Coach Thad Burgess’ varsity Tiger basketball team is starting its 2010 summer basketball season.

The Tigers finished their first week of summer workouts with an impressive 49-38 win over Chestatee High School in a scrimmage last Friday afternoon.

“We used our first three days of practice to begin installing our system and getting a couple of new players on the varsity involved with our program,” Burgess said.

“I strongly feel the success our basketball program has had the last four years has had a positive influence on the new players that have joined our program, and when we lose a player, that someone else just steps in and makes things continue to work,” he added.

The Tigers have made the state playoffs four consecutive years.

Dawson will rely on strong leadership from seniors Jacob Evans and Levi Wilson to get them back to the state tournament next season.

“Jacob and Levi are determined to keep our program at a high level,” Burgess said.       

Sophomore Tyler Dominy also returns with a lot of experience.

Dominy contributed tremendously last season for Burgess.

“Tyler has a great deal of talent and will have the opportunity to have a big year,” Burgess said.

Junior Roman Stroud also returns for the Tigers.

“Roman should make a big contribution after maturing and extra time in the gym,” Burgess said.

Several sophomores should get a great deal of varsity time this summer. Included in this group are Will Anglin, Gunnar Armstrong, Mitchell Putnam and Cameron Chester.

Expected to handle guard duties is ninth grader Jonathan Sanderson.

“We are going to throw him out there and see how he performs,” Burgess said.

Returning after a couple of seasons off will be senior Ethan Brown. Brown should be a huge addition with his athletic ability and leadership skills.

The team has a busy schedule this summer. The Tigers will in the 400 corridor league at Dobbs Creek. There will be several 5-A teams taking part, from places like Fulton and Gwinnett counties.

Dawson will also be involved in scrimmages with Duluth, Gilmer and a team from Florida in Washington High School.

Burgess and his troops will travel to camps at Birmingham-Southern and Auburn University to round out their summer schedule.

“I am excited and realize we have a tremendous challenge, but I know this group will give great effort and believe in what we are doing. That is all you can ever ask of any group,” Burgess said.