OHSAA Hoop State Recap; Rams fall to St V; Cincy teams falter; LeBron reaches out to Patton

Here's the Recap of what went down, hot topics, and more at the OHSAA State Championship last weekend

What did LBJ say about the 2-Time Ohio Player of the Year in Torrey Patton? 

Rams let one slip away as St V wins at buzzer
The Trotwood Rams felt like they had a good chance to win the State this year, considering they would take on a team who they beat earlier in the season in the Semifinal game.

Taking on Akron St Vincent St Mary, the prestigious HS that LeBron James went to, didn't seem that tough, as the Rams put a 100 spot on them in January (100-61).

However, Coach Dru Joyce is hard to beat twice in a season, delivering the game plan to slow down the Rams, and that's exactly what happened as Akron St. Vincent upset Trotwood 62-60.

 The Rams shot poorly in the 1st half (10-36) and it cost them as they trailed heading into 2nd half.

 Trotwood finally settled into the game in the 3rd quarter, but by that time Akron star F Jayvon Graves had already had 3 monster dunks in the game, and was the star of the 1st half.

Jayvon Graves throws down one of his powerful dunks vs Trotwood in D-2 Semifinal 

 In the 2nd half it was "Patton Time" as Star G Torrey Patton took over the game for the Rams.
Patton scored 15 of his OHSAA D-2 record 34 points in the 1st half to keep Trotwood afloat, then electrified the crowd by dropping 19 in the 2nd half to guide the Rams to the lead.

 St.V had no answer for the 6'4  2-Time Player of the Year, and it became a highlight show in the 2nd half.
Patton would finish with 34, 11 boards, a block and a steal. And his normal 4th quarter clutch play was in effect.

So much so that LeBron himself had to make a couple calls after the game to find out who this Patton kid was.
And to also find out why he hasn't received a offer from a D-1 yet as well.

"We couldn't stop him" James said.
"Who is this Patton kid?"

All-Ohio G Torrey Patton puts up a FT in State Title Game vs Akron SVSM 

 But St V kept fighting, and a 4-point lead (56-52) for the Rams late in the 4th turned into the decisive 10-2 run, (led by Graves), as St V would take advantage of back to back turnovers by the Rams.

After the final basket (a floater by Graves as the time expired), St V, and LBJ knows that they pulled off one of their greatest wins in the Dru Joyce era.

Akron SVSM celebrates upset win over Trotwood Madison in OHSAA State Semifinal game

They stormed the court, sans the coaches, and the players celebrated all the way down to the Trotwood side of the court.

They knew that they had sleighed the best team in D-2, and possibly in all of Ohio.

For Trotwood?
Utter disbelief, and shock. The players were stunned, and the fans, hurt.
Even the press row was shocked as the Rams came into the Final four averaging 90 ppg and being the "It Squad" for the weekend in Columbus.

Sr G Amir Foster shoots one over the backboard in the Semifinal Game vs Akron SVSM

Still a very good season for the Rams.
But it definitely will be a game that will resonate in the minds of the Rams as they know they let one slip away.

Highly touted Junior Myles Belyeu tallied 13 points, 4 rebs, 3 steals for the Rams in the Semifinals

Trotwood had 3 players in double figures as Junior Myles Belyeu dropped 13 and Sophomore sensation Amari Davis added 10.  Amir Foster led the Rams with 5 assists.
Jayvon Graves led St. V with 22 pts, 10 boards and 3 steals.




St. V wins State Title; Cleveland dominates Tourney
Akron St Vincent St Mary's defeated Wauseon 45-30 to take another State Championship. Wauseon, who had only lost once before the game, felt good about their chances.

Akron St Vincent St Mary, OHSAA D-2 Champs 

But Star F Jayvon Graves, (Buffalo) came up big with 25 points, sealing the deal as Tourney MVP, and State Champs to boot.
 Salute the champs, as Coach Dru Joyce won his 7th  State Title.
This one might be one of the sweetest, considering how we won it this season, having to defeat a team in the Semis who hammered them by almost 40 earlier in the season.



