The Marcus Dawson Story

[coachdubs]

November 22, 2022
Laramie Boomerang
Cowboys Continue Hot Start to Season, Overpower Longwood 84-66.
Ryan Mathews

In another impressive outing, the Wyoming Cowboys defeated the Longwood Lancers with a commanding 84-66 victory, showcasing their depth and skill.
Marius Baxter, continuing to play at a high level, led the charge for the Cowboys, tallying a game-high 20 points, marking yet another stellar outing for the senior standout. Brandon Moody ran the offense nearly flawlessly from his point guard position, dishing out six assists with only one turnover in the game, and contributed five points in the process. Adding to the scoring, Sean Esherick and Germaine Fields were both able to contribute 10 points apiece contributing to a balanced scoring attack.
Robinson McFall continued his impressive stint coming off the bench, showcasing his versatility with 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 19 minutes of play.
In a notable highlight, walk-on Kashien Brown made a significant contribution, stepping up with 13 points and 6 rebounds, proving the team's depth and versatility.
Coach Marcus Dawson expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, emphasizing their collaborative effort on both ends of the court. "Tonight, we demonstrated our capabilities as a cohesive unit. Our players executed what we've been working on in practice, and it resulted in an impressive team victory. I'm especially pleased with how we are rebounding the ball." The Pokes outrebounded the Lancers 38-26.
The Cowboys showcased their unselfish style of play, yet again, registering an impressive 23 assists on 35 field goals, demonstrating their commitment to teamwork and shared success.
With yet another solid win under their belt, the Cowboys continue to display promise and resilience early in the season. The Cowboys will head to the east coast on Thursday to Easton, Massachusetts for a game Friday evening against the 1-2 Stonehill Skyhawks.

[coachdubs]

November 23, 2022
PokePride.com
Cowboys Ink Three to National Letters of Intent
Laramie, Wyoming

The Wyoming Cowboys basketball program has secured commitments from three talented prospects who have signed their national letters of intent for the 2023-24 basketball season.

1. James Mills--A towering 7-1 center from Wyoming Indian High School in Ethete, Wyoming, Mills brings an impressive skill set. Ranked #240 nationally by WSSN, Mills excels at inside shooting and boasts an all-around game that has caught the attention of recruiters (Boise State, UCLA, Utah, California, Arizona State). "James is an incredible prospect to add to our team. His inside shooting is top-notch, and he's got a great work ethic. He's a rare talent from right here in Wyoming, and we're excited about his potential."

2. Justin Clark--Hailing from Twin Falls, Idaho, the 6-2 point guard brings a distinct outside shooting ability that the Cowboys are excited to leverage. Though his stats don't boast stellar numbers in some areas, Coach Dawson commended Clark's dedication and believes his skills will add depth to the team. "Justin brings a unique skill set to perimeter shooting is something we value, and he's a hard worker on the court. He's got room to grow, but we see a lot of promise in him."

3. Rod Tarver--The 2-star shooting guard from Greenleaf, Idaho, at 6-4, brings a solid presence to the squad. While not a standout player on paper, Tarver's work ethic and overall skill set earned recognition from the coaching staff, who are eager to see his contribution on the court. "Rod will bring a solid presence to our team. His shooting and work ethic stand out, and he's someone who shows up and puts in effort. He might not be a star right away, but he's a player we believe can contribute to our program in a positive way.

[coachdubs]

November 25, 2022

@PokesPride--Are these Cowboys for real?! Buzzer-beater by @CTahid40 seals the win on the road at Stonehill! #StillUnbeaten #WyomingBasketball #WyomingSportsNetwork

[coachdubs]

November 26, 20022
Thanksgiving Day Meal for the Basketball Team @ the Dawson Residence, done late because of the game schedule

The Dawson home buzzed with excitement as the Cowboy basketball team, along with coaches, gathered for a Thanksgiving feast. Lily and Jake, eager to share their toys and games, welcomed the players with wide smiles.
Lily, showcasing her artwork to the players, chatted animatedly about her school projects, she even dragged Marius and Brendan into an impromptu drawing contest. Jake, bouncing with endless energy, led a mini-basketball game in the backyard. At one point the 6-10, Robinson McFall lifted Jake up so he could slam-dunk the ball on the tall rim.
Meanwhile, Sarah Dawson was in her element, orchestrating the culinary masterpiece in the kitchen. Her warm and nurturing presence invited the players to participate in setting the table and engaging them in lighthearted conversations about basketball and life beyond the court.
Marcus Dawson, a beacon of guidance and encouragement, took the opportunity to have heart-to-heart chats with some players. He shared stories of resilience and triumph in his playing and coaching career and drew parallels between life lessons and the challenges on faces on the court.
As the last players left for the evening, Marcus was struck by how blessed he was and was eternally grateful for the opportunity to be the head coach at Wyoming.
Marcus made his way back to the kitchen.
Quite the night, huh? Marcus remarked, joining Sarah's side.
She chuckled softly. "Indeed. They seemed to enjoy themselves."
"You were amazing in there, as always," Marcus said, his gaze filled with admiration. "The way you bring everyone together, it's like magic."
Sarah looked up, her eyes meeting his. "Team effort, just like basketball," she teased lightly, nudging him gently.
He chuckled, grateful for her lightheartedness. "Seriously, though, Lily and Jake were thrilled."
"They absolutely adore having the team around,' Sarah agreed, a fondness evident in her voice. "And you...You have a way with them. It's more than coaching; it's mentoring, and guiding."
Marcus sighed, a mix of emotions surfacing. "I just want to make a difference, you know? On and off the court."
"You do," Sarah assured, reaching for his hand. "Every day."
They stood there in the quiet, a shared understanding passing between them, their bond strengthened by the day's warmth and camaraderie.

