Ten Quitman Bulldogs scored in last Tuesday’s season-opening 62-46 win over Lone Oak at Ballard Memorial Gym.

The team is coming off a return to the playoffs last season after a 10-year drought that ended in the area round against Waskom. This year’s team is dominated by seniors, many who have been on the varsity since they were sophomores.

New Bulldog Head Coach Cody Wilson played every player in the Lone Oak contest. Last year’s offensive spark plug Levi Thompson gave a preview of what is to come. Thomas did not start because he is coming off an injury, but looked in mid-season form.

Thompson entered late in the first quarter and promptly made a three-point play to give the Bulldogs a 12-5 lead. Thompson led Quitman scoring with 20 points.

Thomas Sebedra and newcomer Payton Sapp got the early scores for Quitman. Sebedra hit a pair of free throws and a bucket while Sapp made his first varsity bucket count, hitting a triple which gave Quitman a 7-2 lead. Sapp hit a trio of triples, scoring 11 points.

This Quitman team has a veteran presence and newcomers Sapp along with Brock Hayes add to the team’s weapons. Sapp had a pair of three-pointers, leading the Bulldogs to a 16-9 first quarter advantage.

As impressive as the offensive performance was, it was the defense that set the tone. Landon Richey, Ethan Presley and Garin Kisinger dominated the lane on defense. Hunter Jacobs, Brady Floyd and Sebedra were a constant threat to the Buffalo offensive efforts, causing several turnovers that lead to Bulldog scoring opportunities.

The Bulldog full-court defense bothered the Buffalos all night. The team has shown a solid fundamental foundation which should lead to a successful season and a playoff run.

The Bulldogs were set to travel to Atlanta Monday and were at home to play Quinlan Ford Tuesday during the Thanksgiving break.

After returning from the holiday, Quitman will travel to White Oak for a tournament Dec. 1-3, and go to face old rival Edgewood Dec. 6.