LeBron reaches out to Patton;  Akron, Toledo in the mix
LeBron James, sat and watched himself the OHSAA State Semifinal Game from out of town as he and the Cavs were on a road trip.  His St. V squad would take on the team who dismantled them in Dayton in January, so while he wouldn't be able to root on his boys in Columbus, he'd be able to check out the game on TV against the heavily favored Trotwood Rams.
The King wanted to know, "Were they really that good as advertised?
 And did his St. V boys have a real shot?

What he would see made him pick up the phone and call his old coach, as he usually does if he's not in attendance.

But this time, there would be a couple questions about the other team, and a player in particular.

Torrey Patton, to be exact.

LeBron is all about the big stage, and after watching what the 6'4 combo guard did to his Alma Mater, he had to inquire, along with coach Joyce.

"Who is this Patton kid, and where is he going to school?"
When Coach Joyce found out the lack of offers he had before the Tourney, he was befuddled.

"I would definitely recruit him if I was a college coach, but hey what do I know?
We couldn't stop him" Joyce said.

Patton set OHSAA record for most points in a D-2 Title Game (34) 

Then LeBron decided to take things into his own hands.
LBJ reached out, made a couple calls, to congratulate Patton on his record setting performance and to inquire about his future.

Since then, Patton has recieved serious consideration from Akron, Toledo, Niagara, Georgia State, and now Wright State has tried to come back into the mix.

Which shows you the type of guy LBJ is.
Call it the "LeBron Effect".

He recognizes greatness and recognizes talent, and understands that a kid of Pattons' magnitude should not be taken lightly.

James once, was on that big stage and understands how that stage can sometimes make or break your career.

Shoutout to the King on showing love to a kid, he had never met, never even known until now.

The kid lives in Dayton, Ohio.
Trotwood to be exact.
Nowhere near Akron, or "The Land."
LeBron just watched the game, heard the story, and here we are.

Will Patton end up at Akron? Or Toledo?
Yet to be seen.
 Very possible, unless some of the Big Ten teams start to open their eyes and realize how good this Patton kid is.

 Hell, LeBron did.
 After 1 game.
Will Ohio State jump in? Who knows.

But a couple things are for sure.

(1) When LeBron speaks, you listen.

(2) And it's never to late to make a great impression.
Just look at Norris Cole. A late D-1 signee, now he resides in the NBA.

Where will the hottest hoop prospect in Ohio end up?



Cincy Teams Fall
Undefeated Moeller falls in Championship Game 
Cincy Moeller, undefeated all season, fell in the title game, losing 39-38 to Massillion Jackson.

Massillion spoils Moeller perfect season, win D-3 Championship 

Moeller had went undefeated all season, and lost in heartbreaking fashion.
This marks the first time a D-1 team has won a State tile since 1945 without scoring 40 points.
Is it time for a shot clock in High School era?
Something the committee should seriously think about.

Roger Bacon falls in the Championship Game as well, losing to Cleveland Villa St Joseph in the D-3 Title Game 54-52.



OHSAA Key Notes

The Cleveland / Akron schools won all 4 boys divisions.

The first time in 72 years (1945) a D-1 game was won with a final winning score under 40
 (Massillion wins 39-38)

Trotwood G Torrey Patton broke scoring record (34) for a Individual perfromance (D-2)

Akron SVSM F & Buffalo commit Jayvon Graves scored the most points in the tournament this year (47).

3 Teams go for State Berth Tonight; Why Pickerington deserves a beatdown? Matchups, Predictions& more

With a Chance at State Seminal Berth on the line, here's the Match ups for Friday Night:

D-1
Wayne (11-0-1)   vs Pickerington Central (11-1)  @ 
 London HS 
 As if Wayne wasn't focused enough, they received a couple of photos that turned out to be bulletin board material for the Wayne Train. Central described the Warriors as thugs and convicts, which sent the net into a frenzy and now will set the stage for two teams who have a chance to reach State Semifinals tonight.
 The Warriors are too good of a team and too well coached to fall into the buffoonery that Pickerington is trying to cause.
Look for a Wayne win 37-24.


D-2 
Miamisburg (10-2)   vs  Cincy LaSalle  (10-2)  @ 
Mason HS 
Miamisburg has been able to win with a huge o-line, a physical backfield and skill players all over the field. Combine that with a fiery unpredictable coach, and the Burg is a LaSalle defeat away from State. Problem is LaSalle is as focused as ever and boasts a potent offense of its own.
We got Miamisburg winning 31-26.



