BILLINGS – Last Friday, Chrishon Dixon let the world know what direction his future is headed.
I have decided to play the game of basketball in college.
— Ace boogie 🎲 (@C_Dixon00) January 11, 2019
It was a simple Twitter post, but it said volumes about the Billings Central senior’s love for the game.
“There’s a lot of guys that I’ve had that have chosen football over basketball,” said Central head basketball coach Jim Stergar. “It’s great that he can be able to decide to want to do that.”
“I just wanted to be a trend-setter,” said Dixon about choosing basketball over football. “That’s how I’ve always been. I didn’t want to follow other people’s path.”
His path started almost 10 years ago – May 22, 2009.
“Ever since I watched LeBron (James) hit the shot against the Orlando Magic, that’s when the love really came,” Dixon said.
He’s referencing Game 2 of the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals. James’ Cleveland Cavaliers were down two points with one second left when James received an inbounds pass at the top of the arc and hit a game-winning 3-pointer as time expired.
“We were just all in the living room watching the game. I was a big Cavs fan at the time,” Dixon said. “I knew LeBron was going to hit the shot. The whole crowd erupted, and I’ve just loved it ever since.”
Dixon has had plenty moments of his own since then, leading Central to three consecutive State A title games against much older competition. But that’s nothing new.
“When I was in California, I used to always play with the older guys in the park,” said Dixon, “and that just gave me an edge against other players.”
His senior year got off to a slow start as he continues to recover from a groin injury, but his signature quickness is coming back every day.
“He’s the quickest person I’ve ever played basketball with,” said fellow senior Sam Gray. “Just him getting into the lane and being able to kick to me or Seth (Sasich) or somebody out on the perimeter and hit shots, it’s really nice.”
“It’s hard to guard him at any level,” said Stergar. “I’ve seen him play against the highest level, I’m talking Gonzaga players. I think the ceiling is out of sight right now.”
As far as where Dixon will play in college, he says he’s had a lot of conversations with MSU Billings, plus interest from Montana Western and Carroll College so far.
