Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week: Reese Dambman, Dixon junior basketball player

Name: Reese Dambman

School: Dixon

Sport: Girls basketball

Why she was selected: She hit five 3-pointers and scored 21 points in a win over Eastland on Saturday, Jan. 18. Dambman has been a key contributor for the Duchesses (20-4, 5-0 Big Northern Conference), who were tied for No. 10 with Glenbard South in the latest Associated Press Class 3A Rankings.

Dixon is tied for the conference lead with Stillman Valley (23-0, 5-0 BNC) after beating Byron (22-2, 4-1) on Saturday. Dambman had 11 points in the win.

Dambman is the Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week in an online vote.

When did you first get into basketball and what or who helped you get into it?

Dambman: I first started playing when I was in third grade. My parents got me into the junior Duchesses kids camps and that is where I found I wanted to play. My parents played a huge role in my basketball career which I am entirely grateful for. Whether it was watching me play or taking me to club practices and games, spending long car rides and hours. They have been by my side forever and supported me my whole life. I wouldn’t be where I am now without their love and support.

What do you like about basketball? Has it taught you anything? Any specific strengths you feel you have? Anything specifically you have worked at improving this year?

Dambman: I like the pace of play, you can never take a play off and always have to be moving or doing something. I like to play at a fast pace. The adrenaline of knowing some games are more important and have to be taken more serous is something that I love. In the off-season I worked a lot on my shooting, trying to fix and better my shot, as well as driving to the basket. We focus a lot on driving in practice and that has helped all of us become more confident.

How do you feel about this year’s team so far? Anything stand out?

Dambman: I feel really good about this year’s team. I have full trust in them, and they have trust in me, we work well together and we all have each other’s backs. We have a bond that helps us, and we try to stay connected with team dinners and being with each other. We all want the same thing, so that helps us a lot that our goals line up. We lost three starting seniors last year so the expectations of stepping up were there, but we all rose and have stepped into our spots well.

Any goals for you this season individually?

Dambman: My goals are to work with my team and try to be the best me I can be every day. Trying to find the best shot for me or the best opportunity for my teammates to set them up. Something I’ve been working on is leadership, always being there for myself and my teammates. Energy is key for us and me, so always trying to bring or have it has been something I’ve been working on.

Does the team have any goals this season? What does it hope to accomplish?

Dambman: Our team has many goals we try to accomplish every day, some as simple as showing up ready to work. And others bigger, [such] as winning regionals and going far in the postseason. Although we have those goals we try and focus game to game, we really try and lock into every game as that is a step getting us ready for post season.

Any other hobbies, activities or sports you are involved in?

Dambman: In the fall I play golf, which is coached by Lee Eastman. He has helped me as a player not only in golf but basketball. He has always encouraged and supported my basketball career and has been or watched almost every game I’ve played. He is an all-around coach and helped our golf team get second in regionals and coached me to get 1st individually. I have learned a lot from him, he has made me mentally stronger as an athlete and individual.

Favorite restaurant or meal after a game?

Dambman: After a game some of my favorite places to go are either Arthur’s, or Culver’s. It all depends on my mood if I want something simple, I’ll go to Arthur’s and get a potato, and if I want a burger or some fries I’ll go to Culver’s.

Favorite TV Show?

Dambman: This is simple, “Grey’s Anatomy”. If anyone knows me, I’m always watching it. Before games, during lunch, basically all the time. I have rewatched it about 5 times, but it never gets old.

Any favorite school subjects or teachers?

Dambman: My first hour U.S world history is one of my favorite classes. I love learning about history and it has always been fun and cool. Mr. Woodward (Woody) is the teacher and makes the class fun and relates back to present day occurrences.