Bulldogs eying banner year

The Tuckerman Bulldogs had a tremendous season a year ago, finishing as the Class 3A state runner-up to Little Rock Episcopal. Tuckerman lost to the Wildcats 61-47 in the state championship game at Bank of the Ozarks Arena in Hot Springs. This season could be just as good or even better as the Bulldogs return all five starters from last season. “We have many team goals, such as winning more games and season tournaments,” fifth-year Tuckerman coach Josh Bateman said. “Since we made the state finals last year, our team goal is also to get back there and win. However, there are a lot of good Class 3A teams who more than likely have the same goal. Every season is different, and every season presents new challenges. The only thing we can do as a team is work hard, improve every day and do all the little things it takes to win games.” The team’s returning starters include Bo Roberson, Chaylun Dennis, Zane Smith, Dylan Smith and Clay Marlar. Roberson, a junior, averaged 15.3 points, 5 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game last season. Dennis, a senior, averaged 10.5 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists. Zane Smith, a senior, averaged 7.1 points. Dylan Smith, a senior, averaged 4.7 points. Marlar, a senior, averaged 3.1 points and 3 boards. “I am returning six of my eight players from the statefinals team last season, so we have quite a bit of experience,” Bateman said. “Along with my returning starters, I expect

senior Daniel Marlar, junior Ke Roberson, junior Merrion Jackson, sophomore Ben Keton and sophomore Brian JerveyDavis to contribute this season in some way, depending on our opponent. This should be an exciting group to watch because of how hard and unselfish they play every game.” Bateman said Marlar and Dylan Smith are the team’s best inside players. “Marlar is physically and mentally tough,” Bateman said. “He is a good offensive rebounder, and he has a good midrange jumper. Dylan Smith is athletic and a good rebounder.” Bateman said Bo Roberson, Dennis and Zane Smith are the best outside players. “They are a good mix of guards who can penetrate and shoot,” he said. “All three do a great job of making the right basketball play every possession.” Bateman said White County Central and Bay will be two good opponents in nonconference play. Tuckerman’s blended Class 3A/4A Conference, which includes Southside Batesville, Heber Springs, Riverview, Harding Academy, Bald Knob, Cedar Ridge, Newport, Mountain View and Rose Bud, will be tough. “I feel like they are all games that are important because the way we have to seed our conference tournament at the end of the year makes every game meaningful,” Bateman said. The coach said he looks forward to the season. “The boys have worked hard this offseason and are excited about trying to reach their goals of this season,” he said. “Our team is strongly supported by the community, which is also very excited and looking forward to the basketball season. “All in all, there are a lot of good teams in 3A and throughout the state, which should make for another challenging and exciting basketball season.”