Bulldogs gain a sharp touch with Wiseman

It never hurts to have a wise man in your midst.

Last season Zalma coach Dwyght Ford had two Wisemans on his team, and it proved beneficial.

Chad Wiseman played the starring role for a 9-13 team, averaging a team-high 20 points and 10 rebounds on his way to all-conference honors. His younger brother, Curt, also played a key role for the Bulldogs.

With the graduation of last year's team leader, Zalma is down to a single Wiseman --Curt -- who looks to step into a more central role.

"He'll step up and be our scorer this year," Ford said. "All three seniors will."

Curt Wiseman, a senior, is the only returning starter for Ford, who also brings back senior lettermen David Hovis, a 5-11 forward, and 6-1 guard-forward Joey Clubb.

"All three seniors can shoot from the outside pretty decent," Ford said. "Curt's the best shooter of the three."

The Bulldogs, largely inexperienced after the three and lacking overall height, will put a premium on shooting and tenacious defense. Ford said his players have the quickness to play an up-tempo game, but the team lacks depth with just one more senior and one junior. Senior Daniel Goolsby (6-2) and junior Jason Lemons did not play last year.

"Once we get past the first five or six, we're pretty well done," Ford said.

A sophomore class that played JV last year will be tapped heavily with five players expecting to see varsity action. The Bulldogs will move up JV point guard Kyle Conley (5-10) to fill the spot vacated by the graduation of Nick Hartman, who led the team in steals and assists.