SC's Dawson takes next step

Shelbyville senior Hannah Dawson signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. With Dawson are, seated, her parents Deb and John Dawson. Back row, from left, are Eaglette coaches LaBora McCroskey, Misty Thompson, Lynn Burkey and Jana Reynolds. (T-G Photo by Gary Johnson) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Shelbyville Central senior basketball standout Hannah Dawson has had two dreams over the past few years.

One became a reality Wednesday morning before a large number of family, close friends and Eaglette fans, as Dawson signed a letter of intent to play basketball and continue her education at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala.

With the recruiting process over and the pressure of deciding where to play basketball at in college behind her, she now will focus on her other dream, helping the Eaglettes win a state championship.

"Ever since I started playing basketball at the age of 4, it was my dream when I grew up to play basketball in high school and win the state then go on and play in college," Dawson said. "Now that one of those dreams has come true, I can't wait for the season to start.

"We had chances to win the state the past three years but we haven't been able to achieve that goal. Now I'm totally focused on that goal and if we come together as a team we can get it this year. I'd really love to see that dream come true as well."

Dawson has a tremendous amount of individual talent, but she's the type of player who always puts her team first.

New coach's view

That's one of a number of attributes Samford coach Mike Morris believes she can bring to the Bulldogs.

"We're very excited to have Hannah as a part of our basketball program," Morris said. "I think she's a great player and even a better person. She fills a need with our team as being a 5-11, inside-out, 3-4 type player. She's very versatile, can score around the goal and shoot the three as well. She comes from a great high school program, has had excellent coaching throughout her career and that is a huge plus for her."

She has been a vital member of the Eaglette program since her freshman year after moving to Shelbyville from Memphis, and has also been a member of the very successful Tennessee Nike Fight AAU program.

Doing it right

"Hannah's signing was just a special event," Eaglette coach Lynn Burkey said. "She and her parents (John and Deb) invited a number of friends and fans from our community, served breakfast and it was just a very joyous occasion.

"To sum it up, Hannah has done it the right way from day one. She's a good student and player, but more importantly she's a great person."

Her basketball skill and knowledge is beyond her years and she has a lot of "basketball savvy."

"Hannah comes from a great family that's been involved in athletics in a variety of roles and it shows," Burkey said. "I watch some of the things she does in practice right now as a senior and I don't know if I've ever had a kid with any more basketball knowledge and the understanding of the game that she has in the 33 years or so I've been coaching.

"She will do whatever you ask her to do. She is a very important part of our program and I know she will be the same at Samford. It's the perfect fit for Hannah."

As a junior, Dawson led the Eaglettes in rebounds and averaged over 10 points a game.

She has been named All-District, All-Region and selected to the All-State Tournament team.

Many to thank

"There have been so many people that have played a role in my life and basketball career, Dawson said. "I want to thank my family for all their support and to my dad who was one of the first coaches I ever had. I would also like to thank Paul Ward, who was my first AAU coach who let me play for his 10-Under team even when he found out I was only 7 years old.

"I also want to thank Hugh Freeze who taught me so much when I played for Briarcrest and coach Burkey and all the coaching staff at Central."

Dawson plans to enter the medical field as a nurse and possibly work in a neonatal intensive care unit, but for now she looks to nurse the Eaglettes to a state championship.