[coachdubs]

November 29, 2022
Laramie Boomerang
Cowboys Secure 100-86 Victory Over Northern Arizona Amid Moody's Injury
Ryan Mathews

Laramie, WY--In a high-scoring contest against Northern Arizona, the Wyoming Cowboys clinched a 100-86 win but suffered a setback to Brendan Moody, who was having by far his best game of the season. The Pokes rallied past a 51-46 halftime deficit to seize the victory, but concern loomed large as Moody exited the game with an ankle injury.
Paul Rivers led the charge for Wyoming, delivering a stellar performance with 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 blocked shots. Moody, before his untimely exit due to an awkward landing on his left ankle, contributed significantly with 22 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds. The injury occurred with just over three minutes left in the game, leaving the team and fans anxious about the severity.
Sean Esherick chipped in with 16 points, while Marius Baxter added 13 points with 7 assists. Robinson McFall provided crucial minutes off the bench, tallying 7 points and grabbing 8 rebounds in 21 minutes of play.
Coach Dawson expressed mixed emotions after the win, emphasizing the team's victory but expressing concern for Moody's injury. "We secured a vital win tonight, but our thoughts are with Brendan. The extent of his injury is yet to be determined, but it didn't look promising. We'll have more in formation tomorrow."

[coachdubs]

November 29, 20022
Coach Dawson's Office 10:45 AM

Coach Dawson was going over the game film from the previous night's game taking notes and preparing for the team practice later in the afternoon. It was hard to believe his Cowboys had gotten out to a 5-0 start and were playing pretty good basketball, but Dawson's mind kept wandering to the injury to Brendan Moody, his point guard who was really coming into his own.
[Phone Rings]

Coach Dawson: Hello, this is Coach Dawson.

Tony Dennison: Hi Coach, this is Dr. Dennison, how are things going today?

Coach Dawson: Hi Dr. Dennison, I'm doing all right. What's the news on Brendan?

Tony Dennison: I'm afraid it's not good, but it could have been much worse. The X-rays showed a small fracture in the fibula.

Coach Dawson: That's what I was afraid of, watching the play on film certainly showed something that would be somewhat significant. So what's the prognosis?

Tony Dennison: With this type of fracture, the recovery time is usually between 6 and 8 weeks. We'll provide him with a walking boot and crutches to immobilize the fracture and promote healing. He'll also need to undergo daily physical therapy.

[b]Coach Dawson[/b]: That's tough news for Branden. Losing him for any amount of time will impact our upcoming games. I just feel bad for him because he was playing so well.

Tony Dennison: We'll get him back healthy and he'll be as good as new. Have a good day.

Coach Dawson: Thanks Dr. Dennison, we'll be in touch.

Marcus thought that it could have been worse, Branden could have missed the rest of the season. This isn't the first time I've dealt with injuries, I remember when one of my better players had a significant leg injury in a game and missed the rest of the season. We had to adopt a "Next Man Up" mentality, that year the team ended up taking second in the Montana State Tournament. We'll coach up our other guards and get them ready to perform at the highest level possible.

[coachdubs]

A view from the outside:
So far Marcus Dawson has made a nice transition from a rural Montana high school social studies teacher and state-champion basketball coach to a Division I head coach.
His family has made the move from Montana to Laramie, Wyoming, and is also transitioning nicely. Sarah has been hired at Laramie High School as a speech and language pathologist. Lily has made new friends at Spring Creek Elementary and is in fifth grade; she is also quite the accomplished basketball player. Jake is in second grade and has also made many new friends, all of whom want to go to Cowboy basketball games with him whenever they can.
As for the Cowboys, they finished an undefeated November going 5-0. They have six players averaging 9.4 points per game or better including four in double figures led by Marius Baxter at 14.6 points per outing. Baxter has been scorching the net from behind the arc hitting on 47% of his shots from long range. Robinson McFall has been phenomenal off the bench on the young season leading the team in rebounding at 7.4 per game and scoring nearly 11.5 ppg, all this despite playing less than 20 minutes a night. The bad news is that we'll see what this team is made of now that Branden Moody will miss an extended period of time with a broken bone in his lower leg. Moody was just coming into his own as the starting point guard shooting 55% from deep and leading the team with 5.2 assists a night to go along with 11.5 points a night.
We'll see what December and the holiday season bring Coach Dawson and his Cowboys. They travel to Dayton, Ohio to begin December to take on Wright State, the first of six games for the Pokes to close out their non-conference schedule. Stay tuned!

