Sadly, this is not the 2004-05 season when I was still but a young frosh and in which Malia O’Neal and Co. took state by storm winning most games by 50+ points. This was back when the team sported six All-Americans, on a star-studded roster that warmed up like the boys team with much backboard slapping and attempted dunks. Yes, those were the days when Joyce Walker had her program at its climax like IMAX.

But like most dynasties, the Lady Bulldogs began to falter as the future of the youthful team that had once showed so much promise came into question as two of the Bulldogs’ best young talent transferred. One thing led to the next, and Walker was forced to retire when she was diagnosed with cancer. Now, the last of the players that had once taken part in that state title run three years ago have graduated, leaving a completely spanking new program, waiting to be molded by the next generation of ballers.

Last year, the Lady Bulldogs proved to everyone that they still had what it takes, finishing the regular season with an impressive 17 – 8 record, leaving them tied for second in KingCo 4A with Inglemoor. However, a run at the title was not to be as the girls fell one game short of making it to state with a devastating loss to Skyview.

Despite this, sophomore Elise Harris, the team’s returning leading scorer, keeps an optimistic view on the upcoming season.

“If we come together as a team, like I know we can,” said Harris, “I don’t see there being any other team in the state, much less in KingCo that can stick with us.”

The biggest news coming into this season may not be the depth and youth of the team, but rather the coaching staff. This year, first-year coach Craig Jackson takes the reins of the Lady Bulldog dynasty and brings with him a winning tradition and a hard-nosed attitude characteristic of a winning program. Last year, for you avid boys basketball fans, you might have noted Coach Craig sitting on the Quaker bench as an assistant coach. Recently, Coach Craig seems to have realized the truth and has finally accepted the supremacy of the Bulldog nation and come over to the good side.

“Coach Jackson brings with him not only many skills and tricks as a coach,” said senior captain Kiana Rhem, “but also a palpable excitement for this upcoming season that rubs off on all of us and gets us rearing to go like a bull out of the gates.”

“We’re going to be a team that brings it defensively, and I believe that every player out there has the opportunity to contribute on both sides of the court,” said Coach Jackson. “It may look a little chaotic out there at times, but that’s what we want to have running through the other team’s head.”

A new aspect of the team is the emerging talent of the youth, and their ability to contribute right off the bat. This year, five freshmen are expected to play varsity, and of that five, two are close to six feet tall.

“I’m really excited for this incoming class because it only adds to our depth, height, and down low play, which is where we struggled most against other teams last year,” said senior captain Lily Ramseyer. “With the combination of both the new talent and the returning talent, we’re going to be a tough team to beat.”

Along with the impressive incoming talent, the Lady Bulldogs return five varsity players from last year and three starters.

“I think this year our superior experience and leadership are really going to be put to the ultimate test,” said junior captain Kiana Cheng. “I’m positive that we’re going to overcome anything that anybody can throw at us. We’re ‘bout to go to state!”

To put it plainly, this is simply a new start. New coach, core group of young players, and high hopes in a league whose talent has continued to diminish over the years. Expect big things from these young ladies because they could very well turn out to be the mirror image of that team just a few years back. And who wants to miss the next big dynasty?