Six Athletes Sign At Toombs County
It was a big day at Toombs County High School last Friday as six Bulldogs signed letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. These signings mark a significant milestone for the athletes, who have excelled in their respective sports and contributed immensely to the Bulldogs’ legacy. From the football field, basketball courts, and wrestling mats to the esports arena, each student-athlete has demonstrated dedication, skill, and the true spirit of a Bulldog, paving their way to the next level of competition and academics.
Dominic Eason Eason had an incredible career at TCHS. Not only did he lead his basketball team to their first ever Final 4 and State Championship appearances, but he was also the GHSA State AA Player of the Year, the all-time leading scorer for TCHS. Eason will be taking those talents to the University of South Carolina at Beaufort to play for the Sand Sharks.
Eason said, “When I went on a visit to USCB I really liked the campus, the coaches, the players, just all of it. I have played against some of the guys that are going there, they have a good spirit, and I know that they are going to push me to be the best player I can be. I have to thank the coaches here at Toombs for pushing me every day, my teammates, the administration, and the community for all they have done. I also have to thank my mom and dad for all they have done as well. I'm heading there to work both on the court and in the classroom.”
Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Jared Goodwin said, “Dominic Eason has been a member of the Boys Basketball Varsity team all four years during his high school career. Over these four years, Dominic has developed into one of the best that Toombs County has seen on the basketball court. Dominic finished his senior year in what was one of the most memorable seasons in Toombs County history. He was part of a team that won the Region for the first time in 20 years, advanced all the way to the State Championship game for the first time in school history, and the team won the most games in school history with 29 wins.
Dominic has been a 1st Team All-Region player for 3 straight years, Region Player of the Year in the 2324 season, GACA/GBCA 2A South Region Player of the Year for the 23-24 season, GHSA AA Player of the Year for the 23-24 season, as well as an All-State Selection for the 23-24 season. Dominic became a member of the 1,000 point club in Dec. of 2023, and became the school's All-Time Leading scorer in Jan. of 2024, passing Chuck Hill at 1,250 points. Dominic finished his career with 1,482 points. Dominic has a bright future ahead of him, we are proud of what he has done for our program, and wish him the best as he continues at the college level.”
Corneisha Bullard
Bullard was an aggressive wrestler for the Lady Bulldogs wrestling team, and had a solid carreer in her two years' wrestling. She will be taking her talents over to Brewton-Parker College.
Bullard stated, “I feel good, and I'm so excited for this opportunity. I know my grandma is looking down right now and I do all of this for her. I really didn't want to go far from home, and this is just a good fit for me. After we wrestled in Florida, the coach and I started talking and it just went from there. I just clicked with the team, and am looking forward to getting there. I want to thank Coach Allen and all of the girls that helped me get better. I want to thank my mom and dad and my brothers and sister for all of their support.”
Head Wrestling Coach, Todd Allen said, “Corneisha has come a long way over the last 2 years of wrestling at TCHS. She is athletic, aggressive, and became one of the most feared girls in the state to wrestle this past season. She elevated the Toombs Girl’s Wrestling program to higher standards being just the 3rd state qualifier and placing 3rd at the nationally prestigious Knockout Christmas tournament. I’m glad she has received this opportunity to wrestle at BPC and excited to hear of her successes as she continues to learn and grow.”
Christian Castro
Castro has helped lead the Esports program over the past four years, and has really been one of the founding members of the team. He has helped the program to over 400 wins, and has been a top player on a team that has been ranked near the top in the state and on the East Coast of the United States. He will be heading to continued from page
Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri.
Castro said, “I am feeling really good about today, and it is nice to get rewarded for all of the hard work I have put in. We are in there four days a week practicing, and taking extra time to focus on the things I needed to as well. I chose Central Methodist University because I want to get better. I feel that if I go to an established program like this one, it will benefit me in the long run. I want to thank Coach Corley for always supporting me and having my back. I have to thank my mom for being there for me even though she may not have understood everything about this sport, but she was always there for me, and my dad as well for all he does. I have to also thank my teammates for making me better every day.”