D-4
 Alter  (12-0)   vs Cincy Wyoming (12-0) 
  The Knights will face a stiff test in Wyoming, as they have handled all their opponents the same way Alter has. Easily.  Alter seems to have a focused unparalleled in a while, and that could spell doom for the undefeated Wyoming squad who is led by a D-1 signee of its own.
We got Alter winning via the running game and late game coaching by a score of 34-28.

Saturday 

D-3 
Trotwood  (11-1)   vs St Mary's Memorial (11-1)

Belmont smacks down Woodward; Centerville pulls off comeback vs Boro

Heres recap of the Thursday night games in the Miami Valley

 Elijah Malcolm

Belmont throttles Woodward 
Belmont  used it's gritty ground game to punish Woodward 48-14 on Thursday night.
 Elijah Malcolm scored 3 times and Belmont amassed 440 yards of offense in washing out Woodward 48-14.
Dawson Martin garnered a INT.
 The Bison scored 24 in the 1st and 2nd half as they was rolling on all cylinders.
Belmont moves to 3-2 and wins it's 2nd straight game.


Centerville rallies, defeats Springboro 
Centerville  rallied in the 4th to upend Springboro a in front of the home crowd by a score of 28-21.
 Springboro went into the 4th with a leqd, but the Elks used a home crowd and some key plays to get the job done.
 RB Mason Kuhr led the Elks with 150 years rushing and 2 TDs.  Centerville now moves to 3-2, while Springboro falls to 3-2.

Top 5 games in Week 3; Will Wayne continue to rule the Nati? Can Dunbar keep rollin? 4-Star Recruit Decommitts

As we hit the mid-season stretch here's a few games which could show who are the teams to watch, to not watch, and to see if this will be the weekend of no rain delays, which already happened with Ponitz game last night.

Will tonight be the "Blue" Show @ Lakota?

Heres our Top games of Week 3:


Trotwood Madison (1-1)  @ Middletown (0-2)- In a game both teams need badly for the playoff race, Trotwood (1-1)  found its rhythm against a tough Piqua squad last week after laying a egg in the first week. When talking to the coaches after game 1, it was clear that a fire needed to be lit under the Rams. Middletown (0-2) will look to get a big W, after losing last week to Springboro. Look for an offensive explosion from Rams star RB Raveion Hargrove tonight.

Can the "Team of the Week" pull off the big W @ Princeton?

Dunbar (2-0)  @ Cin Princeton (2-0) -  Dunbar has a fire about them this year that hasn't been there in a while. In a big win last week, the Wolverines seemed to have found themselves and a silver lining in these first two games. If they can pull off a big win vs a tough Princeton team tonight? It could be the start to something special for the Woverines. Look for big performances from WRs Jo Jo Scates and Chris Jackson tonight. Princeton survived at home against Springfield last week. Can they defeat another talented team at home tonight?

Miamisburg (2-0) @ Thurgood Marshall  (0-2) - Miamisburg  looks like a team on a mission as they will take on the Cougars and new head coach Brian Carter  tonight. While Thurgood hasn't won this season, they know that tonight they will have a home crowd. They will need it, as the Vikings come into Welcome Stadium with 2 D-1 recruits on the line, and skilled players all over.

Wayne (1-0) @ Lakota West (0-2)- While the Wayne Train didn't get a win until week 2, its clear they definitely want to make it 2-0 as they take on Lakota West. West hasn't been able to get on track, &  aside for the offensive trio of Zelwyn Robinson, former Trotwood Ram RB Tayvion Ware, & WR Payton Porterfield, it hasn't been a great start to the season so far. While the home crowd will be pumped, watch for Wayne stars L'Christian "Blue" Smith and Matt Wilcox to break out tonight. Also, there are some basketball ties with both teams, so look for a little revenge as well from the Wayne Train on behalf of the football team.

Meadowdale (0-2) @ Chaminade Julienne (0-2)  In a game both teams need, who will show the fire to get it done? C-J hasn't looked great, but will be at home for the contest. Meadowdale also hasn't shown their best, but with 2 good programs looking for that elusive win in Week 3? You know this will be a tough game.

