"SD3: The Sharpshooting Force with Fire in His Soul"

Sawyer Dotson

@sawyer_dotson

6'7, 195lbs, Class of 2026

Birdville HS, TX

Lipscomb University (Committed)

When you think of SD3, you think of a sniper from deep with a jumper so smooth it feels automatic. Sawyer is more than just a towering presence, he’s a complete competitor. His silky three-point rainmaker is his calling card, drilled into perfection through years of late nights and early mornings, but his impact extends far beyond the arc. He battles for boards with grit, locks up the opposition’s best scorer, and carries himself with an edge that screams competitor. Calm yet fierce, he thrives in the biggest moments, never backing down and always finding ways to tip the game in his team’s favor.

The achievements speak loud and clear. Sawyer has already earned a résumé filled with All-State, All-Region, and District MVP honors, and he was named to the 2nd Team All-UAA. As a junior, he led Birdville on a historic run, helping them become state runner-up in Texas. The season was magical, unforgettable, and capped by the heartbreak of coming up just short in OT. But Sawyer responded with resilience, guiding his AAU squad to a national championship in the summer, an exclamation point to an already decorated career. His goals now are to win a state title, repeat as All-State, and leave high school as a champion.

Family has been at the heart of Sawyer’s journey. Growing up with four older brothers who all played basketball, he was molded by competition and lifted by their example. They toughened him, taught him, and carried him forward. His father hammered home the fundamentals, drilling the form of his jump shot into his muscle memory until it became his deadliest weapon. And through every win, every loss, every ounce of sweat spilled in the gym, his family has been right there. Their love and belief gave Sawyer the foundation to chase his dream and never stop pushing, no matter the obstacles.

Equally powerful is his faith. Sawyer openly credits God for every blessing, every opportunity, and every ounce of strength to keep grinding. He leans on prayer in moments of doubt, trusting Christ to guide his path. “As long as you have God, you have all you need,” he says. It’s that deep relationship with Christ that gives him unshakable confidence, steady humility, and the courage to rise in pressure-packed moments. His game may dazzle, but it’s his faith that anchors him through it all.

The decision to commit to Lipscomb was made with the same mix of heart and conviction. When Sawyer spoke to players and coaches, the transparency and authenticity stood out; every voice relayed the same truth: that these were men of character, coaches he could trust, and a program where he could thrive. For Sawyer, it wasn’t just about basketball but building a future in a place that felt like home.

The nickname SD3 stuck from the first time it was mentioned. It is initials that fit his identity and a number that reflects his greatest weapon. He embraced it, and now it’s become part of his story.

Looking ahead, Sawyer is determined to lead Birdville back to the top, to erase the sting of last year’s heartbreak with the ultimate prize, a state title. His goals aren’t focused on stats or personal glory, they’re about banners, trophies, and legacy. And for those coming behind him, his advice is simple but powerful, trust God, work harder than you ever thought possible, and never let self-doubt steal your fire.

Sawyer’s list of achievements is long: All-State, All-Region, District MVP, State Runner-Up, UAA Champion, and countless team honors. But if you ask him who deserves the credit, he’ll point to his parents, his brothers, his coaches, TJ, Holman, and Campbell, and above all, God. For him, this journey has never been about one person. It’s been about everyone who poured into him, challenged him, and believed in him.

I assess that Sawyer’s length, elite shooting, and defensive toughness make him a unique weapon who can impact a game on both ends. His leadership, fueled by family and faith, gives him the intangibles that every coach loves. He’s not just a scorer but a tone-setter, a reliable anchor who elevates teammates and thrives in high-stakes battles.

SD3 is poised to cement his place as one of Texas’s most complete players. Expect him to dominate the floor with his lethal three-point shot, suffocating defense, and relentless drive to win. With his unwavering belief in God, his family’s support, and his unmatched competitive spirit, Sawyer has the potential not only to make Lipscomb proud but to build a career defined by resilience, excellence, and impact far beyond the stat sheet.

From the first camps and conversations to the late-night check-ins and sideline encouragement, my time spent with Sawyer has been nothing short of special. I’ve watched him grow from a gritty competitor with a dream into a committed D1 player, and I couldn’t be more proud of how far he has come. Every conversation, every moment we’ve shared on this journey has mattered, and to see him secure his dream of playing at the next level is a blessing I’ll never take for granted.

I’ll never forget being there for that state championship run and again when he helped bring home the UAA title, moments that highlighted his resilience and fire. And just like last year, when the lights shine brightest again, I’ll be there to see him fight for that state crown one last time. The bond with his parents is something I deeply cherish as well, their love, sacrifice, and support has been the steady foundation that helped carry him to this point, and being connected with them has been just as meaningful.

Now, as Sawyer turns the page and begins the next chapter of his story in my backyard of Tennessee, the brotherhood we’ve built only shifts into a new stage. I’ll continue to be there, cheering him on, not just as a player but as the remarkable young man he has become. SD3 is ready for what’s ahead, and I couldn’t be more thankful to have walked alongside him on this journey. Stay tuned.