Bulldogs bring high intensity, competitive drive

Coach Matt Ragsdale said the Bald Knob Bulldogs have many young players, but with a few experienced seniors leading the way, the team should go further than it did last year. The 3A-2 Conference team had a 2016-17 record of 11-16, he said, and will have two returning starters: junior Jeremy Tharp and senior Brayden Roberts. Ragsdale said Tharp, who is the leading rebounder and the second leading scorer from last season, plays with a lot of passion and heart. Roberts takes pride in being a tough defender, the coach said, and has worked hard to improve his shot. Ragsdale said key outside players include sophomore Stetson Smithson, sophomore Peyton Jones and senior Parker Glaze. Smithson is a guard who can score from anywhere on the floor, has great length and has added explosive athleticism to his game over the summer, the coach said. “[Smithson] can score from anywhere on the floor but is also an unselfish player. [He is] one of the most competitive guys I have ever coached or played with,” Ragsdale said. “With his offensive skill set, length, athleticism and those intangibles, every school should be looking at this kid.” Jones is incredibly athletic and a tough guard, Ragsdale said. “[Jones is a] very athletic slasher with a work ethic second to none. [He has a] quick and explosive first step with a midrange game that is unguardable,” the coach said. “He’s a very good and smart defender, has a lot of length and a lot of quickness, and will be one of the best players in the conference as a sophomore.” Glaze is a leader both on and off the floor, Ragsdale said, and shoots the ball very well. He said a key inside player is junior Jahem Washington, who can spread the floor offensively with his improved shot. Team strengths include leadership, work ethic, camaraderie and shooting, the coach said. “We should exceed what we did last year, and I believe we will surprise a few people on the way,” Ragsdale said. The team’s weaknesses include youth and rebounding, he said. Ragsdale said Tuckerman, defending state runner-up, and Harding Academy will be key games for the Bulldogs. “This is a fun group to coach because of the high intensity and competitive drive they bring every day,” he said. “We will be one of the youngest teams you will see on the floor, but we will also be one of the most talented.”