Jasper claims win over WO-S 69-50
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy JASPER'S COURTNEY BAKER applies defensive pressure to a West Orange-Stark player during the Lady Bulldogs' 69-50 victory over West Orange-Stark.The victory marked Jasper's first in District 21-3A play.

"It was a long time coming," said Coach Joe Baker, when the Jasper Lady Bulldogs pulled off their first district win over West Orange-Stark Friday night. Jasper bested the Lady Mustangs 69-50.

"This was a great win for our team," Baker said. "The girls played hard, especially the second half. To finally get our first district win of the season was special."

Michelle Wallace put up the first two points, followed by Anna Nation; but the Lady 'Dogs were soon in foul mode, giving WO-S three points at the free-throw line and failing to follow up on offensive rebounds.

The Lady Mustangs pulled ahead 10-6 until Courtney Baker fired a three-pointer to give Jasper nine points. After another Jasper foul and an unforced turnover, WO-S failed to capitalize and Baker fired another trey. Melasaia Kelly scored and Wallace ended the quarter with another bucket, giving Jasper a 16-12 lead which they never relinquished.

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy JASPER'S COURTNEY BAKER (15) and Shalithia Middleton surround a West Orange-Stark player during last week's victory.

The Lady Mustangs pulled to within one point, 19-18, early in the second quarter but Jasper's offense combined with a couple of turnovers gave the Lady 'Dogs a 30- 26 advantage at the half.

In the third period, Jasper held on, scoring 14 points to WO-S's 13, ending the quarter 44-39.

Jasper poured in 25 points in the fourth quarter while holding WO-S to 11 for a decisive victory, and at game's end five Lady Bulldogs were in double digits: Anna Nation and Courtney Baker, 13 each; Brandi Goff, 12; Breeunna Hafford, 11; and Michelle Wallace, 10.

On the defensive side, Wallace had four steals and six assists; Nation, eight rebounds, Shalithia Middleton, six steals and four assists; Brandi Goff and Clementine Johnson pulled down 6 rebounds each.

Jasper's record is 8-11 and 1-4 in district play.

"The playoffs are not out of the question," Baker said. "I believe that we can make it if we can limit our mistakes. Turnovers and free-throws have been our biggest headache and we have to fix these in order to be successful."

Jasper will have to step up and eliminate not only turnovers but also do a better job getting the rebounds if they expect a chance at a playoff spot.

But a turnaround is possible given the talent they have, plus Friday night's win may give them the psychological boost they need.

"I think we played better and this win can turn us around, " senior Anna Nation said.

"We are beginning to play more together as a team."

Coach Baker remains optimistic and is proud of his team.

"I am very proud of this team because they are getting tougher every game and they have become confident that they can compete and beat the elite teams in this district," he said.

Junior Varsity won by a whopping 58-3.

Andrea Castle led with 18 points, followed by Jasmine Bronson, 13; Jocelyn Land, nine; and Tamara Parks, eight.

Jasper played Hardin- Jefferson on the road last night and will be at home against Silsbee Friday night. JV plays at 5 p.m. and varsity will follow.