By Chris Parker
Dixon boys basketball had a special 2024-25 season finishing with a 22-4 record, which was the best for the program since 2010-11.
“Last year our team had a pretty special season,” Dixon head coach Logan Ray said. “We were able to win our conference tournament at the beginning of the season and followed that up by finishing with a 7-0 conference finish for the first conference title in 12 years and first 20-win season in 14 years. It was a group of players that really understood their roles and played for each other.”
Three starters in seniors Drew Young and John Creamer along with junior MJ Ford return.
Young, an all-conference and all-district player, averaged 14.5 points, 2.8 assists, 2.9 steals and 5 rebounds per game as a junior.
“Drew surpassed 1,000 points last year and will be a four-year varsity starter,” Ray said. “He is a very competitive player that has good instincts on the court. He has good length at the guard position, which has allowed him to play different positions for us. Drew has worked hard this offseason to improve hos overall game and be a good leader.”
Creamer, also an all-conference selection, scored 13 points per game with 5.5 rebounds, 3.1 steals and 2.7 assists.
“John is an athletic wing that has developed into a great two-way player,” Ray said. “He is our best defender and can score at all three levels on the offensive end. We look for a big senior year from him this year.”
Ford contributed 9.5 points per game with 2.8 assists and 1.7 steals.
“MJ took over at the point guard spot last year and has excelled for us there,” Ray said. “He led the team last year in three-point shooting and assists. MJ has worked on putting on some muscle in the offseason and finishing at the rim. He is another guard that we expect to take a big step for us this year.”
Sophomores Trip Holzer and Taylon Holzer are in line for more varsity action this season.
“Tripp is an athletic guard that has a lot of potential going forward. He is a natural scorer that can really do it at all three levels. He is consistently one of our best shooters on the team. He also provides us good on-ball defense and energy,” Ray said. “Taylon is technically our post but can play several positions. He has good length and timing on defense and good footwork and touch on offense. He is consistently one of our best shooters on the team.”
Taylar Dodson (senior point guard), Rafen Baker (senior forward), Perry Jacobs (junior forward/center), Traemond Washer (freshman point guard), Jake Johnson (freshman guard) and Karson Elliott (freshman guard) are all looking to find varsity minutes.
Ray on Dodson: “Taylar is instant energy for us when he comes in off the bench. He understands his role and really excels in it. He is a very athletic and quick guard that that brings us great defense and toughness. He is also an improved scorer.”
Ray on Baker: “Rafen a is a player that has a good basketball IQ and understands his role to help us win. He is a good shooter at the post position and can be a physical defender inside.”
Ray on Jacobs: “Perry is a long, athletic post player that keeps improving with experience. He gives us a different look when he is in the game because of his rebounding and shot blocking ability. Perry has a lot of potential as a player. We are looking forward to seeing him grow as a player.”
Ray on Washer: “Athletic guard that has a good skillset on both sides of the ball. Adds to our depth at the guard position.”
Ray on Johnson: “Jake has great touch and footwork around the basket. Good playmaker and has the ability to set up his teammates with his passing. He had a good off-season.”
Ray on Elliott: “Karson is a dog on defense. He brings us relentless effort and energy. He also brings the team good playmaking.”
Offensively, speed will rule the day. Defensively, flexibility will be key.
“We played fast last season and looked to push the ball when it was available. We will look to take this to the next level this year with the personnel we have. Our coaching staff has really emphasized space and pace on offense this offseason. We should have good playmaking and scoring at several positions. We will need to let our defense lead to good offense for us as well,” Ray said. “We will look to use our athleticism and depth to be disruptive and take teams out of what they like to do. We will like to be flexible in what we do and use different schemes to create turnovers and easier scoring opportunities. Our team will continue to buy into team defense and gang rebounding for us to be at our best.”
Dixon opens the season on Nov. 25 at Steelville.
“My goal for our team is to always represent our school and community in the best way possible,” Ray said. “We want to install positive ethics that will help these young men beyond basketball and high school. We want this year’s team to work hard, be great teammates, be competitive, and enjoy the whole process of growing and getting better. If we do the little things and embrace the grind, then success will follow.”
