By Chris Parker
Dixon boys basketball finished 15-14 last season. This year, five players who scored between 3.5 and 10 points per game return.
Tommy McBride is the leading returning scorer at 10 points per game to go with 6.5 rebounds and 2 blocks. He started last season.
“Tommy has had a good summer for us and has gotten stronger inside,” Dixon head coach Logan Ray said. “He has the length and skill to be a rim protector for us and good feel for the game on the offensive end.”
Case Sinden, a returning starter, scored 9 points per game with 4.6 assists, 3.2 steals and 4.7 deflections on his way to all-conference and all-district honors.
“Case is the engine for our team on both ends of the floor,” Ray said. “We look for his numbers to increase this year and he is a great leader for us.”
Drew Young is the final returning starter who averaged 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
“Drew started for us as a freshman and has worked hard to expand his game this off-season,” Ray said. “He has the ability to score at all three levels. He will be a key contributor for us on both ends of the floor.”
Maverick Yoakum will likely move into the starting lineup after he contributed 3.5 points per game last season.
“Maverick is a physical post that will do a great job of rebounding and defending,” Ray said. “He has worked on footwork and finishing in the off season.”
Camden Burns rounds out the likely returning starters. He scored 4.5 points per game as a sophomore.
“Camden played heavy minutes as sixth-man last year,” Ray said. “He has good length at the guard position. He will need to be good defender on defense, and we look for his scoring and playmaking to take a step forward this season.”
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John Creamer (sophomore), MJ Ford (freshman), Dominic Shelden (junior) and Tavontaye Hogshooter (senior) will all be contributors.
Ray on Creamer: “John is a player that keeps getting better every time he steps on the court. He is a skilled offensive player that can shoot the ball well and finish at the rim. He also shows quick hands and instincts on defense.”
Ray on Ford: “MJ is a freshman that will see minutes off the bench this season. He has a lot of skill at the guard position. One of our better ball handlers and shooters. Confidence will grow throughout the season.”
Ray on Shelden: “Dom is an undersized post that will do the little things for us to help us battle to win games. Good defender and improved shooter from outside.”
Ray on Hogshooter: “Tavontaye is one of our two seniors this year. He has great length and has a good motor on the defensive end. Unselfish player that knows how to screen well and gets good positioning inside.”
Everything starts with defense for Dixon.
“We must be together and tough on defense. We will look to mix defenses up and put pressure on teams. Use our length to disrupt teams offense and be committed to rebounding as a team,” Ray said. “Our offense starts with our defense. We will play to our strengths. We will look to push the ball and get into early offense. We should have the ability to play inside out this year and spread teams out.”
Dixon opens the regular season on Nov. 17 at Salem.
“We’re excited for the upcoming season,” Ray said. “We finished second in conference last season and lost in the district championship. The guys have put a lot of work in the offseason and are anxious to get started. Our group knows we have big goals ahead.”
