The opening to the 2025-26 basketball season was a rude awakening for the Hornets, falling to a strong Jasper squad 102-21 Friday in Goodrich.
After the tip, Jasper went on a 14-0 run to start the contest. The remainder of the game did not go the home team’s way, as the Bulldogs remained in a full-court press through the end of the fourth quarter.
Goodrich had trouble adjusting to the game’s speed, while ball handling and passing often resulted in deflections and steals. The Hornets had trouble creating a shot and were often rushed when they could.
It is very early in the season, but Jasper has the look of a playoff team. They scored 38 points in the first quarter for a 27-point difference.
“I truly believe we have a great team,” new Goodrich coach Cordell Carter said. “We just played a 4A school that has to play like that because of the competition that is in their district with Silsbee, West Orange-Stark and Bridge City. They've got to play like that, and we won't face anything like that in district. Even Brookeland doesn't move that fast with their run and jump.
“There were times that we handled it. We just couldn't get a good shot. We did some great things tonight and I'm going to look at the film over the weekend and dissect it. We're right there.”
Zatavius Bowen led the team with 11 points, and Marquis Robinson had five.
Before the Hornets get to games that should be more competitive, Carter said another Class 4A game versus West Orange-Stark will help the team get ready for district.
“Today, we got a little bit better because of what we faced,” he said. “We've got to handle the ball better, we've got to space the floor, and there's a bunch of things we've got to do that we are going to continue to work on. We've only had two practices, and this is only the second time this team has ever played with each other.
“On Thursday, at the tournament, it slows down for us. The competition comes back on our level, and it slows down tremendously. They are going to see that on Thursday and we are going to see who we are and what we're about. That's when we are going to take off.”
Thursday Goodrich makes the drive south to compete in the Danbury tournament, and will start off with games versus Abundant Life and YES Prep.
“The games in the tournament are very winnable games, can get us going in the right direction, and get us ready for our tournament coming up in December after the Thanksgiving break. I believe we can beat anybody and everybody in our district. I believe we can be competitive, and I believe that we are a playoff team. We are going to show that very soon.”
