BOYS

Coach: Jonathan Hopkins

21-22 Record: 17-8

The Bulldogs come into this season with new leadership and a group of guys ready to step up to the challenge. First-year head coach Jonathan Hopkins knows that while they lost a lot to graduation last year, his squad is not going to let that deter them. “We are only bringing back 20% of our scoring from last season,” Hopkins said. “But we have eight seniors on the roster, so I expect us to compete this season.”

One of the seniors that Hopkins expects to step up is Seth Kruse (Sr.), who has a knack for hitting big shots from behind the arc. Seth will play a vital role in the Bulldog’s offense this season. He has the ability to stretch the defense which will open up driving lanes for his teammates.

Another senior, Cooper Jobe (Sr.) is a guy that will play all five positions on offense, but he is also an outstanding defender. He played limited minutes last year, but after a strong off-season, he is ready to step into a leadership role and lead this team through a season of change. As a freshman, Derek Stokes (So.) came on strong at the end of the season. He finished the season shooting 35 percent from the three- point line and 75 percent from the free-throw line. The team will look to Stokes to carry a lot of the scoring load.

Cannon Williams (So.) has the ability to change the game with his rebounding ability. He is also a threat to score inside and out. After an off-season of hard work, Cannon is prepared for his first varsity experience.

While he started several games last season, Will Brabson (Sr.) will see an increased role this season. He is a guy with the skill to do many things but is always willing to do whatever is necessary at the moment. Will is big, strong, and works extremely hard.

Other members of the team that will be looking to make contributions this season are Ashton Wareheim (Sr.), Isaiah Bellamy (Jr.), Isaiah Campbell (So.), Cam Dooley (Sr.), Grayson Hampton (So.), Kolten Katsis (Sr.), Josiah Loftis (Sr.), and Jimmy Martin (Sr.). Assistant coaches are Blake Zinck and Trey Dubbert.

GIRLS

Coach: Melody Stewart

21-22 Record: 20-6

The Lady Bulldogs were one win away from playing for a state championship last season. A new season brings new challenges and one that the team will face is a change in classification, as they move from Class 3A to 4A. But head coach Melody Stewart likes the team she has this season and she says they are ready to get things going.

“We have the majority of our offense returning from last year’s state semi-finals team,” Stewart said. “We have a good nucleus of players returning and some underclassmen that will be able to fill some roles that were lost from last year’s squad. We do move up this year to 4A and that is one of the toughest classes in the state in girls basketball. We are excited to take to the team’s success.”

Someone that will be looked to for some big shots will be Vanessa Coleman (5-10, So.). Her quick release is something extremely hard to guard. She continues to be a key piece for the Lady Redhawks.

Some other members of the team that will be ready when called on are Mia Adams (5-9, So.), Brooke Bettis (5-4, So.), Kaitlyn Gipson (5-3, So.), JaShay Devers (5-11, Jr.), Janaiya Rogers (5-4, Fr.), Deanna Stith (5-5, Jr.), Isabella McSwain (5-4, Fr.), Alyna Clark (5-5, Fr.), Yonae’ Edwards (5-8, Fr.), and Esme’ Smith (5-11, So.). The assistant coaches this season are Trey Osborne, Imani Davis, Joe Davis, Morgan Bizzell, and Amari Dennis.