By Jody Demling http://www.courier-journal.com/indiana-high-school
Marquis Teague isn't the only top national high school basketball prospect in the Class of 2011 from Indiana.Forward Branden Dawson of Lew Wallace High School in Gary is called the “best offensive rebounder in his class” by Scout.com and is considered a five-star prospect by all the scouting services. Rivals.com ranks him as the No.16 player in his class, and Scout.com has him at No.21.
Teague, the Indianapolis Pike junior and recent University of Kentucky commitment, is ranked No.2 by Rivals.com and No.5 by Scout.com.
The 6-foot-6, 205-pound Dawson was stellar on Saturday at Franklin High School, leading his SYF Players team into the quarterfinals of the Indiana State AAU Tournament.
“I am just out here trying to get better,” said Dawson, who had games of 19 and 18 points. “I have improved a lot since last year, but I know I need to improve more.”
Dawson has a solid list of schools: Purdue, Michigan State, Indiana, Marquette, UCLA and Georgetown. He said that they are “all equal” and that he likely won't make a decision on a school until next spring.
“The college thing has been cool,” he said. “I am still open right now. I won't make an early decision.”
Dawson said he knows the Purdue team well and has “been playing with (Robbie Hummel and E'twan Moore) all while I was growing up.” He added that Indiana “is great. They are the Hoosiers. I like it there a lot.”
Branden Dawson Shines
Branden Dawson, a 6-foot-6 junior forward from Gary (IN) Lew Wallace had 22 points and eleven rebounds, but it was not enough as the Hornets fell to Washington 65-62 in overtime in the Class AAA Indiana State Tournament in front of Minnesota head coach Tubby Smith.
Lew Wallace finished the season 19-5, snapping their ten-game winning streak. Dawson, who is averaging 24.0 points and 14.7 rebounds per game, has offers from Georgetown, Indiana, Michigan State, Minnesota, Purdue and UCLA.
Washington was led by 6-foot-10 junior Cody Zeller, who had 20 points and tied an Indiana championship game record with 26 rebounds for the Hatchets (23-3), who improved to 6-0 in state title games and won their third championship since 2005. Zeller is the younger brother of Luke, who played at Notre Dame and Tyler, who is at North Carolina. Both brothers won state titles for Washington.
Zeller was named the Associated Press all-tournament MVP and Dawson made the all-tourney team.
Minnesota head coach Tubby Smith was just one of several top flight coaches to attend the Indiana state high school championship. Purdue head coach Matt Painter, Roy Williams of North Carolina, Bruce Weber from Illinois and Northwestern assistant Mitch Henderson were in attendance.
Dawson played for the SYF Players AAU program, which played in the Sabes Invitational in Bloomington last May.
Brandon Dawson Basketball Stats - Wallace [Lew] High School 08-09
Class of 2011 Rankings (July '09)
1. Marquis Teague - 6'1 PG - Pike
2. Brandon Dawson - 6'6 G/F - Gary Lew Wallace
3. Michael Chandler - 6'10 C - Lawrence North
4. Ryan Taylor - 6'6 F - Lawrence North
5. Jeremiah Davis - 6'3 G - Muncie Central
6. Matt Carlino - 6'2 G - Bloomington South
7. Darwin "Dee" Davis - 5'10 PG - Bloomington South
8. Cody Zeller - 6'9 F - Washington
9. Mitch McGary - 6'8 F - Chesterton
10. Austin Ethrington - 6'6 G/F - Hamilton Heights
11. (tie) Jalen Packer - 6'3 PG - Princeton
11. (tie) Justin Gant - 6'8 F - Terre Haute North
12. Nic Moore - 5'10 PG - Warsaw
13. Steven Jamison - 6'5 G - Broad Ripple
14. Spencer Turner - 6'3 G - Bloomington South
15. Tony Springmann - 6'8 F - Ft. Wayne Dwenger
16. PJ Boutte - 5'9 PG - Howe Academy
17. Zac Van de Water - 6'5 G/F - Whitko
18. Kendall Griffin - 6'5 G - Avon
19. Rontray Chavis - 6'5 F - Princeton
20. Levi Garner - 6'6 F - Edgewood
21. Johnny Marlin - 6'1 PG - Center Grove
22. Greg Dickey - 5'10 PG - Tipton
23. Torrey Nibbs - 6'1 G - Brownsburg
24. Alexander Hutson - 6'0 G - Tipton
25. Evan Maschmeyer- 6'3 G - Jeffersonville
26. Alex Pritchett - 6'6 F - Bedford North Lawrence
27. Tyler Greathouse - 6'7 F - Columbus North
28. Kenny Mullen - 6'1 G - Bishop Luers
29. Brian Stolarz - 6'6 F - Munster
30. Chandler Thomas - 6'5 F - Yet to enroll
High school basketball recruit, Brandon Dawson
What is the story behind high school basketball recruit Brandon Dawson? Question: does this young man have the skills and the ability to compete at the college level and if so, is Brandon Dawson
a major college basketball player? Is he a mid-major basketball player or is he a low major basketball player?
The college recruiting process is extremely competitive for all high school student athletes so, do you believe that Brandon Dawson is receiving a fair amount of attention from college coaches?
There are many outstanding high school basketball players in Brandon Dawson’ home state. Where would you rank this young man? Is he one of the best basketball players in the area or is there room for improvement?
College coaches and recruiters should look for many different things when evaluating high school basketball players. Is this young man coach-able?
Does he always play hard?
Is he a major contributor to the team?
Is he a team player?
Is he a ball hog, selfish player or does he involve his other teammates in the game?
What are your thoughts about the high school basketball team that Brandon Dawson plays on? Are they a success or do they fall short? What is your opinion about the head basketball coach? Is he doing a good job in promoting his players or does he fall short?
For all high school athletes that are posted on the Acrylic Sports college recruiting website, we’re looking for your individual opinions. Also, please consider subscribing to the Acrylic Sports website.
We look forward to your comments about Brandon Dawson, other high school student athletes or any articles written on this website.
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