Head Esports Coach, Tyler Corley stated, “Christian Castro is a seasoned three-year starter with the Toombs County Bulldogs Esports team, showcasing his skills in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, Splatoon 3, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Rocket League at the varsity level. His remarkable career with the Bulldogs includes two state runner-up finishes, two GHSA State Championship qualifications, over 50 playoff wins, and an impressive tally of over 400 victories. Christian’s dedication and talent have earned him a spot at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri, where he will continue his esports journey as a member of the Eagles, competing in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate.”
Brandon McCall
McCall has been a big part of the TCHS football team and played big for them on the defensive line. He will be heading to Bluffton University in Ohio to play for the Beavers.
McCall stated, “I feel good, I feel blessed to have this opportunity. Hard work paid off, just showed up every day, put in the work, prayed every day, and here I am now. I chose Bluffton University because they have been talking to me since my junior year. They have kept at me, and after visiting with them, it just felt like home, like it was the right place for me. I want to thank God first, Coach Martin for showing me the way, my mom for raising me right, and all of my teammates, and my teachers who have pushed me in the classroom as well. I'm excited to take this journey.”
Head Football Coach, Buddy Martin said, “Brandon McCall, an all-star athlete from Toombs County High School, is the epitome of what it means to be a Bulldog. Brandon not only focuses on his academics and sports, but he finds time to volunteer in his community. He was a member of the Toombs County Bulldog Football Team for four years where he held the position of defensive end and tight end, was named Region Honorable Mention. Brandon plans to attend Bluffton University in Ohio where he will major in preengineering and play football.”
Aniyah Mckinnon
Mckinnon is heading off to East Georgia to continue her basketball career. Mckinnon was the Region 3AA Player of the Year for the Lady Bulldogs this season and has been a standout player for them. Mckinnon said, “I feel good about today. I want to thank Coach Walker and all of my teammates, the administration, and everyone who got me to where I'm at today. The coaches there at East Georgia are nice, and it just fit for me.”
Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Melody Walker stated, “Aniyah Mckinnon has had a successful high school basketball career. In her 4 years as Lady Hoopdawg, she has been All-Region 1st team twice, Region Player of the Year 20232024, All-State 1st team, and amassed over 1000 points. Aniyah has also competed in the state playoffs twice in her high career. She has decided to further her academics and athletics as a Lady Bobcat at East Georgia State College.”
Gailan Wilds
Wilds is also heading over to Brewton-Parker College to continue his wrestling career.
Wilds stated, “Super excited to head to BPC. They have great competitors on their team and the coaches are great. I am looking forward to the challenge and to getting along better with my new teammates. I want to thank my mom and my family, Coach Allen, Coach Smith and all of my teammates for helping me get better and pushing me.”
Head Wrestling Coach, Todd Allen said, “It has been a pleasure to have Gailan in our program. As only a 2nd year wrestler, his commitment level, dedication, and drive to succeed was on a different level. He has a high ceiling for growth and the work ethic to back it up. His 4th place finish at the State tournament this season is just the beginning, and I am excited to see how far he can take this same drive at the next level at BPC. Our program is better because of his senior leadership this past season.”
(L to R, Front): Jessica Bullard, Corneisha Bullard, Cornelius Bullard; (Back): Cornelius Bullard Jr., Hayden Bullard, and BPC Coach Josh Sturgill.
(L to R, Front): Maria Castro, Christian Castro, Ashley Castro; (Back): Bill Castro, and Coach Tyler Corley.Photo by Mike BranchPhoto by Mike Branch
(L to R, Front): Ryle Wilds, Gailan Wilds, Kristina Hattaway; (Back): BPC Coach Tyler Smith.Photo by Mike Branch
(L to R, Front): Whitney McCall, Brandon McCall, Jen Jackson; (Back): James Jackson, Ralph Gothe, Dae Dae McCall, Mike Spivey, Cameron Spivey, Jannie McCall.Photo by Mike Branch
(L to R, Front): Janice Mckinnon, Aniyah Mckinnon, Shondra Day; (Back): Jamal Mckinnon, Tyrique Mckinnon, Lakeisha Whitest, Malik Day and Head Coach Melody Walker.Photo by Mike Branch
