SW Metro Boys Athlete of the Week: Drake Dobbs
Cue up the end of the regular season in Minnesota. Section playoffs begin this week.
Drake Dobbs and the Eden Prairie Eagles are ready to extend their game total for hopefully another six.
“Our team felt great as we finished the season off strong with a couple of great wins,” Drake said. EP blew out Minnetonka and Wayzata, lost a three-point game to Hopkins (a game in which Drake scored 39 points, earning him this week’s honor) and knocked off no. 1 Cretin-Derham Hall on Wednesday to cap off a 19-7 year. Dobbs averaged 18.4 points per game alongside classmate Austin Andrews at 18.6 points per game.
A successful run from December through February doesn’t mean March won’t be a challenge, though. Section 2AAAA is effectively a Section of Death, with seven of eight teams over .500 and all being upset threats. Drake and company are fully aware. “Our section is really tough this year and we are not taking anyone lightly,” he said. “We are preparing for one-possession games and any new looks that teams will throw at us.”
Prior Lake, Edina and Chaska are counted as being the greatest challengers, but the Eagles know that Minnetonka, Shakopee, Jefferson and Chanhassen are no slouches either. An added bonus is the fact that Eden Prairie can stay at home throughout the section playoffs, all the way through the semifinals and finals.
The Eagle rotation is mostly young and definitely talented, but their experience in big games keeps their heads level. What would a state tournament berth mean to them? Drake is not willing to settle.
“A state appearance would be incredible as our team has worked incredibly hard to make sure we can get there,” he said. “Although an appearance at state would be nice, we all think we have a shot at getting to the championship and making a great run.”
Catch Dobbs and the Eagles in their section quarterfinal at home against Chanhassen on Wednesday at 7 p.m.