Jasper does OT to defeat Lady Cardinals 74-71
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy JASPER'S BREEUNNA HAFFORD battles with two Hamshire-Fannett defenders as she attempts to score during the Lady Bulldogs loss to the highly-rated squad.

Jasper took their second win over Bridge City in double overtime last Tuesday in the Cardinal's gym where the Lady Bulldogs pulled off a 74- 71 victory.

"This was a great win for our program," Coach Joe Baker said. "The girls played very hard and were rewarded."

Courtney Baker and Shalethia Middleton hit key free throws in the second overtime period and Jasper kept the Lady Cardinals off the boards in final seconds of the game.

Bridge City appeared to have the win with a 64- 61 lead with just seconds left in regulation play when Baker fired a threepointer to tie the game and send them into overtime.

Neither team prevailed in the first overtime, ending at 65-65 on free throws.

Baker led the scoring with 29 points, followed by Anna Nation, 18. Bridge City's Lauren Angelle scored 26 points and the Lady Cardinals had two additional players in double digits.

Jasper took an early 20- 15 lead at the end of the first quarter. Bridge City came back in the second to score 18 points to Jasper's 13, leaving the score tied 33-33 at the half. The Lady Bulldogs led 49-46 going into the fourth quarter.

Jasper out-rebounded the Lady Cards 43-37 but turned over the ball 28 times to Bridge City's 10.

The Lady Bulldogs were not so lucky against Hamshire-Fannett Friday night, losing that contest 73- 45.

Jasper started off well, playing to a 12-12 tie at the end of the first quarter; but with the Lady Longhorns' press in the second period, the Lady 'Dogs managed only four points while the Lady Longhorns fired off 20. At the half, Jasper was in a 32-16 deficit.

Turnovers have plagued Jasper all season and this game was no exception. Hamshire-Fannett continued to score, earning 19 points in the third quarter and 22 in the fourth, while the Lady Bulldogs had 13 and 16, respectively.

Anna Nation and Brandi Goff had nine points each; followed by Breeunna Hafford, seven and Shalethia Middleton and Brittany Goff, six each. Baker and Clementine Johnson contributed two each. Hamshire-Fannett had five players in double figures.

Jasper is now 2-9 in district standings. They played West Orange-Stark on the road last night and will play their last home game Friday against Hardin-Jefferson. JV begins at 5 p.m. with varsity to follow.