Bulldogs Take on NAIA Power Faulkner to Open Their Season

October 26, 2023

By Scott C. Wallace

Wallace Media Group

MONTGOMERY, Ala— All of the summer workouts, sweat, and tears are about to be put to the test as the Fisk University Bulldog basketball team will be back on the court to start the 2023-24 season. Fisk will feature a veteran team and transfers that look to bring excitement again this season.

"The transfer portal has helped us get older," said head coach Kenny Anderson. "We lost a couple of guys but gained some. I am excited to see how this will mesh."

Last season, the Bulldogs went 8-16, a five-game improvement from the previous season. Tyon Thompson is the leading returning scorer (13.5 per game). The junior will be supported by returning seniors Michael Ashley and Jayden Lockett. Sophomore Justin McNelkin will be called upon to help with scoring. Junior Chris Spears Jr. will be asked to run the potent offense. Anderson will also be looking to Blake Goodman and Justin McNelkan for help on the offensive end.

Faulkner comes into the contest just a few votes from making the NAIA top 25. Ead coach Scott Sanderson's crew has newcomers but return Trace Hill and C.J. Hines, who received NAIA All-American recognition last season. Their newcomers will also play a huge role in the season. Grad transfer Sean McCurdy will eat up huge minutes, and local hero freshman Jayden Cooper has impressed the coaching staff.

This will be the first meeting between the two schools. Faulkner won 15 out of 17 home games last season.

Game 1: Fisk University (0-0) at Faulkner (Al) University

Date/Time: Friday, October 27 | 7 p.m. (CST)
Watch: (26) Faulkner Sports Network - YouTube

Live Stats: https://faulknereagles.com/sidearmstats/mbball/summary

Location: Tine Davis Gymnasium, Montgomery, Alabama