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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend January 31, 2006 Jamie Roupp leads Ashland in scoring at 14.4 points per game and in a number of other statistical categories, but it�s her will to win that is most impressive to those around her. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Roupp’s time has come As a child, Ashland standout envisioned playing for and leading the Grizzlies to great success By KEVIN GOFF Mail Tribune Jamie Roupp long ago pictured this day. As a fourth-grader, still fresh to competitive basketball, Roupp regularly attended Ashland girls basketball games. She imagined herself someday in a Grizzly uniform, leading her team to glory. "I remember watching Jenny Pippa, Jackie Woods, Hannah Seltzer ... they were my idols," Roupp says of the former Ashland greats. "It was always a dream of mine, and now I’m doing it." And doing it well. Roupp, a three-year starter and returning first-team all-league guard, is tops on the Grizzlies in nearly every major statistical category while leading them to first place in the Southern Oregon Conference heading into tonight’s game at Crater. She also was a major force as Ashland shared the SOC title last year. Advertisement "Jamie is the pulse of our team," says second-year Grizzly coach Ken Lathen of his 5-foot-8 senior. "She’s the heart and soul. I’m so grateful to have someone of her caliber on the team. "I’ve coached 35 years, varsity all but one of those, and she’s one of two or three players I’ve had with her drive and leadership. Really, I can’t say enough about her." And that’s the point. How best do you describe a player with Roupp’s intangibles? The numbers alone speak for themselves. Roupp is averaging a team-best 14.4 points, 4.6 assists, nearly six rebounds and three steals a game for fourth-ranked Ashland, which is 18-1 overall and 7-1 in the highly competitive SOC. It’s her other qualities, though, that make Roupp a front-runner in the SOC player-of-the-year race. "Leadership is literally her strongest point," says Lathen. "Everything else about her on the court is fine, but it’s that leadership, that drive that won’t let us lose, that makes her a very rare player." And Lathen has seen his share of top-notch players in his 30-plus years coaching in Grants Pass and at other stops around the state. He came out of retirement to take over at Ashland for Steve Humann, who stepped down two seasons ago. "(Humann) coached us all forever," says Roupp. "He was a guy that made basketball a passion in my life." "Coach Lathen came in and he is an amazing all-around person," adds Roupp. "We learn a lot of things from him basketball-wise but also some life lessons, too." Roupp’s competitive fire hasn’t dimmed one bit since she picked up a basketball. And like most big-game players, Roupp excels in the most important moments. In a game against league-title contender Grants Pass, Ashland led 24-14 at the half, only to watch as the Cavers rallied with a big second half to tie the contest at 26-all. Roupp scored the next five points to regain the lead and accounted for 11 of the Grizzlies’ 12 second-half points. "That Grants Pass game was a good example of what Jamie does for us," says Lathen. "That second half, we went into the tank, but Jamie just refused to let us lose." The biggest challenge this season for Roupp, who co-captains the team with fellow senior Bailey Hasty, was integrating the new young players, primarily 6-foot-3 freshman post Brenna Heater and freshman point guard Kelsey McKinnis, into Ashland’s lineup. "I think just being a leader was important this year," Roupp says, "because we have some pretty young players that are important to our success. I wanted to go out and do whatever is necessary to help this team be successful." That includes making sure everyone gets involved. It could be Heater, who’s coming off a 21-point, 11-rebound effort against North Medford on Friday, or guard Josi McDermott (9.9 points per contest) providing scoring punch when Roupp takes a back seat. "The great thing about our team," Roupp says, "is that the talent is evenly distributed. Any one of us can show up and lead us to victory on any given night. That’s what makes us great." Ashland has another test tonight when it hits the road to play second-place and ninth-ranked Crater. Roupp relishes the opportunity for another challenge. "Every game is important from here on out," says Roupp. "I love it. The competition in this conference is incredible. "I couldn’t ask for a better senior year." It’s just as she’s always imagined. Reach reporter Kevin Goff at 776-4483 or e-mail Roupp�s time has come ">[email protected] . 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