Dixie State Basketball: 2020-21 season preview for the Trailblazers

Starting Lineup

Backcourt

The uncertainty of the starting lineup comes from the guard position. Although they lose Wilson and Pagenkopf, the Trailblazers made it an emphasis to go find a plethora of guards over the past season or two.

Junior G Cameron Gooden

Gooden has found a home, after transferring from a few JUCO schools. As a freshman, Gooden played sparingly at Chipola College but was efficient when he did play. In just one start and 31 total games played, The Frisco native averaged 6.5 points on 46.7% shooting.

He then, transferred to Kilgore College last year, where he had a much bigger role. In 26 starts, he would average nearly 15 PPG, lead by a career-high 35 points against Paris CC. Gooden’s playstyle may be what the Trailblazers need. With his experience and ability to score, Gooden is a good candidate to be the starter once the ball tips.

Senior G Dason Youngblood

Youngblood returns after starting all of last season and being the second leading returner in Points per game with 10.1. Youngblood is a crafty guard that can get to the basket to do the majority of his damage. He is an above-average rebounder for his 6’2 height at 4.1 rebounds per game.

Youngblood can dish the ball as well. With Pagenkopf’s departure, Youngblood will have to step up in being a consistent scorer. Especially from the 3 point line, as he shot just 22% from that category last season.

Sophomore G/F  Frank Staine

One of the biggest surprises last year for the Trailblazers was the emergence of Staine. He immediately made an impact in game one, as he scored 17 points in 34 minutes played in a win over Texas A&M-Commerce. The 6’6 hybrid from Inglewood, California is a guy that Judkins plans on building the team around over the next few seasons.

Staine was the best three-point shooter on the team, averaging nearly 45% from beyond the arc. Staine finished his freshman campaign with 8.8 points per game, while also grabbing 3.3 rebounds. He can be a fantastic weapon, with the combo of excellent shooting, to go along with his height and growth from Year One to two in college.

Frontcourt

The strongest asset to this team is the frontcourt. With the returning production and added star potential to this group, there is certainly some excitement for this group.

Senior F Hunter Schofield

The most productive player from last year returns after earning first-team All-RMAC and is looking to make an instant impact at the next level. The impact is already seen by the coaches as he was voted onto the Preseason 2nd Team All-WAC

There is good reason for the hype as Schofield is the leading returner in just about every single category. He led the team in scoring last year with 16.4 PPG, as well as, six rebounds and is an above-average defender. Schofield shot 67% from the line and a respectable 35% from beyond the perimeter.

Although there could be an argument that Dixie State has more depth this year than last, the expectation is for Schofield to be the leading scorer once again, amid injury of any sort.

Sophomore C Mikey Frazier

This spot could be a bit tricky as this very well could be Frazier’s job or Senior veteran Jarod Greene. Frazier originally committed to Boise State and redshirted during his first year. He would then transfer to Garden City, where he would make a big impact in his 19 games there. Frazier averaged 14.2 points and 5.3 rebounds a game. He also shot nearly 48%, while also an impressive 36.7 mark from the perimeter.

Notable from Frazier, was a 27 point performance against Kansas Technical. In this day in age, having the best and most shooters on the floor is the name of the game. Frazier brings that element and at 6’11, brings height. Dixie State does not have another player above 6’9 that plays significant minutes, so this is where Frazier is given the edge.