E-TC's Gordon commits to Michigan Tech

EWEN — It’s official. Ewen-Trout Creek senior Dillon Gordon is going to play basketball at Michigan Tech.

Gordon committed Tuesday in a meeting at Houghton.

“I’m extremely excited,” Gordon said. “I can’t wait to see what the next level brings. They’ve been recruiting me throughout the whole year and it seemed like a great place to go. Great education. I think it’s a great option for me.”

Gordon finished his high school career at 1,797 points, the second most in E-TC history.

“I’m just very, very happy for him,” E-TC coach Brad Besonen said. “He’s earned it for all the time he’s put in for hoops.”

When Tech coach Kevin Luke and his staff were at the E-TC game against Houghton, Gordon exploded for 43 points, a career high, and 14 rebounds. That was against a team that made the regional finals in Class C.

“High pressure situation, he has the game of his career,” Besonen said.

Michigan Tech plays Wisconsin Parkside Friday in the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament. Tech is in the Midwest region at Springfield, Mo.

“I think he’ll be a very good player there, especially if he puts the time in with their strength coach early on,” Besonen said. “The GLIAC is a physical conference. If he can get a little stronger, quicker, that will help him with getting some minutes.”

The Huskies are 20-8 overall and finished in a three-way tie for the GLIAC title. With that good team, Besonen expects Gordon will have to fight for playing time.

“I am sure he is up to the challenge,” Besonen said. “He’s kind of like a basketball junkie. He can’t get enough of it.”

Besonen expects Gordon to be a point guard, but the Huskies have redshirt freshman Jordan Chartier of Superior Central right now.

“They have a pretty good ballhandler in this Chartier kid,” Besonen said. “Eventually (Gordon will) end up taking that role of point guard. Maybe they’ll use him early in spot minutes to run him off some screens and take some 3s.”

Besonen said he can fill multiple roles with his shooting and ballhandling skills.

“It’s just nice to see a local kid get a shot at one of these local D-II schools,” Besonen said.

It was some good news for Gordon and E-TC after a rough end to the season. Gordon severely sprained his ankle in the regular-season finale. The Panthers still fought to beat tournament-host Bessemer in the district semifinal six days later with Gordon at about 50 percent but fell in the final to Crystal Falls Forest Park with Gordon on crutches.

“It’s a lot better since I’ve had time to rest it,” Gordon said.