It’s a new year and a new diastrict for Suwannee basketball. According to head basketball coach Chris Martello, the district will be tough this year.

Suwannee High is in a new six-team district for four years. Two district champions from last year are included in the makeup of this new district. Ridgeview was district champ last year and Santa Fe was also a district champ. Not only are there two champs but Bradford was runner-up in its district. Looks like some tough competition for the Bulldogs in district play.

Baker County and Middleburg make up the remainder of the competition along with Suwannee.

Even though it’s a tough district, Martello believes Suwannee can compete well. The Dogs are returning three major players from last season. Mario Hawthorne, Naate Herring and Jevon Smith. All three of these players are seniors this season.

Dustin Doe is a new addition this year. Duke will play big forward or the post position. Keith Brown is another new addition to the team. According to Martello, Brown should be a great addition.

“These two are really going to add to the team,” Martello said.

Martello has moved several players up from JV. They may stay on the varsity squad. Casey Singletary, Donnell Presley, Sharrod Lee, Ryan Height and Chris Jackson will start the year as varsity players. Michael Richard, Randy Carter, Edwanyte Jones, Ryan Folk and T.J. Brinson round out the team. Marcus Walker, currently on academic probation, is expected to be eligible by December.

The Dogs have a tough schedule, but Martello has high hopes for his team this season.

“I feel we can contend for a playoff spot with the maturity of all the seniors on the team,” Martello said.