Jasper secures hold on third in district
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy JASPER'S WILLIAM ELLIS battles a Kirbyville defender for a rebound during the Bulldogs victory over the Wildcats.

Jasper took control of third place in the District 21-3A basketball standings Friday night when they defeated Orangefield 72- 60 in the Bobcat gym.

"This was a key win that allowed us to achieve our goal of finishing the first round of district play at 5-2 and in third place," Coach Terry Young said.

The Bulldogs came out fighting in the first half, outscoring the Bobcats 15- 11 in the first quarter and 20-12 in the second, giving them a 35-23 lead at the half.

"It was clear that Orangefield's game plan was to double Bailey and take the ball out of his hands," Young said of sophomore Dominique Bailey who led all players with 21 points. "They did that, but to Bailey's credit, as reflected by his nine assists, he put the ball in the hands of his teammates and they performed as evident by the balanced scoring."

The Bobcats outscored Jasper in the third period, 19-11; but that didn't last long as the 'Dogs went up 26-18 in the fourth to earn the final 72-60 victory.

JASPER'S JAREN BRONSON puts up a short jumper during the Bulldogs victory over Kirbyville.With the win, Jasper took over sole possession of third place in District 21-3A. Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy

"We were hard to beat because we played as a team," Young said. "I came away from from that game very impressed with Orangefield's team and the improvements they have made under the leadership of Coach Winkle. He has done an outstanding job with his kids. Orangefield probably has the best post combination in the district and our post kids did an excellent job of defending. I give my assistants Tim Little and Kevin Jackson a ton of credit for helping prepare our kids and assisting me in game adjustments."

In addition to Bailey's 21 points and nine assists, he had two defensive rebounds and two steals. Kwame Spikes turned in 18 points, two assists, one

defensive rebound and two steals.

Roderick Kyles had 14 points, one offensive and three defensive rebounds; Christian Goff, Cameron Stubblefield and William Ellis also contributed points.

Jaren Bronson combined his two points with one assist and one offensive and defense rebound; DJ Jackson had four points, four offensive and three defensive rebounds.

"Cameron Stubblefield and Jaren Bronson made key defensive contributions coming off the bench," Young said. "This is starting to jell and I believe this team is capable of upsetting the top seeds in the district."

Senior Aaron Garrett also drew Young's praise.

"I want to mention heart," Coach Young said. "Aaron Garrett, battling the flu, kept Hayes(sophomore Zach Hayes who scored 19 points) in check and Hayes is one heck of a player."

Garrett combined his six points with one offensive and three defensive rebounds, 7 assists, one block and one steal.

"Our goal is to focus on each game in the second round and make every effort to finish the second round with an identical record or better," Young said. "It won't be easy.

Tuesday night, Jasper eked out a 51-46 win over Kirbyville, a team they were expected to handle without significant difficulty. Both teams had a coldshooting night.

"I think the local rivalry makes them a dangerous opponent, as they always get up to play us regardless of their record," Young said.

Roderick Kyles led the Bulldogs with 17 points, followed by Bailey,16.

Hardin-Jefferson still leads the district; Silsbee is in second place.

Jasper began round two last night against Bridge City and will play Hamshire-Fannett on the road Friday night. The freshman game begins at 5 p.m., JV and varsity follow.