The 2017-18 high school basketball season is rapidly approaching and the Claiborne Lady Bulldogs under new head coach Ariel Nickell are looking to build on last year’s success. Nickell is assisted by Robert Estep and Hanna Nance.

The young team Claiborne placed on the hardwood last season took a big step in bringing back the tradition of Claiborne Lady Bulldog’s basketball. When asked who she will lean on when it comes to scoring the basketball coach Nickell said, “I think we are going to be fine when it comes to scoring, we have Emma Beason, Macie Sumner, Sarah Fultz, Valoree Rouse and Cheyenne Tolliver. Tolliver has made huge strides over the summer and is a totally better player now. I think those five will do a lot of our scoring.”

When asked who will the team rely on to do the rough work under the basket Nickell without hesitation said, “Jaden Thompson and Abby Ferguson.”

The starting five has not been established as coach Nickell is pleased to have the problem of who to start as many players are showing to be worthy.

Claiborne is a young team still and they will be leaning on the leadership of seniors Tolliver, Rouse and Ferguson.

“When I took this job I knew we would have a good team with a chance of doing great things like placing high in the district and achieving a regional spot at the end of the season,” said Nickell. “I’m getting used to wearing the new shoes of being a head coach and I am looking forward to the challenge and to see the team grow.”

The Lady Bulldogs will lace up the shoes Nov. 17 as they compete in the Hall of Fame Game at Northview. Their first home game will be Nov. 28 against rival to the south Union County. Fans better be ready to cheer on a team that has improved and has even more young talent than last season. The future is bright for the Lady Bulldogs.