As the echoes of last year’s basketball season at Highline faded away, the men’s basketball team found themselves in a challenging position. The 2022-2023 season left much to be desired as they fell short of reaching the playoffs, only managing to secure three victories throughout the entire season.

Despite the setbacks, the team remained resilient, looking forward to the upcoming 2023-2024 season as an opportunity for redemption and a fresh start under the guidance of their head coach, Ché Dawson.

We caught up with Head Coach Ché Dawson and asked him few questions to discuss the previous season’s struggles and the team’s aspirations for the upcoming season. The coach acknowledged that injuries and illnesses plagued their squad and ultimately eroded their confidence as the season progressed.

“We had unprecedented injuries and illnesses early and throughout the season. We only had one player who suited up for every game. That doesn’t happen very often. As the season went on, that damaged a lot of things, including our confidence,” Dawson said.

Looking ahead, Coach Dawson emphasized the need for a sense of urgency, teamwork, and a relentless work ethic to turn the tide and secure a more successful season.

“A sense of urgency, playing together and working harder than our opponents in every facet of the game is essential,” Dawson said.

In terms of expectations for the upcoming 2023-2034 season, Coach Dawson had clear goals, aiming to compete for a region title and secure a high seed for the post-season tournament.

“We need to compete for a region title and go to the post-season tournament with the highest possible seed, period,” he said.

Recruiting played a crucial role in their preparation for this season, and the coach praised the dedication of the four returning players who actively participated in bringing new talent to the team.

“We worked really hard recruiting. Our four returners were very committed to bringing in a really good group of guys, even if it meant more competition. They deserve a lot of credit!” said Dawson.

The coach explained their recruiting strategy, emphasizing the need for skilled players who are familiar with winning, perhaps indicating a shift towards a more successful and winning-oriented culture within the team.

“We needed skill, a little less size and guys who are used to winning!” Dawson said.

As the upcoming season unfolds, the Highline men’s basketball team is poised to make a strong comeback, driven by their desire for success and a fresh start under the guidance of Head Coach Ché Dawson.

With their eyes set on the region title and post-season tournament, the team’s journey to redemption promises an exciting and eventful season for Highline College basketball enthusiasts.