Prospect Spotlight: 2018 Dawson Baker (Capistrano Valley)
Prospect Spotlight: 2018 Dawson Baker (Capistrano Valley)
MISSION VIEJO, CA— Capistrano Valley has been an Orange County powerhouse under the guidance of Brian Mulligan. The Cougars have a senior-laden team with a number of key contributors including Grayson Beeman and Nik Lipovic. However, the catalyst of this bunch is Mr. Do-Everything-Guard Dawson Baker.
The 6-foot-3 senior stuffs the staff sheet like Santa stuff’s his sack during the holidays. He can play all three perimeter positions, but is most potent when he has the ball in his hands. His slick and tight crossover keeps defenders off balance and he possesses a deceptive blow by defenders.
Baker is a do-it-all guard for Capo Valley“I feel confident that I can get to the rim with the dribble and I like to keep the “bigs” honest while attacking the at the rim,” explains Baker.
While watching Baker you can always count on a consistent relentless style at both ends of the floor and he’s a tremendous leader, but there are areas of his game that he knows need attention if he is going to be a Division 1 player.
“To take my game to the next level I need to improve my outside shot and get stronger while attacking and finishing in the paint,” notes Baker.
Baker has received increased college interest despite the fact that he’ll be going on a Morman mission after he graduates. However, he did get a nice potential parting gift as there is a Big West school that is willing to wait for his services in 2020.
“UC Irvine has let me know that I’ll have a scholarship waiting for me when I get back,” explains Baker.
College can wait for now as well as his mission as Baker is getting his teammates ready for another potential ring measuring ceremony. The Cougars have been a consistent contender year in and year out under Mulligan—and with Baker running the show, chances are pretty high they’ll be there again.
Mater Dei’s star point guard Spencer Freedman will be stiff competition for Orange County POY, but Baker should be in the conversation especially if his team bags another CIF crown.