In the annals of Kentucky high school basketball, the name Vince Dawson now shines brightly. As a senior guard for the Great Crossing Warhawks, Dawson played a pivotal role in leading his team to their first-ever KHSAA Sweet 16 state championship in 2025, cementing his legacy as one of the program’s all-time greats. With a blend of skill, grit, and leadership, Dawson helped the Warhawks soar to new heights, culminating in a thrilling 71-61 victory over Bowling Green on March 29 at Rupp Arena.
A Star Rises in Georgetown
Vince “Tre” Dawson III, a 6-foot-6 small forward from Georgetown, Kentucky, has been a cornerstone for Great Crossing since he stepped onto the varsity court. By his senior year, he was averaging 18.1 points per game, showcasing his scoring prowess, rebounding tenacity, and playmaking ability. But it wasn’t just the stats that defined Dawson, it was his clutch performances and unshakable composure that made him a standout.
The 2025 season was a breakout year for both Dawson and the Warhawks. After falling to Lyon County in the 2024 Sweet 16 semifinals, Great Crossing entered the new campaign with a chip on their shoulder. Dawson, alongside Kentucky-bound Mr. Basketball Malachi Moreno, formed a dynamic duo that carried the team to a 35-4 record and a 27-game winning streak to close the season. Their only in-state loss came early against St. Xavier, a defeat that fueled their fire for redemption.
Sweet 16 Spotlight
The 2025 KHSAA Sweet 16 was Dawson’s stage to shine. Across the Warhawks’ four tournament games, he averaged 17.5 points and 7.2 rebounds, earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team. His versatility was on full display, whether it was draining 3-pointers, crashing the boards, or stepping up as a ball-handler when injuries struck.
In the quarterfinals against Cooper, Dawson dropped 20 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out four assists, helping Great Crossing overcome the loss of starting point guard L.J. Holman to an ankle injury. His length and hustle overwhelmed the Jaguars, securing a 49-36 win and keeping the Warhawks’ title hopes alive.
The championship game against Bowling Green was the ultimate test. With Moreno dominating inside (24 points, 15 rebounds), Dawson complemented him with 18 points, including a critical four-point play in the third quarter that pushed Great Crossing’s lead to 41-17. His ability to step up as a primary ball-handler in Holman’s absence was key, finishing with three assists and showing poise under pressure. The Warhawks never looked back, outlasting a late Purples rally to claim the gold trophy.
Beyond the Numbers
What sets Dawson apart isn’t just his stat line, it’s his leadership. “I’ve got a lot of people around me, so it made it a lot easier,” he said, deflecting praise to his teammates. Warhawks coach Steve Page echoed that sentiment, noting Dawson’s ability to rally the team during a shaky first half in the finals. “Vince goes, ‘Guys, this is one of our worst first halves of the year. We’re fine. Let’s go play,’” Page recalled. That moment sparked a 46-point second-half explosion that sealed the win in the semifinals.
Teammates and fans alike rave about Dawson’s work ethic and team-first mentality. Whether it was diving for loose balls or guarding the opponent’s best player, he brought an intensity that lifted Great Crossing from a good team to a championship one.
The Road Ahead
Dawson’s high school career may have ended with a trophy, but his basketball journey is just beginning. Committed to Morehead State University, he’ll take his talents to the NCAA Division I level with the Eagles in the fall of 2025. At 6-foot-6, with a smooth jumper and a knack for rebounding, Dawson has the tools to thrive in the Ohio Valley Conference. His experience playing alongside a dominant big man like Moreno should ease his transition, as he’s already mastered the art of complementing star talent while making his own mark.
For Great Crossing, Dawson leaves behind a legacy as a foundational piece of their first state title. For Kentucky basketball fans, he’s a reminder of the talent brewing in Georgetown. And for Morehead State, he’s a promise of exciting days ahead.
As the Warhawks celebrated on the Rupp Arena floor, Dawson stood tall, not just in stature, but in spirit. “We felt pretty confident we’d have the opportunity to do what we’re doing tonight,” Page said of his senior class, Dawson chief among them. That confidence, paired with undeniable skill, turned a vision into reality, and made Vince Dawson a name Kentucky hoops won’t soon forget.
