Butler guard Ashlynn Dotson sails in for a layup March 9 in the NCHSAA 4A finals. Butler lost the game 57-39. MMHW file photos
Coach: Mark Sanders, 10th season (186-72)
2018-19 Record: 28-3, 13-1 in Southwestern 4A
• Returning Starters: Payton Sutton, 5-6 senior guard (7.0 points 3.6 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 4.2 steals); Michaela Lane, 6-1 senior forward (13.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, 2.6 assists); Michala Funderburk, 5-8 senior forward (14.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists); Ashlynn Dotson, 5-6 senior guard (8 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 1.7 assists); Samiah Williams, 5-8 junior guard (1.8 points, 3.5 rebounds)
• Rotation Players: Noura Aboutalab, 5-7 senior guard (2.3 points, 2.1 rebounds); Jada Tate, 5-3 junior guard (1.5 points); Mikiya Lane, 6-1 junior post; Chayla Scott, 5-9 freshman guard
• The Dish: The Bulldogs are replacing two senior starters and a key reserve, which are big blows, but they have everyone else back from last year’s state finalist team and have brought in newcomers Scott and Mikiya Lane, who will provide toughness in the post. Butler’s Michaela Lane is a double-double machine who can run the break or dominate inside. Funderburk is a tough player who can score in bunches, Dotson is a streaky shooter who can catch fire and Sutton is the perfect point guard to put it all together. Williams will replace Nance, and Aboutalab and Tate are steady reserves who will log big minutes.
Leave a Reply