Team wide leadership expected from Lady Bulldogs

November 22, 2021

by Benita Fuzzell

Fulton High School 2021-22 Lady Bulldogs Basketball Team – Members of the 2021-22 Fulton High School Lady Bulldogs Basketball Team include front, left to right, Tajashia Macklin, Lanie Crumble, Brittany Maclin, Braelyn Walker, Takyra Taylor; back row, left to right, Shaniya Yarbrough, Asianna Patton, Jezaya Jones, Mia Martin, Jasmine McCloyn. (Photo by Benita Fuzzell.)

The Lady Bulldogs of Fulton Independent High School will start the 2021-22 basketball season with a four-for-four designation on their roster, as in four Lady Bulldogs will make a return appearance following the 2020-21 season, and all four were starters, including Mia Martin, Takyra Taylor, Jasmine McCloyn and Tajashia Macklin .

Head Coach Melissa Clark served one year as an Assistant Coach for the Lady Bulldogs, following up with what will be her third year as the Head Coach for the team.

Last year’s Lady Bulldogs were 5-18 on the season, but Clark sees this year’s team as more motivated and determines.

“They are more focused on what’s expected,” she said.

Jazya Jones, and eighth grader, will join freshmen Lanie Crumble, sophomores Tajashia Macklin and Asia Patton, juniors Mia Martin, Brittany Maclin, Braelyn Walker and Shaniyah Yarbrough, and seniors Takyra Taylor and Jasmine McCloyn.

“We have a team that is going to be able to play any position. I expect, and can see not just one specific person in a leadership role for us. We will look for that quality from every member of this team,” Coach Clark said.

While the Head Coach contends their best free throw shooter graduated in May, there are a few members of the 2021-22 Lady Bulldogs team who can accommodate that skill.

Jasmine McCloyn has mastered success from the three-point range, while Tajashia Macklin and Brittany Maclin, Clark said, can put the heat on opponents with their defensive skills. Takyra Taylor has also improved, according to Clark, by focusing on her role as a senior and exhibiting the benefits of having become comfortable with being a veteran on the court.

The 2021-22 team has set a goal to not only be a contender, but win the District crown.

“This whole team is determined, and ready to start the season. We will have a winning mentality. We have a lot of talent on our roster this year, so the first person to come off the bench could be anyone,” Coach Clark said.

The Lady Bulldogs’ spring into action on Nov. 29 versus St. Mary.