Most of Dowagiac’s opponents know that the Chieftains can shoot the ball from the outside.

What they may not know is that Dowagiac is beginning to look more toward the interior and junior center Keoante Blackamore.

The emergence of Blackamore has not come as a surprise to Dowagiac boys basketball coach Danum Hunt. He has been waiting for the six-foot-five post player to have a breakout season.

“He worked hard in the off season improving his skill set and his strength,” Hunt said. “He is starting to come into his own as to taking up space and making his presence known. He continues to work hard every day. One of the things I love about that kid is that he brings it every day because he wants to improve.”

In his last three games, Blackamore has scored 16 points against Coloma, nine points against Three Rivers and 10 points against Paw Paw.

Against the Redskins, he also grabbed 11 rebounds and six blocks, including back-to-back stuffs in one defensive sequence.

“We worked hard all summer because we lost some of our top scorers and we needed to get other people involved,” Blackamore said. “I’m one of the players that needs to get more involved in the offense.”

Blackamore said that he spent a lot of time in the weight room last summer and gained some weight so that he can battle in the paint with his opponents.

A year ago, Hunt would not let his center pop outside and shoot the jump shot. Now he has no reservations.

“Now he can shoot from the outside,” he said. “He continues to improve on that.”

Blackamore said that he feels comfortable taking an outside shot.

“Coach gave me the confidence that I can do it,” he said.