photo by: Sarah Buchanan/Special to the Journal-World

Free State senior Korbin Dowdell sets up a 3-pointer against Shawnee Mission West on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Overland Park.

Free State guard Korbin Dowdell received interest from several Division II colleges to play basketball. Dowdell, however, wanted to take a chance on himself — he decided to commit to John Wood Community College in Illinois.

“It’s a dream come true,” Dowdell said. “Me, my dad and my trainers have worked for this moment right here.”

Dowdell had a strong summer with his AAU team, which is when John Wood’s coaching staff first noticed him. That led to a summer visit to campus, and Dowdell decided that John Wood was his future school. It helps that Quincy, Illinois — where John Wood Community College is — reminds Dowdell of Lawrence. It’s also a reasonable distance from Lawrence, but it is still close enough to visit Kansas City or Chicago.

“I just felt like it was home because the coaches really valued me,” Dowdell said. “I wasn’t really considering (junior college) before (the visit), but after the visit, I really liked it and really started to consider it.”

The goal is to play at John Wood for two years before joining Division I. At John Wood, he can get stronger and develop his skills. One of the Blazers’ assistant coaches, Austin Banks, trains NBA players during the offseason. Dowdell trusts that he can be developed into a Division I prospect. He can also stay in touch with the Division II schools that he already has contact with after his stay at John Wood.

When he started the recruitment process, Dowdell wanted a coach who valued him. With John Wood coach Jonny Dahl, that’s exactly how he felt. On top of that, Dowdell wants to make an impact right away, and his style of play fits with how the Blazers play.

“Coach Jonny Dahl likes his guards to play fast,” Dowdell said. “I feel like I can push the ball in transition and just make plays for other people… obviously shoot the ball at the 3 and the midrange. I just feel like I can bring a lot of playmaking and bring a lot of pace and tempo.”

The Blazers are 10-13 this season and 4-2 in the Mid-West Athletic Conference.

Off the court, Dowdell said he’s focusing on being a strong leader. Before he leaves Free State for good, Dowdell wants to set a high standard for the team and show the younger players how to lead once they become seniors. Dowdell has focused on maintaining a high standard while being encouraging with the Firebirds.

Dowdell and the Firebirds are 6-6 but have started to hit their stride. In a Wednesday night home game against St. Joseph-Lafayette, Dowdell had 19 points and hit five 3s in a win. With this being his last year with the Firebirds, Dowdell is ready to leave it all on the court for the last time with his team, especially with his collegiate future figured out.

“I just want to finish the year off right with my teammates and (Free State) coach (Dwayne) Paul,” Dowdell said. “I love that dude, and I’m excited to finish my season with them.”