With a wide range of versatility, the Natchez High School boys basketball team is hoping depth can help it outlast its competitors this season.

The Bulldogs, coach David Haywood said, have a great deal of talent in specific areas as it returns a multitude of players from last year.

“We don’t have to depend on one individual to pull us through,” Haywood said. “We have more numbers this year than we normally have, and that’s always a remedy to success. We have a bunch of different guys that can do a bunch of different things.”

Of four seniors on the starting lineup, Izzy Holmes was last year’s leading scorer, averaging around 17 points a game, while fellow senior Taylor Chasley adds a near 50 percent shooting range from the 3-point line. Additionally, Melvin Myles and Christian Williams are able to play both inside and outside, while adding sensible decision making skills, Haywood said.

Rounding out the starting five is junior Charles Credit. After Haywood said he allowed Credit significant playing time last season, the point guard has added confidence to his list of beneficial attributes.

“He went through some growing pains last year, and he learned a lot from last year,” Haywood said. “He is playing really well right now and working to do right things.”

Though Haywood said he thinks the having numerous tools at his disposal is helpful, it can be a challenge to keep everyone together.

“The biggest obstacle is to get them to all coexist, and understand it’s better to rely on teammates than themselves,” he said. “We have to be a collective group.”

So far, after a 2-0 start, Haywood said he likes where his team sits.

The Bulldogs notched a win in their first game of the season on Nov. 9 over South Pike in overtime, 83-80.

“We just have some growing and maturity to do, but so far, so good,” he said. “We didn’t give in, we kept going and going. It’s just time now to see how my kids respond. They have put in the work and now it’s time to let it show.”

The Bulldogs will continue its season next Tuesday night when they host Vidalia.