OF's Shores ready for playoff push

[KFDM COOP]

OF's Shores ready for playoff push

Gabriel Pruett

The Orange Leader

ORANGEFIELD — Orangefield senior Jessica Shores has always been able to spot up and drain a three-pointer.

Shooting and making plays on both offense and defense is almost second nature.

Speaking out and being loud, those two traits took a little time to develop for Shores.

Now that she has become vocal on the basketball court, Orangefield Coach Sondra Ancelot has been one happy lady.

It really has nothing to do with basketball. Ancelot has just enjoyed watching a young freshman turn into quite a fine young lady.

“One of the best things for a coach is to see players go from kids to young adults,†Ancelot said. “It is neat to see them go from followers when they are young to being leaders. She (Shores) is right there in the middle of that mold. She does not like to lose and that right there makes her a winner.â€

Shores knows her place on a team filled of different roles needed to be filled.

Any of about four to five Lady Bobcats can lead the team in scoring each night, steals come in bunches for numerous players and passing the ball around is a must.

For Shores, there can only be one girl who is heard above all other voices.

“I am the vocal leader,†Shores said. “I seem to be very loud. Instead of being annoying, I use it as a positive. Other players do not always know what to say so I seem to be the one to talk. I like being loud and screaming.

“It wasn’t always like this. I was very shy as a freshman and very timid. This team doesn’t care who scores the most. We just want to win and do our jobs.â€

With the pieces falling into place and each girl doing their own job, the Lady Bobcats are now No. 9 in the state poll and are sitting in a two-way tie with No. 10 Silsbee for the District 21-3A crown.

Shores does not want to just tie for the district championship and go a few rounds deep.

A trip to Austin her senior year sounds like too much of a good time to pass up.

“What we did last year is very exciting to look back on,†Shores said referring to the Lady Bobcats’ push all the way to the regional final.

“In 10 years I will be able to look back and really enjoy that time,†she added. “Playing at a college arena (Sam Houston State University) is something I’ll always remember. Now it is time to have twice as much fun and go to Austin.â€

Shores knows the trip is not a given by a long shot. District 21-3A could be considered one of the toughest districts in the state, giving the Lady Bobcats every chance to get playoff ready.

“The district season is narrowing down for us,†Shores explained. “It has been fun to compete around here because there are some tough teams. Everyday the seniors on this team talk about this being our last year and how we are going to leave with no regrets. We want to set the example and bar so all the following teams have something to look upon.â€

Ancelot agrees this year’s squad has the chance to accomplish any goal they set before themselves.

“These kids, including Jessica, have a chance to do some special things,†Ancelot said. “I expect nothing less than a special senior season for them. They stay so close together and are such a close knit bunch. It is a tight little circle of players and friends. It helps that they are just as determined as I am.â€

The fun is not always confined to being on the basketball court with all her friends for Shores.

“Being on the team and going on all the road trips is a blast,†Shores said. “I love it. We make sure to make the road trips a better time.â€

Shores and Co. have made the road their home in the second half of district play with big games away from Orangefield in Silsbee, Kirbyville and West Orange.

After losing their first district game of the season at home against Silsbee, the Lady Bobcats are 9-0 since. Two of the wins came at Silsbee and at Kirbyvile.

Orangefield plays at West Orange-Stark on Feb. 2.

“We were in a slump that first district game,†Shores said. “All it did was make us work harder. We know we can be better than anyone. Our last year, we are going to be the best we can be at all times.â€

[Cat22]

She not only is a good player, but a better young lady and honor student.  In fact all seven seniors on our team are honor students.  Fine group of young ladies.

Good article Gabe!  Much appreciated!

[bobcatfan33]

Way to go Jessie!