Bullock-Davis ready to build on last season's success

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on November 17, 2010 1:46 PM

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LaTina Bullock-Davis has a simple coaching philosophy.

If things aren't broken, don't try to fix them.

The first-year head coach of the Goldsboro High School girls' basketball team will try to sustain the momentum built by her predecessor and friend Brandy Smith over the past three seasons.

"We had a good year last season and I want us to have an even better year this year," said Bullock-Davis after a recent practice. "We have some good tradition here, and I want to continue that and expand it."

The Cougars compiled a 21-6 record in 2009 and advanced to the second round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1-A playoffs before falling to Union 48-42.

With 20 players currently at practice, including six returners from last year's team, Bullock-Davis can already see where her team's strengths will lie.

"I think we will be strong both in the post and on the wing," Bullock-Davis said. "One place where we are still looking for some consistency is at point guard, but I feel like we have a couple players that are capable of handling the point."

Kasheika Wallace returns at the power forward slot with an improved mid-range jump shot and quicker feet than in 2009. Wallace emerged as a scoring threat last season while playing alongside All-Area selection Akeyanna Whitlor.

Brandy Johnson returns at small forward and will present problems to opposing defenses. Jolan Williams will likely be the Cougars; floor leader from either guard position.

Inspiring her individual pieces to play as a unit is a challenge that Bullock-Davis looks forward to once the regular season arrives.

"One thing I want to pick up at Goldsboro is the feeling that this program will affect the rest of our players' lives," Bullock-Davis said. "Character is important and the classroom is important, and being a part of the girls' basketball team is also important."

Goldsboro began its quest for continuity with a scrimmage last week against Beddingfield. Co-athletics director Patrick Reynell said Bullock-Davis was the obvious choice to lead the program after Smith left to become the head coach at Harnett Central over the summer.

"For me it was a no-brainer because she is familiar with the girls and she knows the school and the administration," said Reynell. "LaTina is a character-first coach and that is a big thing with me, so it was a natural fit."

Bullock-Davis is a 1992 graduate of Goldsboro High School, where she was a standout player on the hardwood. After graduation, she went on to play at Norfolk State University. During the 1995-96 season, Bullock-Davis set the school's single-game scoring record with 51 points in a 117-62 win over Elizabeth City State.

In 2004, Bullock-Davis was enshrined in the Norfolk State University Athletics Hall of Fame.