Experienced Bulldogs looking for success under new head coach
For the Enquirer
Coach: Dale Taylor (first eason) First game: Nov. 7 at Danville Marquee home games non-area): Nov. 18 vs. Clements, Jan. 3 vs. Jasper, Jan. 14 vs. Madison County Area: Class 5A Area 16 Area opponents: Ardmore, Brewer, East Limestone 2023-24 record/finish: 6-18; Class 4A Area 13 Tournament semifinals Roster: Seniors Carter Barnett, Cooper Clark, Colman Gann, Sammy Holmes, Luke Hood, Caleb Lawrence, Tatum Sivley, Junior Sheldon Graham, Sophomores Aiden Gates, Slade Owens Returning starters: 5 Holmes, Hood, Gann, Law-rence, Sivley Storylines: Priceville enters its first season under new head coach Dale Taylor, who comes to Priceville from Tanner. Taylor, a Priceville alum, is replacing JR Dilbeck. The Bulldogs are coming off a down year last season, winning only six games. Holmes, Hood, Gann, Lawrence, and Sivley all return as starters from last season. Barnett is the lone returning varsity player.
Who do you expect to have a big year? Sammy Holmes: last year’s leading scorer and rebounder, 17 PPG and 6 RPG, and Luke Hood, who plays point guard and has been a critical offensive supporter the previous few years. I will expect him to be the floor general and locker room leader. He averaged 10 PPG and 3.6 APG.
Quoting coach: “We have a strong group of hardworking seniors that should be leaders for our team. Many of our players have been starting or playing heavily at the varsity level for the past few years. Their experience should bring some leadership and experience to our team. I believe our strength will be our commitment to each other and team chemistry, while we need to respond to moving up in classification and adapting to a different playing style.” What do the Bulldogs need to do to be successful? How well we defend will be vital to our success. We must also win the effort and hustle portion of the game every night, which includes rebounding.
Area outlook: “Our area consists of Brewer, Ardmore, and East Limestone. Ardmore has struggled in the last few years but is very well-coached and primed to compete. Brewer is very similar to Ardmore in that they have improved each of the last few years. This year’s group of seniors paired with a few young players will also make them a real challenge for our team. East Limestone has been solid for the last few years, even breaking into the 5A top 10 last year. They did not lose much from that team and have some great players returning. East will be one of the better teams we play on our schedule and a real challenge for us. They have a unique combination of skill and athleticism.”
