"The Silent Storm: Fierce Defense, Sniper Range, and a Relentless Will to Win"

Sawyer Dotson

@sawyerdotson

6'7", 195lbs, Class of 2026

Birdville HS, TX

Sawyer is the kind of player every coach dreams of: a long, tough, versatile weapon who brings elite effort and impact on both ends of the floor. At 6’7", Sawyer is a matchup nightmare. He’s a fierce defender who can lock up multiple positions with length, energy, and instinct while also serving as a high-IQ playmaker who brings calm intensity to the game. He does all the dirty work, dives for loose balls, crashes the boards with purpose, and makes winning plays without needing the spotlight. Offensively, he’s a cold-blooded sniper from deep, drilling threes at a jaw-dropping 46% clip while shooting 58% overall from the field. Whether he’s rising into a three, slashing to the rim, or pulling up from midrange, Sawyer is a dangerous three-level scorer with the confidence to let it fly. But what separates him is his heart. He’s the ultimate team-first guy, willing to sacrifice, hustle, and grind for the sake of the dub.

Coming off a breakout season averaging 17 points and 7 rebounds per game, Sawyer’s production matched his relentless effort. His biggest improvement was in volume and confidence, taking more shots and asserting himself as atop-scoringg option while also becoming a dominant rebounder on both ends. This offseason, he’s locked in on his athleticism, improving his first step, boosting his lateral quickness, and building a tighter handle to add even more versatility to his offensive game. Losing in the state championship lit a new fire within him. That adversity taught him the value of preparation, and now he’s locked in with a hunger to come back and finish the job.

He’ll play this AAU season with Texas Impact on the UAA circuit, aiming to win the UAA Championship, build an unbreakable brotherhood, and push his game as far as it can go. With the UAA Finals circled on his calendar and a high-stakes high school season ahead, Sawyer is motivated by moments that test his toughness, like diving for a loose ball or stepping up in big games. He’s fueled by faith in his preparation and humbled by advice that’s shaped his mindset: never stop learning and always act like you know nothing. That humility, combined with his confidence and grit, makes him a force to be reckoned with.

I assess that Sawyer’s blend of length, defensive versatility, and pure shooting stroke gives college coaches a rare two-way threat with high character and a relentless motor. His impact stretches beyond the stat sheet, he alters games with energy, selflessness, and a winning mentality that lifts everyone around him. He’s the kind of piece that fits any system and raises the ceiling of a program.

Expect Sawyer to explode. With continued development in his athleticism and ball control, his ceiling continues to rise. He’s already proven he can perform at a high level, now it’s about taking over. As he grows into a vocal leader and go-to threat, his blend of size, shooting, and toughness will turn heads. The future is wide open, and Sawyer is built to seize it. Stay tuned.