Lifelong Ram enjoys first-team all-state honors

TALKEETNA — Dawson Matthews has spent his entire life on the Susitna Valley Jr./Sr. High School basketball court.

Matthews spent most of his life on the sidelines as his father, longtime Su Valley boys head coach Mike Matthews, worked with his team. But for the last four years, Dawson Matthews was a big part of the boys program as a player.

“He grew up as a Su Valley Ram ever since he was a little baby,” Mike Matthews said of Dawson, who has been named to the first team of the Alaska Roof Coatings/Alaska Association of Basketball Coaches 2A Boys All-State Team.

Mike Matthews said Dawson is the first Su Valley boys basketball player to be named first-team all-state in more than two decades. It’s probably fitting that feat was achieved by a player who spent nearly two decades around the program. Mike Matthews said he has been coaching with the Rams for most of the 21 years that he has lived in Talkeetna. Throughout the years, Dawson has been right there. Dawson is also following in the footsteps of his older brother Paxson, a former Rams player.

“As soon as he could dribble a basketball player, he’s been a little spark plug. Super competitive,” Mike Matthews said of Dawson.

Matthews said Dawson grew up around the varsity team. When it became his turn to hit the floor in Su Valley’s blue and gold. became a quick competitor for the Rams.

“He’s been a leader on our team for a long time,” Matthews said.

Matthews described Dawson as a point guard, shooting guard mix. But that doesn’t mean Dawson camps out on the perimeter.

Dawson typically leads the Rams in just about every statistical category. This year, Mike Matthews said, Dawson even led the Rams in rebounding. Dawson Matthews averaged just about 20 points, nearly seven rebounds and three assists per game as a senior.

Mike Matthews admits he’s a bit biased, but believes Dawson is as talented as any player he’s coached. He also lauded his son’s work ethic and drive.

“I’m proud to be his dad. He’s a hard worker. The way he leads his team all the time is pretty fantastic,” Mike Matthews said.

This is the third time Dawson Matthews is being recognized by the coaches association. He was named second-team all-state as a sophomore and a junior.

Dawson Matthews also excels in the classroom. He has a 3.96 grade point average. His GPA is greater than 4.0 when advanced placement courses are factored in.