Orangefield turns back Jasper
Bobcats complete two-game sweep to knock out Dogs
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy JASPER'S DJ JACKSON BATTLES an Orangefield player for a loose ball during Friday's playoff game in Buna. Orangefield defeated Jasper 67-52 to complete a two-game sweep of the Bulldogs to close out the 2007-08 season.

Jasper lost their bid for the thirdplace playoff spot out of District 21-3A Friday night, losing 67-52 to the Orangefield Bobcats at the Buna gymnasium.

After losing 62-60 to the Bobcats Tuesday night in Jasper, the Bulldogs were faced with a playoff since both teams ended the district standings tied at 9-5.

The Bulldogs didn't look like the same up-tempo team Jasper fans have been watching. With shooting guard Dominique Bailey still nursing a very evident ankle injury and several players sick with respiratory symptoms, both games were slowed down versions with a lot of passing and long shots.

"We don't make excuses, but we really were worn down by that last game," Coach Terry Young said. "Our full court pressure was not effective enough to wear them down, and we were reluctant to go to a zone defense because they were shooting so well."

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy JASPER'S JAREN BRONSON passes the ball inside during Friday's playoff game with Orangefield.

The Bobcats' Jeremy Granger put up 20 points in Friday night's game and 27 on Tuesday.

"From an execution standpoint our goal was to apply full court pressure and keep the ball out of Granger's hands," Young said. " And if the ball got into the halfcourt, we wanted to play beside him,and not behind him."

Kwame Spikes led Jasper's scoring with 13 points and one defensive rebound, followed by Aaron Garrett, 11 with one each defensive and offensive rebound; Bailey 8 with one defensive rebound, one assist and two steals; and freshman Brandon Weatherspoon, six points with an offensive rebound and a steal.

DJ Jackson took down five rebounds, one steal and scored threepoints; Jaren Bronson had five points; William Ellis, two, Christian Goff, four points and a rebound; Cameron Stubblefield, one rebound.

In the Tuesday night battle, Jasper lead through most of the game. In the fourth quarter, Orangefield jumped ahead 54-53 on a bucket by Granger with about four minutes left in the game. Bailey ended Orangefield's run, leaving the 'Dogs trailing 58-56. DJ Jackson fired the tying 58-58 shot with, but Zach Hayes matched him to put the Bobcats up 60-58. Bulldog freshman Brandon Weatherspoon, recently brought up from JV, tied the game again at 60-60 with two free throws and less than 30 seconds left in the game. Hayes came back to post the game-winning shot. Bailey took a very long, lastsecond shot but it was no-go and Orangefield walked away with the 62-60 victory.

"I thought the game came down to missed opportunities," Young said. "At critical moments, we made mistakes. Those included giving up offensive rebounds when they were shooting freethrows or allowing Granger to drive toward the end of the game."

Kwame Spikes led Jasper's scoring with 22 points, followed by Jackson, 12; and Bailey, 1l.

"I am disappointed that our season ended without us advancing to the state playoffs," Young said. "However, I want the mention that our seniors who finished the season have been outstanding citizens. I want to personally thank Christian Goff, DJ Jackson, Robert Adams, Jaren Bronson and Aaron Garrett for sticking with us through a very difficult season."

Young is already thinking about next year and a couple of players he wants to groom in order to add balance to the Bulldogs' outstanding group of guards. Fans can look forward to a strong team even as Jasper heads into a new district that will also be a challenge.