It’s getting down to the last rodeo for the Homer Lady Pel’s Jordan Shelton. Shelton a senior is looking to finish the regular season on Thursday night in a possible district championship against her self-proclaimed “sister” Marissa Tell and the Haynesville Golden Tors. (only fair, I mentioned Shelton in Tell’s story). After that, Homer will begin on a new trail to a possible state championship run towards Lake Charles in a few weeks.
Shelton has an uncanny way of taking control of a game. Her instincts defensively seem to intensify and a strong drive to push her team past most opponents. She’s definitely a team player and not afraid to give up the rock, but at some point in the game, it’s time for her to take the reins and steer the Lady Pels offense. Case in point, Doc Edwards tournament at Airline High School facing the host 5A team. Shelton saw Homer down 21 points heading into the final quarter and her holding four fouls. She exploded for 18 points in the final quarter including two 3-pointers. The Lady Pels took the loss and the burst of points dropped the loss to within nine points. Shelton finished with 30 points against the 5A Lady Vikings. Just last Friday at Lincoln Prep, the Lady Pels couldn’t seem to shake the home team as they went into halftime tied at 23. A regrouping at halftime showed Shelton leadership step into action and drive nine points in the final four minutes of the third quarter to coral the Panthers for the win. Impressive enough, she continued the domination in the final quarter with another 12 points. She finished with 28 points, 9 steals, and 9 rebounds. “I try to get an eye for the game. At halftime, I get my mind right. I know what I need to do and help my team out to get the ‘W’. Second half I go out and play my game.”
She does have a family guide her on the trail. Her father, Morris Shelton is one of Coach Elaine Gilbert’s assistant coach. “It’s hard. I got him in my ear fussing knowing what I’m supposed to do… I hear it at home all day long, especially if we lose.” It’s all good with Shelton, though. “At the end of the day, he only wants what’s best for me.” She also is carrying on a tradition as her older sister who also was under Coach Gilbert and a former Lady Pel was No. 12.
It’s almost a family tradition to play for Coach Elaine Gilbert. “It’s an honor to play with her,” Shelton said. “She just knows what I can do and wants me to do the best I can. I thank her for trusting me to be a leader on the team.”
Overall, Shelton is proud of where Homer is playing this year. “I’m very proud of our season. We did good in the district and only lost to Haynesville. Hopefully, Thursday we can get the ‘W’ and can be district champs. Overall, we grew as the season went. I think we did well this season.”
Shelton like most seniors likes to “chill with her friends and hoop”. She’s starting to get “senior-itis” and ready to start the next phase of her life. She has plans to go to college. Her next trail ride may be up to Southern Arkansas University Tech where she been offered to continue her basketball career.
She might be ready to start her next steps but she’s going to hard to give up her Lady Pel career. “I made a lot of friendships through the years,” Shelton said. “It’s surreal. I’m ready to be out of school, but not basketball.”
She may be ready to saddle up her trusty steed, Candie, and ride off into the sunset. The self-proclaimed “trail ride girl” sums up her Lady Pel career the best. “It’s been fun. It’s been a good ride all four years.”
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