HighSchoolElite.com's Player Journals- Dunson 1

Frank's notes:
There is not a better team than Bloomington outside of the Chicago area and their leader is this year's Class AA Player Journal writer. Dodie Dunson is a 6'3" point guard with a great arsenal of basketball skills and knowledge of the game. Last season in leading the Purple Raiders to a 24-4 record, he averaged 16 points, five assists and three steals. He holds it in sometimes, but Dodie has scary athleticism, plays smart and is a true lead guard with the complete package. On Tuesday, Aug. 10 he brought a halt to his recruiting when he announced he will stay home to play for Illinois State. With the Redbirds he will join his Bloomington teammate and backcourt partner, Brandon Holtz, on the next level.

No! It’s too late for the summer to be over. All I need is another month or so.

I just got back from vacation in California and Las Vegas. I was born in Gardena, CA and go back every summer, and I must say, it’s real fun! My brother, Brandon, and I went to almost every theme park and game room in Las Vegas and spent about $300 each. We had been saving since the beginning of last school season. Now it’s time to start saving again.

I really love the game of basketball. When I was in kindergarten I started on my school’s fifth grade team. I didn’t really start getting noticed until 8th grade when I, alongside fellow teammates, Brandon Holtz and Wesley Ware won the 2002 IESA State Championship. I’ve been playing varsity since my freshman year in high school, and have started since my sophomore year.

Before every school season, I played basketball for my father, Dodie Dunson, Sr. The team is entitled Team Illinois Basketball. Going into my freshman year, we placed 12th in the nation on the AAU circuit, which really says a lot. This past summer, we went to a lot of top quality tournaments and did very well. One of those tournaments included the AAU national in Kissimmee, Florida, which just might have been the best one all summer round.

I am looking forward to playing for Bloomington this season. I seriously think we have a chance of being the 2005 IHSA State Champions if every one stays healthy. It’s a lot of fun playing especially with teammates like Brandon Holtz, Brent Holtz, Wesley Ware, my brother, Justin Bocot, and Lonnie Lawrence. We usually all play together in the summer which makes our chemistry even better.

Our team is going to be undersized like it has been for the last few years, but I think we can fight through it. Our tallest player will be 6’3” in Lonnie Lawrence but we are all aggressive with the determination to win which makes us better than most teams.

I recently committed to Illinois State. The biggest reason I chose them is because it’s in Bloomington, IL and I’m most comfortable here. It came down between the Redbirds and Bradley. I really think Bradley’s Jim Les is a great coach and a better person, but as they say, home is where your heart is.

The day I got back from my vacation it was very hectic. All of my friends and other people from the community were congratulating me on my commitment. Also, certain schools were calling me telling me they would take me anytime if something went wrong. Now I’ve got to take and do well on my ACT and my ticket is written!

Though I wish it was still summer, I’m kind of glad school is starting. I’m happy that I’m going to see all of my friends that I haven’t seen in a while. Truthfully, I just want basketball season to start. I’m really looking forward to it.

We have Peoria Central this year. I wish we could’ve had them last year because I’ve never played against Shaun. I played on his team when I was a sophomore at the High School Elite PEP Fall Classic, and I talk to him once or twice a month, but I wish I had had the chance to play against him. Oh well, guess I’ll have to wait until I make the NBA.

I should be competing in the High School Elite PEP Fall Classic at the beginning of next month. It’s always fun to play in the tournament; I’ve done it for the past two years. Last year we took second to the Illinois Warriors after beating Scheyer (Glenbrook North’s Jon Scheyer), Big Julian (Homewood-Flossmoor’s Julian Wright) and the rest of their squad. It came down to the wire and we lost on a controversial call, but hey, that’s life; no changing it.

I’m looking forward to playing in it. I like to see where I match up against the top players. Most coaches in the city tell me I’m the best guard they’ve seen and most people in central Illinois say I’m the best player, but I like to have my own opinion. Playing in this tournament helps me do so.

Well, I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you guys in my next PJ.

Lil’ Dodie