By Chris Parker
Dixon boys basketball was a young team last season, but that did not stop the Bulldogs from winning 15 games.
“Last year our team had a successful season,” head coach Logan Ray said. “(We) finished the season with 15 wins. Played in a lot of very close games, some of which we lost. We were a team that really grew and got better throughout the season. As we got better, our young players grew in confidence and our team developed the identity that we wanted.”
Drew Young returns for his junior season after scoring 19 points per game with 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.7 steals.
“Drew was our most consistent offensive player last season,” Ray said. “He does a good job of scoring in many different ways, even if not shooting well. Drew has great instincts and anticipation and moves well without the basketball. He is a very competitive kid that sets the tone for us with his energy. Drew has worked hard in the off-season on getting stronger, tightening his handles and scoring at all three levels.”
Senior Tommy McBride averaged 12.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.
“Tommy is our 6’5 post that has a unique skill set on both on both end of the floor,” Ray said. “He has great touch finishing around the basket and has worked to develop his jumper out to the three-point line. He also has great timing blocking and altering shots on the defensive end. Tommy will need to be a big leader for our team this year. I look for his overall numbers to increase his senior year.”
John Creamer was also a full-time starter as a sophomore averaging 9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.
“(John is a) strong athletic wing that has improved each year,” Ray said. “John has the ability to become our best wing defender and rebounder. He is also a smooth offensive player that can space the floor with his shooting and finish well at the rim. I look forward to seeing the jump he makes this season for our team as his role expands.”
Camden Burns split starting time with fellow senior Maverick Yoakum.
Burns averaged 3.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.
“(Burns is) another strong senior wing for our team that made significant strides for us on the defensive end last season,” Ray said. “This will be his third season playing varsity basketball. He will be looked upon to make plays and bring his energy to our team off the bench.”
Yoakum scored 6 points per game with 4 rebounds per game.
“(Yoakum is a) strong athletic post that is a good defender and rebounder,” Ray said. “Maverick has improved his overall game each season and had a great summer for us on the offensive end finishing strong around the rim and hitting mid-range jump shots. Looking forward to seeing him excel his senior year as a full-time starter for us.”
MJ Ford and Taylor Dodson also return.
Ray on Ford: “MJ had a great season for a JV team last year and got some varsity minutes off the bench. He took over the starting point guard spot this summer, and you could see the growth each camp we played. Good shooter and downhill driver. We will continue challenging MJ to be locked in on both ends of the floor.”
Ray on Dodson: “Taylor is a very fast athletic guard that will get minutes off the bench for us. He brings us great energy and ball pressure on defense. He also gives our team another solid ball handler and can create for others.”
Ray mentioned Taylon Holzer (freshman), Perry Jacobs (sophomore), Tripp Holzer (freshman), Traemond Washer (freshman), Easton Hance (junior), Parker Doyle (junior) and Rafen Baker (junior) as newcomers.
Ray on Taylon Holzer: “Talented freshmen that can score at all three levels. Has great length and timing blocking shots. He will be a key contributor off the bench this season.”
Ray on Jacobs: “Perry is a great athlete that gives us awesome energy on the defensive end of the floor. He has worked hard in the off season on expanding his offensive skill set. Keeps improving and we expect big things from him the next few years.”
Ray on Tripp Holzer: “Athletic freshmen guard that can make a big impact for our team on both ends of the floor. Provides good on ball defense and can space the floor with his shooting and ability to downhill drive.”
Ray on Washer: “Traemond adds to overall depth at the point guard position. He is a natural pass first point guard that makes players around him better. Hard-nosed defender and rebounder as well.”
Ray on Hance: “Easton is a good teammate that plays solid defense and can space the floor to hit the open jump shot. He has a good understanding of his role and does it nicely.”
Ray on Doyle: “One of our best overall athletes. Parker has improved drastically each year he has played. Will be challenged to defend and rebound at a high level.”
Ray on Baker: “Rafe is a post player for us that has a good basketball IQ and does a good job excelling at the role he has. He is an improved shooter and finisher on the offensive end as well.”
Dixon opens the season on Nov. 22 at home against Salem.
“We are very excited to get started this season,” Ray said. “This team has been grinding and putting in work this past off season and are chopping at the bit to get to play. We have big goals for the season but everyone understands its a process and takes a lot of dedication to meet these goals. There has to be great sacrifice and every player will have to accept their role on the team and excel at their role. We feel we have the athletes and depth to get out and pressure teams and push the ball in transition. Our team will be built around being dawgs on defense and controlling the glass. We will look to be unselfish on the offensive end looking to make each other better. Our team is excited about every game and tournament on our schedule and will look to build and improve each game until district play.”
