Sandburg’s Bryson Dagon never looks toward the bench worried about his shot selection.
The junior guard has played the role of the sharpshooting perimeter talent to virtual perfection. He does so without ever looking over his shoulder, letting it go without barriers or restraint.
“When I come in off the bench, I’m just looking to do as well as I can out there,” Dagon said. “When I make that first one, I’m always looking to stay hot and shoot again.”
Dagon created a heat wave from beyond the arc Wednesday night.
He finished with 12 points on the strength of four 3-pointers as the surging Eagles rolled to a 60-32 nonconference victory over host Eisenhower in Blue Island.
Senior forward Will Johnson notched 14 points and six rebounds for Sandburg (20-10), which clinched its first 20-win season since 1995. Eleven players scored for the Eagles.
Senior guard Logan Tasciotti also made four 3-pointers and ended up with 12 points for Eisenhower (6-19). Sophomore guard Logan Costa added eight points.
Dagon, meanwhile, knocked down consecutive 3-pointers during a 17-0 run in the first quarter for Sandburg. He plays a free, loose style that fits his low-key personality.
But shooting is his constant.
“Even if he misses five in a row, he’s going to keep shooting,” said Sandburg coach John Daniels, who starts five seniors. “He has no conscience about it. He has great form.
“Everybody on the team has something they have to work on. He gives us a lot of flexibility.”
Dagon is part of the all-junior bench brigade that features guards Daniel Morakinyo, Jake Tomczak and Christian Hankins and forward Kendall McDowell.
“I’ve been playing with Bryson for a long time and he brings great energy every time,” Morakinyo said. “His shooting opens up a lot. As good of a shooter as he is, his defense is a big key for us.
“He’s a great on-the-ball defender.”
In his second varsity season, Dagon has mastered finding his place on the floor — running to his preferred spot on the baseline. He takes advantage there as a natural catch-and-shoot player.
All four of his 3-pointers were assisted.
“Bryson has worked really hard on his shooting, and he makes things very easy for a lot of us out there,” McDowell said. “He knows his spots.
“He’s great at leaking out in transition and getting to his preferred place on the floor.”
Dagon converted three 3-pointers in the first half alone.
“After I hit the first two, I just knew it was going to be one of those days when I was feeling good,” he said. “So I just kept shooting.”
Dagon, who has a season-best 17 points this winter, has stepped up to the moment by increasing his efficiency. It’s important as Daniels separates his starters and bench into units.
Developing a sharp rapport with the second unit, Dagon has carved out a niche as the shooter.
“Compared with last season, I’ve gotten a lot more opportunities and more minutes,” he said. “I have to take advantage of that and not just with my shooting.
“I have to show I can finish and get to the rim if I want to prove that I’m a good player.”
The 6-foot-1 Dagon has a strong first step and outstanding range. He also plays outfielder for Sandburg’s baseball team. He loves nature and the outdoors, especially swimming.
Dagon, who’s quiet by nature, sees basketball as a good fit for building camaraderie with friends.
“I’m competitive, but I think it’s something I developed over time,” he said. “Now, my attitude is just stay hungry and help this team make history. I just want to do all I can out there.
“Work hard and play hard.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