Dunbar star backs off from Michigan

 Dunbar transfer & defensive star Antwuan Johnson, the LB who came to Dunbar from Springfield this season, has decomitted from Michigan. 

    Johnson, a rock solid 6'2 linebacker who makes plays all day, has decided to hold off on the Wolverines until further notice. Johnson is the type of guy who knows what he is doing, so it should be a interesting next 2 years for the Junior, who is leading the Wolverines in tackles, and is the unquestioned leader of the defense, which has stars all over the field.

 

    Johnson will be coveted and don't be surprised to see Ohio State or Michigan State jumping in the race. Also look for a few SEC schools to come calling as well.

Dunbar streaks past Ponitz in 2nd half; Put 56 on the board

For about 20 solid minutes or for most of the 1st half, Ponitz went toe for toe, and actually had the lead vs Dunbar, much like last year;

    The Panthers showed they had the gameplan to play with the favored Wolverines. Star RB Jamil Freeman was doing work, & after a strong TD run by Ponitz late in the 2nd quarter, it looked as if we might have a upset on our hands, as the Panthers led 14-12.  The Panthers crowd was hype, and the sense of a Ponitz win was starting to look like a reality.

After that, Dunbar outscored Ponitz 44-21 in a blistering display of offense as they routed Ponitz 56-35.

Local and Ohio State Legend Keith Byars at the game

With City League legend Keith Byars watching the game, the Wolverines took it up a few notches.

  Jo Jo Scates, Keyshawn Jones & Tavion Thomas all scored, as the Wolverines put it all together in the 2nd half as Michigan committ Antwan Johnson led the Defense to some key stops early in the 3rd to take the game from a nail biter to a rout.

Dunbar moves to 2-0 while Ponitz  falls to 1-1.

Ponitz destroys Clark Montessori 48-6 in season opener

The message is very simple for the opponents of the Ponitz Panthers in the Southwest Ohio Public League. 

Last year was last year. This a new season. And they're ready.

Freeman runs wild on Clark Montessori

The Ponitz Panthers (1-0) came out the gate firing on all cylinders and was able to defeat the Clark Montessori Cougars 48-6 last night in the Season Opener@ Welcome Stadium.

From the very 1st possession it was clear who was the better team.
Last year Clark Montessori (0-1) almost beat the Panthers, losing by a point.

   Co-MVP of the game Jamil Freeman got the scoring going with a 41-yard run to go up 7-0.  He scored twice as he also had a dazzling 56 yard run  later in the game as well.
  Freeman had over 100+ and was dominant just about every time he touched the ball.

    After the first score, Clark was stopped on their first possession, in which Ponitz scored again on a 2-yard run by QB Xavier Henry, who had 2-TD runs and a TD pass as well.

After the 1st quarter it was 28-0 & the rout was on.

The defense was led by Co-MVP DL Damonte Purdue who had 4 sacks and was completely unstoppable on the interior.

    Panthers Coach Jim Place was very pleased with the way the game plan was executed, and was thrilled with the results. Next week they face the Dunbar Wolverines, which should be a battle.

 Follow us on the journey as we cover Dayton HS Sports in Southwest Ohio and beyond!

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Wayne get shot at much more than just State Football Title today

      Last year the Wayne Warriors came within a quarter of being State Champions on the football field. It was then that Lakewood St Edward stopped their dream season last year 31-21 -
along in 2010 when Braxton Miller was at the helm.

  Lakewood has won it's only two OHSAA State titles courtesy of the Wayne Train.

 And you know that eats at the Warriors skin. Just makes any and every Wayne fan angry. Wayne has dominated every opponent in the last 5 years, except for one.

Lakewood St Edward.

In what has become one of the greatest single season team performances by a team in Miami Valley history, Wayne now must exercise one last demon.
  And what a demon it is...

 Lakewood, led by RB Cole Gest (Indiana signee)  & QB Jimmy Keefe, have been dominant and could be headed for a another title.

Except for two things:

 Revenge and the Wayne Train.

