One of the top defenders in Ohio, Dawson is a high major football commit who could also play college basketball at the scholarship level due to his frame, quick-twitch athleticism and defensive ability. Dawson can get downhill off the dribble and thrives in the open court. His defense also allows the Warriors to get going in transition, Dawson tied a game-high with two steals. If Winton Woods is going to make a run to the final four this year, they’ll need Dawson to keep playing at such a high level.

I love Nate Dawson Nate Dawson 6'1" | SG Winton Woods | 2026 State OH as he is an incredible modern guard. He is so long, athletic, and can do those things on the court that not many others can do. He is an incredible defender as he slides his feet so well and rarely lets anyone get by him. He uses his length well to never let the offensive player feel comfortable dribbling around him. He is excellent in transition and driving on a straight line to the rim and finishing. He has explosiveness around the rim, and this shows when he puts his head above the rim to dunk it. He is a great slasher and knows his game so well. Never forces when he probably could more.

Football players flip commitments much more often than basketball players do and Dawson flipped from one MAC powerhouse to another when he announced a de-commitment from Miami (OH) and a commitment to Toledo. Dawson had a monster month of June on the hardwood as he displays his elite athletic traits on the hardwood that translate to the gridiron.

I really liked the game Dawson put together for Winton Woods. He is a long and wiry guard who can score in many different ways. He can break you down and create a shot for himself in a one-on-one situation. He is a great scorer in transition with his length and athleticism. He also knows how to just get to the rim on a few dribbles and finish. Shows his ability to score no matter the situation. This will translate to the next level. He is a really good on-ball defender. He can apply a ton of pressure and make the offense cough up the ball a couple of times. Then you see his explosive leaping ability as he finishes with a quick and strong dunk.

One of the most athletic players in Ohio is a Miami (OH) football commit but would also be a no-brainer basketball scholarship target as well. Dawson’s athleticism and activity defensively allow him to force a ton of turnovers and play above the rim on the fast break. Winton Woods has a ton of athletes and Dawson fits their high pressure defensive style perfectly. Look for Dawson to be hanging on rims across Cincinnati this winter.

One of the most athletic guards in Ohio, Dawson is a Miami (OH) football commit but one of the most dangerous players in transition on the hardwood in southwest Ohio. With an excellent motor that runs non-stop, Dawson can turn defense into offense quickly with his athleticism. One of the highlights of the day came when Dawson had a sweet crossover that led to a slam dunk. With the athleticism and defensive talent Winton Woods has, they have the ability to run a lot of teams out the gym this season.

I was a big fan of Dawson’s basketball game when I was first introduced to him as a sophomore, but he already had Division I football offers and recently announced he’ll be joining MAC powerhouse Miami (OH) and staying close to the Cincinnati area.

Unbeaten Winton Woods is absolutely loaded on defense. Just how loaded you might ask? They’ve given up more than seven points in a game just once this season! Dawson is one of the key players on that defense with two interceptions to his name, including one he returned for a pick-six. After a second team all-ECC season on the hardwood, Dawson should receive more honors at the end of the fall as Winton Woods looks to once again be in the mix for a state title. West Virginia has already offered Dawson on the gridiron and I would expect more schools to follow.

Dawson is a freak athlete. He is a guard that can get up on the rim. He attacks the rack aggressively and is ready to dunk it. Most of the time he does just that too. He is a really good transition player with a great ability to attack the angles and holes of the defense. Once he gets one step on you, it’s a bucket. He is very shifty as well and knows how to break the defense down to get buckets in the half-court. He is a next-level player.