By Chris Parker
Dixon boys basketball has posted a winning record in four straight seasons. Last year, the Bulldogs were conference and district runner-up.
Three starters and six lettermen graduated from that team including CJ Thiltgen who scored 17.3 points per game with seven rebounds.
Drake Young is the leading returning scorer and rebounder. He scored 13.5 points per game with 7 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game.
“Drake was our second-leading scorer and rebounder off last year’s team,” Dixon head coach Logan Ray said. “He has worked hard in the offseason to expand his overall game. He is a very versatile player that has good size at the guard positions and shoots the ball well from outside. He also has the footwork and strength to play inside. He is also one of our best on ball defenders.”
Case Sinden is back after scoring 6.5 points per game with 3 rebounds.
“Case is our best leader on and off the court,” Ray said. “He runs the point position for us and is an extension of the coach. He has a high motor to go along with his athleticism at the position. I expect Case to have a breakout season because of all the hard work he has put in in the off season.”
Rosten Martin rounds out the returners coming back with 2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.
“Rosten is a strong forward that has a high basketball IQ,” Ray said. “He knows how to do the little things to help our team win games. He will be a defense anchor for us and has approved his shooting and finishing on the offensive end.”
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Senior Nolan Hernandez along with sophomores Tommy McBride, Camden Burns, Jude Roam and Maverick Yoakum and freshman Drew Young will be newcomers to the varsity lineup.
Ray on Hernandez: “Sharpshooting guard that has work harder in the offseason to expand his overall game. Bring experience to us off the bench, along with a joy for playing the game.”
Ray on McBride: “Tommy had good size and length at the post position. He also has a good overall feel for the game with a good basketball IQ. He has worked hard in the off season on his strength and agility. I look for him to get adjusted to the varsity level early and have a good season.”
Ray on Burns: “Camden is going to be a key contributor this season and the wing position. He has good length and playmaking ability on the offensive end. Camden can defend and rebound well when engaged.”
Ray on Roam: “Athletic guard that could see some minutes off the bench. He can be a scrappy on ball defender and push the pace for us on offense.”
Ray on Yoakum: “Strong post that has become a very good rebounder and defender for us. We will look for him to give us a spark of the bench.”
Ray on Young: “Drew has good skill and athleticism at the guard position. He will be a scrappy defender that can shoot the ball well from three. He will be a key contributor and look for his confidence to keep growing throughout the year.”
Dixon opens the season on Nov. 18 at home against Salem.
“We will be a young team this year centered around a few key contributors off last year’s team,” Ray said. “I really like this year’s team and the work they are continuing to put in. It will take some time, but I expect us to really improve throughout the season. Guys are hungry to put their own stamp on the program. We will be a team that will play with pace and spacing. We will rely on playing off of each other and being unselfish. We must be scrappy on defense and committed to rebounding.”
