All in the family
To say it’s been a special season for the Dodson family would be an understatement.
Rocky Dodson is the coach for the state’s Class 1A No. 1 boys team Omaha. Marleigh Dodson recently scored her 2,000th career point for the state’s Class 1A No. 1 girls team Norfork.
“Special isn’t a strong enough word,” Coach Dodson said.
Led by 6-6 senior Garrett Matlock, Omaha is enjoying its best season ever. The Eagles (32-1) are scoring 67.1 points per game and are riding a 13game winning streak.
Matlock, who averages 20 points and 10 rebounds a game, is within 150 points of reaching the 2,000-point milestone.
“He plays with his back to the basket, but he’s better facing the basket,” Coach Dodson said. “He’s always got someone on his back. He wears other players like a jacket.”
The Eagles finished 31-10 a year ago, but they lost four of their last five games.
“We’re a year older and a little more hungry,” Coach Dodson said. “We had a good year last year but kind of fizzled at the end. I think we’re tougher mentally this year. I can tell you that we’re getting everybody’s best shot. It’s getting harder and harder with every game.”
While the Dodsons are enjoying their respective seasons, it has been a rare occasion when the coach has been able to see his daughter play.
“When she scored her 2,000th point, I had to watch it on Facebook Live,” Coach Dodson said. “I had some proud tears running down my cheeks that night.”
Marleigh Dodson has averaged 17.5 ppg during her four years at Norfork. She has hit 65 percent of her two-point shots and is a career 34 percent shooter from three-point range. She has signed to play with Lyon College next season.
If the two teams experience the regional success they are expected to enjoy, both Omaha and Norfork will advance to the state tournament in Morrilton. The ultimate goal, said Coach Dodson, is to have both father and daughter competing in the state championship games in Hot Springs.
“This is my 24th year as a coach, and I don’t think it’s going to ever get more special than this,” Coach Dodson said. “Hopefully, it will continue.”