Athlete Profile: Wylee Dodge

BOWLER — As the Bowler High School boys basketball program is constructed by new coach Ted Kietlinski, the team will be looking for players to build around. Sophomore Wylee Dodge will be one of those players.

According to Kietlinski, Dodge is a hard worker looking to get into the gym all the time. The sophomore has also shown promise on the court for the Panthers this winter, contributing over six points and three rebounds per game.

Despite Bowler dropping a game to Suring on Jan. 24, Dodge put together arguably his best high school game. He scored 16 points, 12 of which came on four 3-pointers.

“We have a number of dedicated players on our team, but none are more dedicated to basketball than Wylee,” said Kietlinski. “He always lobbies for more open gyms and other opportunities to play the game.”

Q: When did your interest in basketball begin?

A: I’d probably say when my dad (Kylee Dodge) used to take me to the local gym for noon ball when he was on lunch for work. My grandpa (Preston Dodge) and my father used to watch NBA games on the TV, and I would watch them so that helped, too, from when I was young.

Q: What is your favorite part about the basketball season?

A: Spending time with the guys, riding the bus for away games and just laughing with my guys to go play my favorite sport. And, you know, they all push me to do better in some facet of the game, so I’d like to thank them for that.

Q: When you step on the court, what do you hope to provide for your team?

A: Hustle points, being a team player and trying to compete to get us a win. We are young, but we have talent — we just have to learn to gel together and have chemistry.

Q: In a season where the wins aren’t stacking up, how do you stay positive and confident in your game?

A: Just keep your head up and realize you’re not gonna win everything. Have fun, because isn’t that what sports are about — is having fun doing something you love.

Q: What kind of things will the team be looking to improve on over the final portion of the regular season?

A: Having better team chemistry and probably becoming better as a team with the fundamentals and working to be better next year.

Q: Favorite TV show, movie and musical artist?

A: TV show — “Rick and Morty.” Movie — “Brother Bear.” Musical artist — A Boogie wit da Hoodie.

Q: Who is your favorite athlete, and why?

A: Damian Lillard, because he is a dog out on the court and he’d do anything to win. Even if his season isn’t going his way, he still pours out amazing numbers.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: I’ve never cut my hair in 15 years. I wanted to when I was younger, but my parents said not to. So I haven’t cut it and don’t plan to anytime in the future.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you are not in school or competing in a high school sport?

A: Spend time with family or go out and have fun with friends at the gym or out around town.

Q: What’s the greatest piece of advice you have ever been told?

A: Probably my trainer Harry Boyce, who is always on my butt to be better. I couldn’t really say the things he says here, but the one that always sticks in my head after a workout is, “Come on Dodge, you aren’t gonna go anywhere with that.”

Q: You have a couple years left in high school. Do you have any goals you’d like to accomplish athletically by the time you graduate?

A: Clean up all the areas me and my team have been lacking throughout the season, like defense or shooting, and just become the best player I can be with the help of people and mostly just learn to push myself more.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Wylee Dodge

Sport: Boys basketball

Position: Guard/wing

School: Bowler High School

Year: Sophomore