By the end of January, with some district play still ahead of them, two basketball players were turning heads across the Metroplex.
Brandon Haddock, a senior shooting guard for the Dragons, had posted 526 points, landing him the No. 6 spot on the area top scorers list. For the Lady Dragons, junior point guard Jillian Sowell has been sinking some threes of her own. Posting 549 points, she ranked 11th among the girls basketball area leaders.
While the stats are certain to grow by the time of publication, one thing is for sure: These two Dragons are dominating.
When did you start playing basketball?
JS: When I was pretty young, my dad signed me up for a rec-league.
BH: I started playing basketball when I was 6 years old.
What made you stick with it?
JS: I stuck with it because I was really good at it, and I enjoyed playing basketball with my sister. She's a sophomore now, and we still both play.
BH: My older brother played basketball, and that ultimately was the reason I started playing and the reason I stuck with it.
What's your favorite shot?
JS: A three-pointer from the left corner.
BH: A three-pointer.
What is one of your biggest challenges facing the sport?
JS: I really need to practice more on my ball handling; it's not up to par. Also, one of our starters is out, so we have a substitute point guard, and the chemistry is not the same, so that's a challenge to adjust to.
BH: The biggest challenge I’ve had to face is my height only being 6’1.
What's it like being one of the top scorers in the area?
JS: It's crazy. As a freshman on varsity, it wasn’t my role to shoot the ball because there was another shooter. I would just drive through the hole and give assists to players. So now, after doing that during my freshman and sophomore years, my role has increased, and I have to pick up the pace. I have a lot more responsibility now.
BH: It’s a blessing to be one of the top scorers in the state, but it’s also tough because every team prepares to stop you.
What is your goal after high school?
JS: I'm trying to get a basketball scholarship. If I don't play basketball, I'm looking at attending an HBCU school, if possible.
BH: My goal after high school is to play Division 1 basketball in college.
Are there any pro players or teams you look to for inspiration?
JS: My favorite team is probably the Golden State Warriors. I actually just saw them play against the Mavs the other day.
BH: Trae Young on the Atlanta Hawks is who I try to model my game after.
What are some of your hobbies outside of basketball?
JS: I like to shop. I love shopping and hanging out with my friends and family. I like to eat... a lot.
BH: Outside of basketball, I like to hang out with friends and family.