Coach Dixon brings competitive spirit to boys basketball team

In his first year as head coach of the varsity basketball team, Carlton Dixon brings a competitive fire and winning attitude to the North Dallas High School campus.

Dixon, 36, also brings a wealth of experience to the Bulldogs athletic program.

His experience includes being a former All-American high school player for Dallas Lincoln High School; a member of the University of Texas Longhorns men’s basketball team; a successful coaching career at Franklin Middle School and a volunteer coaching stint at Lincoln HS. 

The Bulldogs played in this week’s Coca-Cola Basketball Tournament.  With District 11-4A play also under way, Dixon took a few miutes to answer some questions:

Looking at the district, who are the contenders this season and how far into the playoffs can they go?

SOC, Carter and Kimball are perennial contenders. ... This is probably the best district in the state and any of those teams could make a run.

What expectations do you have from your varsity team this season?

We have a chance to secure the fourth playoff spot. Regardless, I expect a double-digit win season.

What are the team strengths?

Full court and half-court defense.

Since you are new to the school and team, do you see this season as a rebuilding season?

Yes. ...We’re changing the basketball culture of North Dallas H.S. We are on the right track.

How difficult or easy is it to build a program at the high school level? 

It’s difficult when they haven’t been exposed to structure, discipline and an actual basketball program.

Who are this season’s team leaders? 

Jeremiah Gantt and Travon Jones.

Who are your top scorers?

Wilbert Wiggins and Jayleen Donahue.

Who are your top rebounders? Kris Magee and Larry Horn

What are your expectations from the JV team? 

We expect to be committed, competitive and continue to grow and get better each day.

What are you expectations from the freshman team? 

We expect to be committed, competitive and continue to grow and get better each day. Also, we want to successfully transition from middle school competition and continue to work on their game.

Any final comments? 

We are definitely on track with our basketball program goals.