A year ago, 2019 forward Dawson Zimdars emerged as a consistent post presence for the Lebanon Yellowjackets, earning a starting spot and big varsity minutes as a sophomore.

The 6’7 forward has gotten stronger over the offseason and appears to be ready to take another step forward as a player and give the ‘Jackets a much needed interior presence in the Ozark Conference.

The staff of SWMOBasketball recently caught up with Zimdars and asked him about the upcoming season:

SWMO — How would you describe your game to people who haven’t seen you play?

Dawson — I’m sort of a stretch big man who can score inside or take it off the dribble, and I can also hit the outside shot. I play tough interior defense and protect the rim with either a blocked shot or take a charge.

SWMO — Tell us about your summer experience and how you grew as a player.

Dawson — Summer was a great learning period for me, coming off my first season as a varsity starter I went into the summer hoping to develop my game and my leadership skills, which I think I did immensely.

SWMO — Tell about the upcoming high school season, a little about your team and expectations.

Dawson — This season our team is really young again, but thats not an excuse we’re gonna use. we are still gonna go out there and compete every game, and at the end of the season, get a district championship all while improving the entire season as a team.

SWMO — Who is the team or player that you look forward to playing this next season the most and why?

Dawson — The team I’m looking forward to play this season has to be Camdenton. this season we get to play them at home, and our games against them are always fun and full of energy. so the whole stadium will be packed and its gonna be loud.

SWMO — Who has been the biggest influence on your basketball career and tell us why?

Dawson — I have two really big influences on my basketball career, and they have to be my dad and my oldest brother Devon. throughout my entire career they’ve always been there at my games and practices and even when I’m in the gym alone, helping me improve my game all the way to the player I am today.

SWMO — Who do you enjoy watching play basketball (professional, college, whoever) and why?
Have you been able to take anything they do well and implement it in your own game?

Dawson — My favorite player to watch has to be KD. he’s one of the best players in the league, and he’s the type of player I want to be, long and lanky but still able to play like a guard and a big man.

SWMO — What are some things in your game you are working on?

Dawson — The biggest part of my game that I’m working on right now is my shot. off the dribble, catch and shoot, pick and pop, it doesn’t matter, I’m working on it all so I’m more of a complete player, and I’m not just limited to the shots I take inside