Tyler Chatman was voted Suffolk News-Herald Player of the Week after scoring 17 points and grabbing eight rebounds in a Bulldogs win over Grassfield High School.

Junior Bulldog Tyler Chatman has been an integral part of the success King’s Fork High School has been able to have this season. He has been able to find ways to fit in and do different things for the Bulldogs. One game it might be scoring; the next could be playmaking; another could be rebounding and defense. However it goes, Chatman finds ways to do what the team needs at any given moment.

That explains the 17 points and eight rebounds he was able to put together in a win for the Bulldogs.

“I feel like I played pretty well offensively and defensively,” he said. “This season I wanted to come in and be efficient on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, and I feel like I am doing that well.”

At 15-5, the Bulldogs have a chance to make the state tournament this season. Chatman feels like the Bulldogs as a whole play well together, which could make way for a run at a state title. Chatman was at Nansemond River High School last year and credits the Bulldogs for making his transition to King’s Fork seamless.

What motivates him on the court is knowing that his coaches and teammates trust him. They believe Chatman can make the right play at any time, which gives him even more confidence in himself while he is on the floor.

“We are coming together more and more as a team as the season unravels,” he said. “We honestly feel like we can win a state title, and we talk about it all the time.”

Chatman is inspired by his father. When they have a coach-son conversation it’s always about ways to get better. They often have conversations about basketball every day, whether just casual conversations or watching.

“Just seeing his passion for the game inspires me,” he said. “We talk a lot about ways I can be better. One thing he talks to me about is attitude and effort — you can always improve those things. He’s hard on me at times, but I know it’s for my best interests.”

Chatman likes to watch different players and learn things from them. One player in particular he watches is Alonzo Trier, a forward for the New York Knicks. Chatman likes the way he attacks the game.

With one game left in the regular season this Tuesday, Chatman hopes to continue making plays for the Bulldogs in the postseason.