THREE FORKS — Big Timber’s Ethan Bullock is a force to be reckoned with on the basketball floor. The versatile 6-foot, 5-inch forward is an imposing presence for the Herders, whether it be playing on the perimeter or banging with other bigs down low.
“I do whatever is asked of me,” Bullock said. “If coach asks me to play outside while another big guy steps inside, I’m willing to do that and I’m willing to play wherever he wants to put me. If he wants me to take it strong inside and draw fouls and everything else, I’ll play there. I’ll play exactly where he wants me to play to get the win.”
Not many teams in Class B can counter Bullock’s strong and athletic 6-5 frame. Big Timber has a handful of deadly shooters, which allows Bullock space to operate inside. When defenses collapse on him, the Herders make them pay from outside. Bullock is a monster on the glass, too, creating second-chance opportunities on the offensive end with his relentless motor.
“Defensively, he can jump fairly well, so you know he’s going to try and block your shot,” Big Timber head coach Dan Smart said. “He’s just a presence on offense. He’s so talented, so athletic, he can get to the rim pretty easy. We’ve got really good shooters, so we keep telling them if you pound it inside, pound it inside, that’s going to free us up on the outside, where we can take advantage of our nice shooters.”
“Strength is a big thing in basketball. You have to get position on rebounds, it’s very important,” Bullock said. “You’ve got to come in, even if you’re not as big – 6-5 – as me, you’ve got to come in with the mentality to push someone around to get in there for a board. Boards win games.”
It’s not only on the basketball floor that Bullock has excelled with his blend of size and athleticism. Bullock played pitcher and center field for the Livingston Braves and was a terrific offensive and defensive lineman on Big Timber’s semifinal football team.
Ultimately, Bullock chose to continue his athletic career on the football field, as he is verbally committed to Montana State and plans to sign during the early signing period Dec. 19-21.
“It was a thought, but I’ve decided that football is my path both academically and close to home. Baseball is hard to get recruited for in Montana,” Bullock said.
“It’s great for him, it’s great for his family. He’s the type of athlete that hasn’t worked out a whole lot, they’ll put the weight on him and he’ll be tough,” Smart said. “I mean, he works out a little bit, but not like he should.”
That’s a scary thought for those that have lined up across from Bullock on the football field the past few seasons.