[coachdubs]

PokePride.com
Pokes Secure Tight Victory Over Wright State Raiders

In an intense battle at Nutter Arena in Dayton, Ohio, the Wyoming Cowboys extended their winning streak to start the season to six games by defeating the Wright State Raiders 81-79. the Cowboys led by as many as 12 points early in the second half but had to rely on crucial free throws late in the game to secure the hard-fought road victory.

"The team showed incredible resilience and composure tonight. We face a tough opponent in Wright State, but these young men never backed down and managed to hold off their comeback attempts," commented Coach Marcus Dawson on the thrilling victory.

The first half saw Wyoming take control, with a nine-point lead of 49-40 at the intermission. However, the pesky Raiders started cutting into the lead in the second half, making for an exciting and nerve-wracking contest. Despite the Raiders' efforts, the Cowboys managed to hang on and maintain their lead until the final buzzer.

"To come into a hostile environment and come out on top is a testament to our team's determination and focus. We knew we had to weather the storm when Wright State began to press us in the second half to make their run, we could've handled their pressure better, we'll work on that in practice to get it shored up. Overall, I thought our players stepped up in crucial moments to secure the win," added Coach Daswon.

Jermaine Walker was the standout performer for Wright State leading all scorers with 18 points. His last-second half-court heave nearly stole the win from the Cowboys, but fortunately, it rimmed out sending Wyoming home with the victory.

Robinson McFall and Sean Esherick both played key roles, each scoring 16 points for the Pokes. Their offense helped Wyoming maintain the lead and combat the Raiders' comeback attempt. Additionally, the duo of Germaine Fields and Kenny Fox stepped up impressively in the absence of injured point guard Branden Moody. Fields and Fox combined for 11 assists and four steals, demonstrating their ability to fill the void left by Moody's absence.

"We had some key players step up tonight and help secure the victory. The contributions from Robinson, Germaine, and Kenny were crucial to pulling out the win. It's a testament to the depth and resilience of our squad," acknowledged Coach Dawson.

Clifton Tahid also made his presence felt for Wyoming, scoring 12 points and grabbing five rebounds. Marius Baxter contributed 9 points and a team-high 7 rebounds, providing crucial support on both ends of the court.

Coach Dawson commended the total team effort, saying, "Every player on the court tonight gave their all. Clifton and Marius provided valuable contributions on both ends, anchoring our defense and making key shots. I'm proud of their effort and the way they executed our game plan.

With the win, the Wyoming Cowboys head back home to the Arena-Auditorium, where they will host the winless Boston Terriers on Monday, December 5. The Cowboys will look to continue their dominant form and extend their winning streak as they aim to further solidify their strong start to the season.

[coachdubs]

December 2, 2022

@CowboyCountry--#CowboysNation is on fire! Under the leadership of new coach Marcus Dawson, the Pokes have started 6-0! Let's keep riding this bucking horse! #GoPokes #WyomingBasketball

[coachdubs]

December 6, 2022
Laramie Boomerang
Wyoming Defense Stands Tall in 74-65 Home Victory over Boston, Extending Win Streak to 7-0
Ryan Mathews

In an impressive display of defense, the Wyoming Cowboys continued their unbeaten streak by defeating the Boston Terriers 74-65 in front of a raucous home crowd at the Arena-Auditorium. The victory saw the Cowboys improve to a stellar 7-0 record under the guidance of Coach Marcus Dawson.

Despite a low-scoring affair, Wyoming's defense held firm throughout the game, ultimately securing the win. Sean Esherick and Clifton Tahid were the only Cowboys to achieve double-digit scoring, contributing 11 and 10 points, respectively. Their offensive output proved crucial in maintaining momentum and generating key baskets.

"The defensive effort from our team tonight was outstanding. It was a tough game, but our boys stayed locked in and executed at a high level," exclaimed Coach Dawson, praising his team's defensive that led them to victory.

Marius Baxter showcased his skill and versatility, adding 9 points and 6 rebounds to the winning effort. Baxter's contributions on both ends of the court helped Wyoming maintain control and neutralize Boston's offensive threats.

Off the bench, Robinson McFall delivered another solid performance with 8 points and 8 rebounds in just 19 minutes of play, displaying his effectiveness in limited playing time.

"Robinson's energy and presence off the bench has given us a significant boost all season long, so this was nothing new tonight. His ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game was instrumental in solidifying our win," acknowledged Coach Dawson when asked about McFall's impact.

Kenny Fox and Tommy Billet also made valuable contributions off the bench, each providing 8 points in just 10 minutes of play. Their efficiency and scoring ability were crucial in maintaining offensive momentum and extending Wyoming's lead.

However, it was the Cowboys' impressive late-game comeback that sealed the victory. Trailing 59-55 with 4:18 left in the game, Wyoming showcased their resilience and determination, embarking on a commanding 19-6 run to close out the win.

"The way our team finished the game was nothing short of remarkable. We dug deep and found another gear to secure this hard-fought victory," expressed Coach Dawson with pride.

Wyoming has a full week off to prepare for a road trip to Denver next Monday at 7:00 pm.