Lady Bulldogs, Coach, eager to start strong on the court with returning seniors

Head Girls’ Basketball Coach for the Fulton Independent High School Lady Bulldogs, Melissa Clark, has four seniors, and one team member from the junior, sophomore and freshmen classes, on the roster for the 2020-2021 season.

“I had some girls that chose not to return to the team this year. I also have one coming back, after an injury,” she said referring to her lack of depth on the bench.

Clark said her seniors will lead the team but there is also the possibility that Tajashi A. Macklin, a freshman, will see a lot of time on the court.

“Those girls feel like this is their year,” she said.

Best Ball Handler designation, to date, Coach Clark said would go to Kyisha Everett, one of the seniors.

“She will be leaning toward the 1000 point club and hopefully she can get that by the end of the season,” she said.

Shamarria Kinney, a sharp shooter is returning to the Lady Bulldog roster, sitting out last season because of an ACL injury.

“She is a versatile player and will be forced to handle the ball some, “ the Head Coach said.

Strong at the line, will be Ca’Tya McManus, who can sink the free throws, and also makes major contributions defensively to shut down opponents.

Coach Clark said she will be looking to Mia Martin and TaKyra Taylor to not only continue to utilize their height for the rebounds, but bring some physicality to the game once the season gets underway.

“Our goal, to start with, is to win the district. Our work ethic has been different this year, because of the pandemic and attitudes seem to be chilled, with the focus on the state of the season, “ Clark said.

Coach Clark has been a part of the Lady Bulldogs’ staff for three years, and this will be her second round at the helm.

The Lady Bulldogs finished the 2019-20 season at 9-24, and this year, Coach Clark forsees their strongest competition in the district as Carlisle County and Hickman County.

“Those two teams seem to be the ones we have the hardest time beating. We can’t seem to overcome our lack of confidence with them, and we seem to run out of gas,” she said.