Lady Bulldogs claim win over WO-S 59-53
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy JASPER'S BREEUNNA HAFFORD drives around a Hardin-Jefferson defender during last week's contest.

The Jasper Lady Bulldog basketball team fell 70 - 44 to Hardin-Jefferson Friday night but won over West Orange-Stark 59- 53 earlier in the week. They were playing the last game of the season last night against the Silsbee Tigers.

Jasper was not as successful as they had hoped with wins over only Bridge City; however Coach Joe Baker remains optimistic that this young team, composed primarily of sophomores has a bright future.

"I believe the future is bright for this team in the seasons to come," Baker said. "Mental mistakes will hurt any team and that seemed to be the pattern for us all season."

Baker said that his team played a great game against West Orange- Stark and did a good job of working together as a team.

Although Jasper came out strong against Hardin-Jefferson, tying twice and holding the lead for a short time in the first quarter, by the end of the quarter they were behind 11-18 and continued the downward spiral to end the half at 21-40.

A number of bad passes and forced turnovers continued to plague the Lady 'Dogs throughout the game.

"We played hard Friday night, but still had too many mistakes to keep it close," Baker said.

Courtney Baker led with Jasper's scoring with11points, followed by Breeunna Hafford, 10 and 11 boards.

Anna Nation contributed nine points and 17 boards. Shelathia Middleton had seven points and three steals; D'Aundrea Spikes, Clementine Johnson, Brittany goff, Danielle Scott, Michelle Wallace put in two points each.

"This year was a lot better than last year but we could have done a lot better," Baker said. "Building a good program takes some time and patience. Our offseason program will be key to our success next season. The girls have to get stronger physically and mentally in order be be successful."

Baker said he hopes his team can make a statement in the final game against Silsbee and end with something to build on for next season.