready for district. It's going to be an interesting five weeks and I think there will a lot shuffling before the dust settles in district 21-3A."

Dominique Bailey

The Bulldogs are loaded with seniors, but since they lost their entire starting lineup after the 2005-2006 season, last year was the first time a number of these players got a lot of playing time at the varsity level. Following is the Bulldog line-up with Young's comments.

Robert Adams, 6'2"senior. This young man has a great attitude. He's long and rangy and should defend extremely well.

Terrence Avant, 6'5"senior. He has excellent height at 6'5" and takes up lots of space. We want him to become more aggressive defensively and offensively.

Dominique Bailey, 5'7"sophomore. He is an excellent ball handler and scorer. Our point of emphasis to him will be for him to get his teammates more involved and have him improve his defensive play.

Roderick Williams

Jaren Bronson, 5'7"senior. He's a very quick and athletic guard. He's a very streaky shooter who we want to develop more consistency and confidence in his shot and also use his athleticism to defend the perimeter.

William Ellis, 6''2" junior. We're very impressed with his foot speed, size and attitude. We want him to provide us with presence in the paint.

Aaron Garrett, 6'2" senior. Avery athletic guard who can challenge the opponent's defense off dribble penetration. Our point of emphasis is to get to the basket with the dribble drive and play great defense.

Christian Goff, 5'11" senior. He's a very good shooter and a young man with a positive attitude.

DeJaniero "DJ" Jackson, 6'1"senior. He is a very physical athlete who rebounds well. Our emphasis to him is for him to become a better scorer in the paint and finish once he gets the ball in his hands.

Roderick Kyles, 6'0" senior. A guy who can get up and down the floor and who can score. We want him to improve his stamina and be more consistent in all areas of the game.

Aaron Garrett

Landis McBride, 5'9" senior. He has good quickness and athleticism. We want him to become a lockdown defender.

Kwame Spikes, 5'8" junior. This guy is a gym rat and his intelligence on the floor is very noticeable. He has a good shot and we want him to continue to make offensive and defensive strides.

Cameron Stubblefield, 5'10" junior. He's a guy who can shoot and pass well. We need him to assert himself.

Roderick Williams, 5'8" senior. He's a very physical guard who plays with lots of energy. We're asking him to play more aggressively but with greater control.

Jeffrey Beatty, 6'1" senior. He's very athletic with superb jumping abilities. With improved timing and play, he could be a very good defender.

Friday night's game against Hamshire Fannett begins at 5 p.m. for the freshman team, with junior varsity and varsity to follow.

Cameron Stubblefield Christian Goff DeJaniero Jackson Jared Bronson Jeffrey Beatty Kwame Spikes Landis McBride Robert Adams Roderick Kyles Terrence Avant William Ellis