  Wayne players know that, no matter how good they are they will never be considered great until they win a State Title.
They are 0-3 in State Title games.
  To lose for a 3rd straight time for a chance at it all?  Would be devastating.
And with the players, coaching staff, and fans, they truly believe they will make it happen.
  It has been a unbelievable, magic year for Wayne.
Absolute dominance on offense, while the D got better every week,  becoming dominant in the last month.
But the last question remains:

Is it Wayne's time to shine on the big stage? & bring a big Division HS football championship to the DYT for the first time ever?
 
    A whole lot at stake for the Warriors.
But they'll be up for the challenge on a lovely day, unlike last year when it was horrible weather I might add.

We got the Warriors winning 30-26.

No matter what happens, it has been one hell of a ride with the Wayne Train.

Good luck, but I  dont think theyll need much luck today. I think fate will do them just fine.



 
 

Wayne clobbers Centerville, Hargrove runs wild; City League teams dominate

Wayne Train dismantles Elks, prep for playoffs
    Wayne did what they did every week, all season to Centerville on Friday night.
And, unfortunately for the Elks, it was over from the jump.

Can anyone stop this Train? (Courtesy of ImageJock)

   Daryl McCleskey scored 3 TDS to lead the Warriors to a 56-17 drubbing of Centerville to  become the third team to go undefeated in Wayne history, winning the GWOC Central, and receiving a  first-round home game in D-1 region 2.

   For the Elks (6-4)? Their luck just ran out. They have had more escapes than Harry Houdini this season, but there was no escaping the Train.

Wayne ends up ranked 2nd in the state and 11th in the country. For now.
This team is as loaded as a High school team that you can possibly have. Almost looks like a mid-major college team. Right now.

Up next for Wayne:
1st round playoff home game  vs Reynoldsburg


Rams Hargrove goes beserk, sends statement
   After a fast start to the season,  Trotwood hit a rough patch late in the season, losing 3 of 4 games. While their playoff hopes never wavered, the question is, can they do damage in the playoffs, or will it be a one and done season?

After a record breaking day by sophomore sensation Raveion Hargtove, it's safe to say the Ram a look ready for the playoffs.

Ram Nation ready for playoffs

 Trotwood took care of Vandalia Butler 57 - 35 as  the office racked up 600 yards. Hargrove had runs of 98 and 80 yards in the first half. He racked up 341 yards In the first half alone.
    Rams Coach Jeff Graham called Hargrove " A Special Player" & feels good putting the ball in his star RB hands.
   Hargrove ended up just 65 yards short of 2K (1,935), and led the GWOC in rushing.

  Butler, who also was 7-3 & won the division for the first time since 02',  also made the playoffs and will play Lasalle.  QB Chandler Craine threw 4 TD passes, but it wasn't enough.

Trotwood will host a playoff game, while Butler will travel.

 Dunbar stymies Belmont in City League battle
 despite not being able to make the playoffs, Dunbar came out with playoff intensity and took it to Belmont defeating the Bison. After a 12-6 lead midway in the 3rd, Dunbar scored on its next three possesions, with the help of two turnovers from Belmont helping the run.
   Dunbar was led by dynamic WR- Slot -RB Keyshawn Jones, who felt confident his squad could get the W. Dunbar ends season at 5-5 while Belmont falls to 7-2.

Belmont still was able to get into playoffs, as they will travel to Wapakoneta to face the #1 squad in their division.

 Miamisburg cruises past West Carrollton, earns playoff berth
 Miamisburg took care of West Carrollton 48 - 6 and will be headed to the playoffs for the first time in a long time. the Vikings one the GWOC South title in the process.

The Creek'  runs all over Fairmont to get to 7-3
 The Creek's rushing attack had 3 guys with 100 yards each with with Tim BradShaw (162), Jarrett Thomas (122), & Stone Kincer (118). Beavercreek ends season with a 7-3 record and hope for next season.


Ponitz, Meadowdale, Thurgood all win
All the city league squads, save for Belmont, won this week.
   Ponitz defeated College Prep 18 - 8, as they displayed great effort on D.  On top of that the Panthers won their last three games, to give the coaches hope that next year could be a bigger turnaround. Ponitz finishes at 4-6.

