With a 2-8 season record, some would say that the Waldron Sr Lady Bulldogs are having a “ruff” go at things. But, if we look at total points, then a different story is told. 68 final game points are all that stands between the Lady Bulldogs and their opponents. Waldron has accumulated 384 total points while the competition has brought in just 452. Although a loss is a loss, they aren’t blowout losses meaning that up until the final buzzer, the Lady Bulldogs are fighting tooth and nail until they are forced to quit.
One Lady Bulldog leading the pack is senior, Rheagan Sanford. Sanford averages 30 minutes of play time along with 10.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 3 deflections, and 1.3 steals per game. “I’ve been playing basketball since the 3rd grade,” stated Sanford. “Ever since I was young, I’ve had a basketball in my hands. My parents have always encouraged me to play basketball from a young age and still continue that support now.”
Last year, the Lady Bulldogs had a roster that consisted of the “Epic 8” who each had to step out of their comfort zones while encouraging each other to continue aiming for greatness. “Last season, I had Chelsea Stidman, who was our leading scorer, to look up to. We worked together, ran the court together, and she was our leader. This year, I had to step up and take on the role she left behind, which were big shoes to fill!”
The Lady Bulldogs, who now have a dozen girls on their roster, had less than a handful of games in their back pocket before enduring the Covid confinement for two weeks. Since starting back up on December 8th, the girls picked up big wins from Lavaca and Horatio. “I don’t quite have a favorite game this year. I enjoy every game I get the chance to play because none of our games this year are promised and that makes every game day, my favorite day.”
“That also goes along with what games I look forward to as well. Like I said before, any opportunity to play in a season like this year, is a blessing in itself. The best thing about being a Lady Bulldog this year is always having a team who has your back and works hard in any situation. We are the underdogs and have been the underdogs for years. But as we proved last season, being the underdog, isn’t always an insult!”
After high school, Sanford has decided not to further her sports career, although the opportunities are there. “I’d like to graduate and go to the University of Arkansas Fort Smith and pursue a degree in Sonography.” Next up for the Lady Bulldogs “Big12” will be the Cossatot Lady Eagles tonight, January 5th at Cossatot.
