New Albany’s Adam Stotts developed his identity last season as a solid three-point marksman coming off the bench for the Bulldogs. This season, Stotts, now a starter, is adjusting to an added role — senior leader.
HoosierHillsHoops.com: It’s your senior year, and your final go-around at New Albany. Besides being in the starting lineup, how has your role changed from last season?
Stotts: I feel more like a go-to guy. Last year I came in and was expected to hit a few three-pointers, but now I feel like I can really help dictate the game along with my other teammates. Last year was also my first year on varsity, so this season I know what to expect every game and what I need to provide for us to be successful.
HHH: Fellow Bulldog senior Chris Whitehead was expected to be your team’s key cog, but was injured late in the football season and hasn’t yet been able to play. Has Whitehead’s absence required more leadership — both on-and-off the court — from you and New Albany’s other seniors?
Stotts: Coach (Shannon) made it a big point for us to step up as a team. Both me and Morgan Toliver need to lead the team being the main two returning players with varsity experience aside from Chris. Everyone knows that Chris is an all-state caliber player, so it was apparent to the seniors to lead the younger players on our team.
HHH: Aside from basketball, I understand you enjoy rapping and go by the moniker “The Dagger.” How did this hobby come about and what do you find enjoyable about writing and performing raps?
Stotts: I got the name “The Dagger” from playing in a local gym in Kentucky where my dad used to live. I hit a few threes in a row and someone yelled out he’s the dagger, so it stuck. I honestly just (rap) for fun. It makes people laugh, people know me for it, and I’m pretty decent at it. When I’m out with friends, they always ask me to pull out a rap real quick, so I do. It’s all fun.
HHH: What are your college plans? Do you anticipate playing small-college basketball?
Stotts: I want to play college ball, but only if it feels right. I want to take a visit to a school and just get that feeling like ‘this is the school.’ Other than that, my dream school has always been Indiana since I’m a die-hard Hoosier fan. I’ll either go to Indiana or Louisville (to major) in business or sports marketing. Hanover offered me an academic scholarship, so there’s always a possibility that I go there and then walk on the basketball team.
Each week a Southern Indiana senior is featured in HoosierHillsHoops.com’s Senior Spotlight. To suggest a senior deserving of recognition, e-mail info@hoosierhillshoops.com.
