One of Wright’s best coaching efforts in 39 seasons

By Steve Williams

What about this young Fulton High boys basketball team!

“It’s probably the youngest I’ve ever had,” said Coach Jody Wright following the Falcons’ 49-46 Class 3A Sectional win over Unicoi County last week. “I don’t know if I’ve ever had a team that had eight underclassmen on it and I don’t know if I’ve ever had a team that had six freshmen on it.”

It hasn’t been an easy season for Fulton.

“We’ve had some bumps along the way, but figured it out here late,” said Coach Wright.

Early in the season, did you ever believe this team would get to state, Jody was asked.

“No, I mean we’re two games above .500 (18-16) and played most of the season with a below .500 record. So no, I certainly didn’t envision that. January was hard here. It was a grind, but we got through January and kept getting better, so I always thought this team had a shot.”

Even though the team was extremely young, Wright also continued to play a schedule loaded with strong opponents.

In his 39th season as a high school coach, this has got to be one of his greatest coaching efforts.

“It was challenging,” said Wright. “I’m proud of these guys. Many times, they could have folded the tent, and they could’ve tonight, but they kept grinding. That’s what you’ve got to do and I’m proud of them for it.”

I would say a lot of fans are proud of Coach Wright, too.

The sectional victory over Unicoi County was career win No. 886 for Jody.

He can’t get to 900 this year, but he’ll have a good shot at it next season.

“Yeah, I think so … with the Lord willing, absolutely.”