Thursday, February 7, 2013

West Dawson is Prairie Stars' defensive leader

West Dawson makes it fun to watch him play defense.

The lean University of Illinois Springfield basketball player wows crowds by flying around on defense, diving on the floor for loose balls and leaping over scorer’s table or team benches trying to save balls.

“West is the energy leader of the team,” UIS coach Ben Wierzba said. “When they see him playing that hard, they know they’ve got to try to match his energy because West brings it every game and practice.”

Dawson’s “Energizer-Bunny” mentality on defense and on the glass has enriched the Prairie Stars for two seasons.

The 6-foot-5 senior forward is UIS’ top rebounder. He averages 7.4 rebounds per game, No. 7 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. He most likely leads the Stars in hustle plays.

“I don’t hold back,” said the Decatur Eisenhower High School graduate. “I’m super aggressive.”

Dawson was featured by the State Journal-Register on February 7, 2013.

Read the article online