Editor’s note: Floor Generals is a weekly series devoted to athletes on the court who have been selected by their coaches. Coaches select players whom they view as an extension of their coaching staff on the floor, exemplifying leadership, composure and play-making ability. Each week, a varsity boys and girls player from the same school will be featured.

NATCHEZ — Ernesha Chatman calmly dribbles the ball up the court and raises her hand to call a play to her teammates.

She is in her element, running the show for the MHSAA Class 5A State champion Natchez Lady Bulldogs.

Chatman, a junior, calls the shots on the floor at the point guard position, and head coach Alphaka Moore is more than happy with how she leads the team.

“She’s a natural point guard,” said Moore of Chatman. “She is our leader on and off the floor. Anything I expect done, I know it’ll be done because of her.”

Coming into this year, Chatman said she felt some pressure because of the success the team had last year and having to be the leader on the floor. But, she isn’t too worried.

“At times I did,” she said of feeling pressure. “But we take it game by game, just like we did last year.”

Chatman’s game flows smoothly up and down the court, with textbook finishes at the basket and solid defense on the other end. But what she feels brings her game to the next level is her patience and concentration.

“It takes patience and concentration, and you also have to have a good attitude,” she said. “Your coach depends on you for everything that happens on the floor, and you control everything.”

Moore compared Chatman to a quarterback in explaining how important she was to the Lady Bulldogs.

“Football has a quarterback, and we use that term here also because the coach can’t be on the floor with you,” Moore said. “You have to rely on your leader, and she is that person.”

Chatman has helped the Lady Bulldogs start the season right where they left off last year.

Moore said she will be able to rely on Chatman for anything as Natchez looks to get back to the state championship game.

“She can penetrate and shoot,” Moore said. “Whatever needs to be done, she can do it.”