DAWSONVILLE – After exiting the Class 3A playoffs last season, Dawson County coach Chad Pittman faced the daunting task of rebuilding the program's starting lineup.
The Tiger basketball team was a victim of the cycle – the graduation cycle.
Pittman lost two 1,000-point scorers in Cullen Reed and Jeremiah Crumley and big men, Ryan Gallenkamp and Cane Pelfrey. With four starters gone, it left Jr. G Campbell Reed as the lone returner.
Spin the clock forward eight months, and the Tigers have a totally new look. The transfer of Jasper Gibson, Luke Chism, Ahmad Kamara, and Eli Burris suddenly changed the landscape of Tiger basketball.
"You know, in 23 years of coaching," Pittman said, "And I don't know why I deserve it, but the Lord blessed me with a few new faces. The kids get along, and they share the ball. We don't have anyone that wants to be the star, so I was really pleased with the kids' attitude."
Those new faces will join Reed in the rotation this year. Reed has the most experience in Pittman's scheme. Last season, he was the third-best scorer, behind Crumley and his brother, Cullen Reed. The younger Reed is expected to be a leader and scoring threat.
"It's going to be a change for me," Reed said. "I’ve developed a sense of urgency for the game. I get the ball and go, now. I can create it for other people, instead of being the corner catch and shoot kind of guy. If we can put it together, it's going to be a heck of a run."
The added depth should allow Pittman's up-tempo style of play to flourish this season. Last year, depth was a big issue for the Tigers late in the game. It especially showed up in the second round of the playoffs against Cedar Grove.
"Of course, every team is a little bit different," he said. "We'll get after it defensively and try to push the tempo. With our depth this year, we should be able to push the tempo better."
THE TALENT POOL
Gibson, a 6-foot-3 junior guard, shot more than 40-percent from 3-point range and averaged 20 ppg last season at Jefferson. He has an offer from UNG and is drawing D1 interest right now.
"Jasper is a playmaking point guard," Pittman said. "Jasper sees the floor well, and is also an excellent shooter"
Chism is the most dynamic player of the trio. He's a versatile 6-foot-5 guard that causes a lot of mismatches and can score.
"His first step is deceivingly quick, and he finishes extremely well," Pittman said.
Chism is fielding offers from several colleges right now and says he's excited to be at Dawson County.
"It's definitely been a big change," he said. "But the guys have really accepted me."
It could be after Thanksgiving before the Tigers get Kamara in the rotation. He's still playing football.
Pittman says Kamara is a strong athlete that can handle the ball.
"Ahmad provides us with toughness," he said. "He has the ability to score around the rim and the perimeter."
Kamara isn't the only football player that will contribute once the season is over. Sr. G Trey Pruitt, Jr. P Brody Howell, Jr. P Bryson Broadway and So. Max Tierney will add depth.
Also adding more depth to the perimeter game is 6-foot-4 Burris. He's an athletic wing that shoots the ball well.
"He provides size on the perimeter," Pittman said. "He can guard multiple positions and will be a big piece for us this season."
PRE-SEASON HYPE
There's plenty of hype surrounding this year's team. Although Pittman isn't a "social media butterfly," he's been briefed about the Twitter buzz.
"One poll has us ranked No. 6 and one has us No. 4," he said. "I'm not sure about all that hype just yet. After we win a few games, then we can talk more about that. In those polls, if you believe them, in our region GAC, East Hall and we are all in the top 10. So we don't have to go looking for good games."
The Tigers will find if they have enough firepower to compete with defending state champion Greater Atlanta Christian School early in the season. That game is set for Dec. 7.
"I'm hoping this year we'll be prepared and ready to play right out of the gate," Pittman said. "They (GAC) are the team to beat. They were the best team in the state last year. They showed us three times."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2018/11/732834/new-players-create-pre-season-buzz-in-dawson-county