Lady Bulldogs drop contest to Orangefield
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy JASPER'S BRITTANY GOFF dribbles the ball in the lane against Orangefield.

The Jasper Lady Bulldogs fell to state ranked #14 Orangefield Friday night 87-33 after a disappointing 55-49 loss to Kirbyville Thursday. That game, originally scheduled for Tuesday, was rescheduled due to lack of officials.

"You have to be consistent in effort and we aren't doing that," Coach Joe Baker said. "If you can play with Silsbee, you can play with anyone."

Baker was alluding to Jasper's hustle when they played the Lady Tigers a week ago, losing by only 11 points.

Orangefield, who is 8-0 in District 21-3A, has already defeated Silsbee twice and won over Hardin-Jefferson last week. H-J came into that game ranked #17.

District 21-3A is always tough, but Jasper's showing this year seems to hinge on two factors: inconsistency and a starting line-up of mostly sophomores. Anna Nation and Shalethia Middleton are the only seniors with a lot of playing experience at the varsity level.

It is that inconsistency that frustrates Baker.

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy JASPER'S SHALETHIA MIDDLETON drives the lane against Orangefield.

"We have to be consistent. We have to put forth effort worthy of producing results," he said. "Despite the score, you have to continue to hustle and play hard. It's the only way to get better."

The Lady Bobcats kept Jasper's offense interrupted for much of the game, causing a number of turnovers and dominating the boards. Combined with their offense, led by Kayline Little, who scored a total of 34 points, Jasper had no chance of scoring an upset. At the half Orangefield led 43- 11.

Still, there were spurts where The Lady 'Dogs showed that they are capable of hanging tough. Those little runs, however, were contrasted by periods of unforced turnovers and poor shot selection.

Brandi Goff led Jasper's scoring effort with 11 points, followed by Shalethia Middleton, six. Anna Nation and Danielle Scott had 5 each.

Jasper showed a lot of spunk against Kirbyville, putting up a hard-fought battle before finally losing in the fourth quarter. It is their second loss to the Lady Wildcats.

Goff was high point, with 13; followed by Middleton, 12. Courtney Baker had nine points.

"We have to show up and be ready to play every game," Baker said. "I think in the future they will understand the importance of being consistent. It's a matter of desire and being ready. You can learn something even when you are losing. That's the way you get better."