2001 FHS graduate Derek Dowty looks for defense, quickness as keys to his first season
When Derek Dowty ended his basketball career at International Falls, he was the school’s all-time leading scorer and one of the main cogs in the school’s only state tournament appearance in 2000.
Nine years later, Dowty takes over the program he once starred in. He’s no longer the leading scorer — he’s since been passed by Nicole Friend and DeAngelo Brackins — but he has high hopes of eventually returning to that same state tournament as a coach.
“It’s nice to be back in the hometown,” Dowty said. “It’s where I wanted to be after I graduated.”
The 2009-10 Broncos open the season tonight at home against Eveleth-Gilbert with Dowty, and fellow 2001 graduate Luke Zika, leading the program. Dowty takes over for Josh Koenig, who finished 63-40 in four seasons.
“They get us motivated pretty good. Get us to work hard,” said the lone captain this season, senior Adam Potter.
Potter is one of only a few returning players with experience. Fellow senior Tim Myles logged good varsity time last season, along with juniors Trevar Carlson and Shawn Filipiak, but none are over 6-feet-2, or are known for their inside game. None of them averaged over eight points a game, either (Myles is the top returning scorer at 7.3 a contest).
“First couple games are going to be tough, because it’s a whole different ball game when you play varsity,” Dowty said.
It will be a daunting task for this year’s team to replace graduated seniors Aaron Skoglund, Zack Olson, Chris Heibel, Ben West and Calvin Phung. Skoglund joined Dowty on the 1,000-point list last season and Olson is playing at Rainy River Community College.
“We don’t have much size, but we are pretty quick,” Dowty said.
And they’ll have to be to help make up for the short front line.
“We have a lot of people who can play, so that will be kind of nice,” Potter said. “When you’re tired they can replace you, and they’re just as good as the next.”
The roster boasts two more seniors — Nate Oustad and Eric Carlson — and seven juniors — Nick Bujold, Matt Paulbeck, Marcus Zawchenek, Treyce Simon, John Skoglund, Ethan Johns and Aaron Marx.
Potter said he wouldn’t be surprised if the bench goes 12 deep on most nights, especially with an emphasis on defense.
“That’s the goal. If they can’t score, they can’t win,” Dowty said.
Defense was the backbone of the squad when Dowty came through high school under head coach Matt Urbanek, and he’s brought the same principals to his team. One of the main goals is to hold teams under 55 points.
Offensively, Dowty admitted his new system is coming along slowly, but he’s seen plenty of improvement since day 1.
“I think we should be very good,” Potter said. “Looking at the schedule and the teams we play, knowing from last year what they have this year, and we should have a good record.”
Dowty is just looking to turn his talent on the court into a solid coaching career off the court.
“It’s going to be a fun year,” he said. “It really is. It’s a lot of time, but the payoff is so nice.”
Who is Derek Dowty
• Falls High School graduate — 2001
• Played varsity football, basketball and baseball for the Broncos. Third on the career scoring list in basketball with 1,341 points. Holds school records in football in receptions in a season (41), receptions in a career (83), receiving yards in a game (221 against Eveleth-Gilbert) and receiving yards in a career (1,804). He’s second in career interceptions with 16.
• Previous experience in athletics:
Attended Rainy River Community College for two years before attending Bemidji State University for three years. After graduating in 2006, went on to teach at Warroad and coach the varsity boys basketball team. Arrived back in International Falls in 2007, where he served as an assistant boys basketball coach for two seasons. Has also coached numerous youth teams in basketball, baseball and football.
• Favorite quote as a coach:
Good, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better and your better is best.
• What do you want to be known for as a coach:
A team that plays hard-nosed defense and works hard every possession.
• Greatest piece of advice for someone wanting to get into coaching:
Coaching is a huge commitment, but is well worth it when you see your players grow and develop on the court and in life, as well.
• A successful season is ... ?
A season where I know the players can look back and say, “I did all I could do and nothing else.” I want my players to know they did their best.
