Bulldogs launch season with renewed pride

by Benita Fuzzell
2021-2022 Fulton High School Bulldogs' Basketball Team – Members of the 2021-22 Fulton High School Bulldogs Basketball team include front, left to right, Ethan Pettigrew, Ron Ingram, Camarae Cobb, Dylan Jackson, Tra'Vail Morgan, Kabrian Burton, Brandon Maclin; back row, left to right, Mason Oliver, Tristan Lalley, Daveon Cheirs, Cameron Morris, Charlie Cavness, Isaiah Kimble, Jacob Madding. (Photo by Benita Fuzzell.) 2021-2022 Fulton High School Bulldogs' Basketball Team – Members of the 2021-22 Fulton High School Bulldogs Basketball team include front, left to right, Ethan Pettigrew, Ron Ingram, Camarae Cobb, Dylan Jackson, Tra'Vail Morgan, Kabrian Burton, Brandon Maclin; back row, left to right, Mason Oliver, Tristan Lalley, Daveon Cheirs, Cameron Morris, Charlie Cavness, Isaiah Kimble, Jacob Madding. (Photo by Benita Fuzzell.)

Now in his seventh year at Fulton Independent High School, Head High School Boys’ Basketball Coach John Dillard will continue to set a familiar goal for the 2021-2022 Bulldog team, which is to capture the 1st District title and secure a position in the Region 1 Tournament in the post season.

He will have six players returning to the court from 2020-2021, and three of those are starters.

Five seniors deep, this year’s roster will also include three student athletes from each of the junior, sophomore and freshman classes, as well as three eighth grade players.

While an established starting line-up is yet to be determined for this season, Coach Dillard refers to the “potential” starters on his radar as Camarae Cobb, Dylan Jackson, Kabrian Burton, Isiah Kimble and Daveon Chiers.

Ready step in for the rotation will be Cameron Morris, Ethan Pettigrew, Ron Ingram, Tristan Lalley and Jacob Madding.

. So far, the best free throw and three-point shooter is Jackson, while Cobb has displayed the best defensive effort put forth during practices.

“I expect leadership from Jackson, Cobb and Kabrian Burton this year, “ Coach Dillard said.

“Jackson, Burton and Cheirs have exhibited improvement, overall and I believe they are going to be ready to take on a larger role for the team,” he said.

The biggest difference in this year’s Bulldog team, as opposed to last year’s will be the return of consistency.

“Being able to practice without COVID stops and starts, and having their head coach here is definitely going to be a difference. Last year, when I took a leave of absence, it did not help our consistency. I can provide leadership for our student athletes and help to put them i the best position on the floor, for them to have success,” Coach Dillard said.

He commended the senior members of the 21-22 Bulldog squad, for displaying a renewed sense of pride, more ethic and toughness.

That’s a credit to them and their maturity,” Coach Dillard said.

The Bulldogs kick off their 2021-22 basketball season Nov. 29 against St. Mary.