By By Josh Taylor/The Meridian Star
Oct. 31, 2001
The Clarkdale Lady Bulldogs are coming off a 7-23 basketball season. This season they plan to compete harder than ever.
The Lady Bulldogs will be playing without last year's leading scorer , forward Carmelita Naylor. Naylor averaged 15.5 points a game last season.
Despite the loss of Naylor, the Lady Bulldogs will be returning four of last year's starters and many others with experience.
Returning starters for Clarkdale include junior two guard JorD'an Orr, senior power forward Tamara Brown, junior guard Arlisha Wright, and freshman center Danielle Gaddis.
The other likely starter for the Lady Bulldogs is sophomore point guard Felicia Kirksey.
The Lady Bulldogs also have plenty of depth and experience rounding out the team.
Returning from last year's team will be junior center Jodi Hales. Hales would have started last year but got put out due to reconstructive knee surgery.
Junior forward Misti Alexander also comes back with a good bit of experience. Look for returners sophomore guard Caiti Dunn and sophomore center Amanda Thomas to contribute.
The Lady Bulldogs roster is rounded out with junior guard LaTosha Dixon, freshman guard Veronica Newell, and freshman guard Rebekah Nicklas.
Clarkdale sits in a very difficult division 5-2A filled with the likes of William-Sullivan, Newton, Scott Central, and South Leake.
Davis seems excited about this season's prospects. "We want the girls to be leaders and role models," said Davis. "We want them to show a lot of personal integrity representing our school, but overall we're really having a lot of fun."
Josh Taylor is a sports writer for The Meridian Star. You can call him at 693-1551, ext. 3234.