Saginaw Jr. High Playoffs
25. Feb, 2009 
11 Comments
Saginaw- While most of my attention goes to high school sports, one event I try not to miss each year is the city of Saginaw’s Jr. High playoffs. It is safe to say that Saginaw has had their share of big time basketball players that have gone on to excel in not only high school but beyond. And one thing all of those players have had in common is that they it all starts in the city’s Jr. High league.
Central, Ricker, Thompson, and Webber Middle all advanced to the semi-final games that took place yesterday. Central and Ricker squared off in one of the semi-finals and featured two big time names in Dorian Dawkins and Dominique Jackson. The last names might grab your attention because both players come from basketball families. Dawkins is the son of Saginaw High Head Coach, Lou Dawkins and Jackson comes from the family that has produced current Buena Vista guard, Dedo Jackson, and Notre Dame star, Tory Jackson. Yes, both of these young fellas have plenty of work to do but, boy, oh boy, do that both have a ton of potential.
Dawkins came out and got his teammates involved early, particularly Markel Bradshaw, and Central took an 11-4 lead. Jackson made his presence felt on the defensive end of the floor, keeping Ricker close on the scoreboard. Central controlled an eight point lead after one quarter but Ricker cut the halftime lead to four points as Tyrell Bridgewater and Jackson were able to finish under the basket.
In the second half Central picked up the full court pressure and a 10-0 run opened the game up as Central went up 36-25 heading into the fourth. Central built the lead to 16 points and used the win to advance to today’s championship game at Arthur Hill High School against the west side’s Thompson Middle School.
PLAYER BREAKDOWN
Dorian Dawkins, Central- “DD” is a natural floor general who looks like he’s just itching to make his varsity debut next year, and trust me he is ready! All young talent has to continue to work hard and continue to get better but I have no doubt that this gym rat will be a special player down the road.
Dawkins is averaging just under 30 points a game for the season, so it was no wonder that Ricker played a tight zone against him, but give “DD” credit because even though he could get shots off at will, he played a “pass-first” style of game and his teammates came through.
Dominique Jackson, Ricker- Jackson’s style of play is a little different from his family history, since he is more of an attacking wing. But the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree as he still shows some point guard traits with his floor vision. Jackson is already taller than his uncles as he stands close to 6-1. He has a ton of athleticism as he has recorded eight dunks on the season.
Jackson plays extremely hard on the defensive end as he finished with eight big time blocks and at least 10 rebounds. He still has to polish his offensive skills but that will come in time.
Markel Bradshaw, Central- Markel has a certain calmness and confidence that is tough to find in young guards He took care of the ball and handled the pressure.
Malik Hamilton, Central- was the only 7th grader who had an impact on the game. Malik can handle the ball as well as hoot the 3-ball.
Tyrell Bridgewater, Ricker- varsity football coaches are just drooling over this big fella. He is a load in the paint and scored a team high 14 points, all within two feet of the basket. He has soft hands and can really run the floor but Tyrell might find more success on the football field as a defensive tackle.
Is Dorian going to Start for His Dad next season? I think he is good enough to play Varsity but not good enough to start as a true Freshman
I think the sky is the limit for Dorian. He still has had nine months to get ready for high school basketball and he should be ready to compete at the varsity level.
No Doubt about the talent but they are guard heavy and I dont think he is ready to step in and take a spot but I do feel he is worthy enough of immediate playing time. Lets be realistic this kid can flat out ball. When it comes to varsity only a selected few true freshman impact the game. If no one knows that you should, by me just reading your articles(which are great) you can count on your hand of the tru freshman who just steps in and contribute in a major and are just as good as Dorian. My question is simple its flat out are other kids in that school going to get a fair shot or not.? As a parent its hard to be fair with your child on the team and thats going to be a conflict of intrest for Saginaw High………
I don’t think it will be a conflict of interest and yes Saginaw High we be guard heavy but Coach Dawkins does a great job of shuffling guys in and out, especially with his full court pressure, he needs fresh guys.
I guess thats why they are 12-7 because tooooooooo many guards!
RIP Dorian Dawkins A.K.A DD GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN
R.I.H D Dawk a.k.a STYLES
r.i.p dorian dawkins. you will never be forgotten. please keep lou dawkins and family in prayer! we all mourn with the dawkins family. God will heal. continue to trust and believe. all is well
dorian your gone but never forgotten i know your gone to a better place
Man Dorian was this my better half i loved wen i played against him cause thats when I really had to play extra hard cause he was so good but he’s in a better place now where he can shoot around all the time when ever he want to.
DORIAN WILL ALWAYS BE THE TRUTH IN MY EYES. I HAVE NEVER EVER WITNESSED A TRUE BALLPLAYER AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE, WITH THAT MUCH TALENT, AND AT THE SAME TIME KNOWS HOW TO USE HIS GOD GIVEN TALENT TO HIS ADVANTAGE. DORIAN HAS LAID IT OUT THEIR TO ALL OF YOU, OUR CITY IS FULL OF RAW TALENT.