Bulldog Coach optimistic practice effort carries over to court for 2021 season

Back in November, before a drastic increase in Covid numbers prompted yet another dismissal of in-person instruction for Fulton Independent Schools, FIS Head Boys’ Basketball Coach John Dillard was optimistic in what he had seen from his Bulldogs, on the day of their 12th straight team practice in the high school gym.

“I have six returning players, Rajon Hollowell, Jaheim King, Amari Hobbs, Tristan Lalley, Jordan Lannon and Kabrian Burton. So far, we have not missed a day of practice because of covid. But you know how that could go,” the Head Coach said.

Dillard said he will look to his seniors to step up in leadership roles, singling out Amari Hobbs who he says has exhibited some strength in leadership qualities already during practice.

“We are going to be very competitive in the district. with Juniors Dylan Jackson, Jaheim King and Kabrian Burton, sophomores Blake Blankenship, and Tristan Lalley and freshman Daveon Cheirs. Our Seniors, besides Hobbs, are Ladarious Coble, Rajon Hollowell and Jordan Lannom. But I think the district is going to be wide open,” Coach Dillard.

He credits most of his team as being able to “shoot well”, with his “big shooters” Hobbs, Jackson, Coble and Hollowell, but who ends up leading the team on any given night, could be a toss up, depending on who gets their hands on the ball. He noted each player possesses specific skills, with quite a bit of versatility, so it all depends on which team they play on any given night, and which Bulldog is called upon to put points on the board, based on the method needed to counter the opponent.

In this, his sixth season as head coach for the Bulldogs, Coach Dillard credits Dylan Jackson as the best ball handler, and Hobbs as the best defensive weapon on the team.

“Our biggest challenge is going to be our size and our depth,” Dillard said, referring to a deficit in each of those departments.

“We are going to have to stay out of foul trouble,” he added.

With a 12-13 record in 2019-2020, Dillard said his goal is always the same, to maintain a position in the top two for the district and compete at the regional level.

Dillard has 30 years of coaching experience total under his belt, many of those at the college level.

His Assistant Coaches this season include Jewel Martin and Darias Johnson.