Contributed by Coach Atchley
The Bulldogs may have graduated the winningest class in school history, with the class of 2022 being a part of 76 wins and three league titles, but this year’s squad look to add to their resumes as well. Coming off a 24-10 record and their second consecutive state tournament appearance, these Bulldogs are on the move from 3A to 4A. Waldron finds itself in the ultra-competitive 4A-4 conference that has featured five state champions within the last ten years. “Just like any challenge these guys face, they aren’t going to back down. These dudes don’t care who they get to play, they just want to compete,” added Coach Josh Atchley concerning their new league.
Returning for the Dogs are all-conference players seniors Lidge Stinson and Ethan Mayberry, as well as junior Chris Lopez. In addition to an all-conference selection, senior Trenton Hunt also earned all-state honors a season ago. “I’m looking forward to watching these guys take a bigger leadership role this year.” Kason Moudy, Forrest Efurd, Payton ‘Petey’ Justice, Trevor Hunt, and Jacob Daggs add to the already sizable senior class. “This group is full of guards who have high basketball IQs and athleticism. Each player possesses a different strength and brings toughness to the floor. True competitors! Some of them will play multiple positions this year to add some range across the floor.”
Steven Newman, Lucas Nix, Kason Davis, Kaiden Johnson, along with Chris Lopez make up the junior group. They all will see increased roles from last season and Coach Atchley thinks their length and athleticism will prove beneficial in the 4A-4. “This group is full of great competitors and they never miss a day to work on their game. Length, toughness, and athleticism is the makeup of the juniors and I’m excited to see what the year holds for them as a group.
The sophomore group moves up to senior high after capturing a conference title last season as members of the junior high team. In addition to bringing that championship experience, they also own a great skill set and have worked to add those skills to this year’s team. Roky Avila, Aden Allen, Prestan Hutchens, Caden Hunt, Driften Wagner, Cole Bailey, Levi Brown, Keegan Lynch, and Landon Defoor all have been working this off-season to add value to this year’s squad. “The sophomores are a nice large group that loves the game of basketball. I really saw a ton of growth as a group. Coach Twigs worked those guys every day and they were playing some of their best basketball by the season’s end. Need those guys to keep that fire as we tip off this year.”
There will be no stoppage from football to basketball season for the Bulldogs. The season tips off with the annual Orange and Black scrimmage on Monday, November 7th. The night will start at 5:00 o’clock with junior girls, followed by junior boys, senior girls, and senior boys. Admission will be a $2 donation at the door and those proceeds will go to the basketball programs. The rest of the week will continue to be busy at the Waldron Activity Center. Defending 2A state champion Lavaca will visit on November 8th, the junior high Bulldogs will play rival Mansfield on November 10th, and the week will conclude with the Paris Eagles visiting on November 11th. “If you get a chance, catch some action the first week as we host a defending state champ for the first time in a decade, and showcase all these dudes who have been working so hard. Fly the W!”
