BY MIKE HUTTON

Post-Tribune

 

It's been 19 years since a player from Gary --Glenn Robinson -- won Mr. Basketball.

The weekend tilt between Lew Wallace and Washington could very well set the stage for another potential Mr. Basketball from Gary.

Branden Dawson.

Dawson, a 6-foot-6 forward for the Hornets, is averaging 24 points and 14.7 rebounds per game while shooting 61 percent from the field.

He also averages about 4.5 steals per contest.

Dawson has one built-in disadvantage that works against him.

He doesn't get the kind of media exposure that kids from the Indianapolis area receive nor does he have the kind of built-in name recognition that one of his main competitors, Cody Zeller, has.

The timing and stage -- Conseco Fieldhouse against Washington and Zeller -- is perfect for Dawson to make a mark for himself in a junior class that is full of talented, potential Mr. Basketballs like Nic Moore of Warsaw and Marquis Teague of Indianapolis Pike.

If Zeller wins, he'll be upholding a family tradition. Both of his brothers, Tyler (2008) and Luke (2005), won Mr. Basketball.

Lew Wallace coach Renaldo Thomas is aware that this weekend could set the tone for next year for the Mr. Basketball battle when Zeller and Dawson and Washington and Lew Wallace battle for the state title.

"A lot is going to be laid on the line," Thomas said. "All the movers and shakers will be there paying real close attention to what happens."

Thomas admits that Zeller and Teague have "an edge because everyone has already seen them play but if Branden has a great game, this could solidify them and put him a cut above everyone else."

Dawson didn't disappoint last week, scoring 22 points and pulling down 13 rebounds in the Hornets' 57-45 victory over Fort Wayne Elmhurst.

Zeller was impressive in a 19-point win for the Hatchets over Danville, a team that features Travis Carroll, a 6-10 center that is headed to Purdue. He finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Washington coach Gene Miller said that Cody, who is listed at 6-10, is the best ball handler of the three Zellers. Luke is 6-11 while Tyler, who plays for North Carolina is 7-0.

Miller calls him more of a perimeter player than either Luke or Tyler. Cody is averaging 20.5 points per game and 10.5 rebounds per game while shooting 59 percent.

Miller calls Dawson a "tremendous talent. When he puts the ball on the floor, anything can happen."

 

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