    Thurgood defeats Schroeder,  gets to .500
After a slow start to the season, Thurgood won 4 of its last 6 games to get to 5-5 after a big win over Schroeder. Thurgood was led by two way star  Tommie Richardson.

Meadowdale trounces Western Hills.
  Meadowdale put up 51 on Western Hills as they cruised to a 51-23 win on Saturday night.
The offense was hitting on all cylinders and Meadowdale finishes season 4-6 after a couple games were forfeited for a couple players being academically ineligible.

Impact of Dunbar - Belmont game could be huge tonight (830pm)

For years the Belmont Bison have been the doormats of the City League.  Almost 37 to be exact. They've had a year or so where they have been decent, but nothing like what has happened in the last 2 years.  

    Well, the Bison have a chance to kick down history once and for all.
    At the hands of possibly the most celebrated High School in the Miami Valley.
   Before the season started, Dunbar was the team who were one of the pre-season favorites to win the newly formed SWOPL (Southwest Ohio Public League) which merges Dayton & Cincinnati Public schools for football.

Belmont? Figured to go .500 at best.

   But after both teams took season opening losses on the road, Belmont was able to bounce back and ride it's star to 7 straight wins, a possible playoff berth and a chance to complete history, as the first team to win the SWOPL outright in its first year back.
   But can they actually beat Dunbar?

    Dunbar smacked Belmont last season, and for years at that. They're like the big bro who smacks lil bro around and never thinks twice about that lil bro will get bigger and stronger one day and not forget all them whoopins. After the tough loss last season you can be sure that coach learned a thing or two about this team since that time.
   Dunbar is supremely talented, well coached and if not for a couple of tough late game losses, they'd be playing for a playoff spot themselves. They seemingly have the top talent that bring themselves to the Wolverines each and every season. However, they have made some timely mistakes which has been their undoing.
 
Will Dunbar once again prove that their talent and will outweighs that of any other team in the city, and stop The Bison amazing momentum?
The Wolverines are notorious for slamming Title hopes.
   Just not sure they can hold off 37 years of Bison frustration.
  Welcome Stadium will be rockin' tonight (830) as we will see if the Bison are forreal.

   Win this game? & Expect a Bison revival, a playoff run, and a new Era at Belmont.
Lose? Well, we've heard that story for 37 years. We know that ending.
At least the Bison are exciting,  relevant, and doing things the right way.
Expect a classic game tonight. Expect great High School football, coaches by two of the best coaches in the Miami Valley tonight. Expect plays made by D-1 players all over the field tonght.
City League football is on the rise.

NOTE: A possible Annual Dayton HS Sports City League All-star HS Football Challenge in the works for March - April debut.
Football in Dayton, Ohio is back on the rise.
History will be made tonight.

Who makes it, Belmont or Dunbar?


 

Week 9 Recap: Wayne, Trotwood cruise; Miamisburg wins late; Thurgood wins city battle

Here are the headlines from week 9 around the Miami Valley:

Thurgood escapes for a Huge Play

Wayne cruises to W  
Wayne started fast, star WR L'Christian "Blu" Smith scored 3 TDS on 3 catches and the Warriors shut down Beavercreek. Future Michigan St QB Messiah DeWeaver had 4TDs in limited time.
 Can the Creek win next week and slide into a playoff spot? Remains to be seen.
As far as Wayne?
TOP 25 in the COUNTRY.



Thurgood D clinches win over Meadowdale 
Meadowdale scored the first 13 points & held a 13-8 lead into half, but Thurgood scored late in the 3rd and Intercepted 3 Lions passes in the 4th to seal the deal in the City League battle.


 Miamisburg wins its final game at home come back style
Miamisburg jumped out to a big lead, but

The Burg' racing to end zone in last game at Harmon Field  

Springboro came roaring back. The Vikings scored with less than a minute remaining to win the final game 35-32. The thriller was the last game played in Miamisburg legendary Harmon Field. The Boro' falls to 7--2, while Miamisburg wins their division, ups their record to 8-1 & solidifies a playoff spot.


 Trotwood comes back strong verses Green Greenville
Trotwood came back with a resounding win In Greenville as the D stepped up and the O came to life. The Rams now move to 6-3  &, with a win next week, should be in the playoffs.


 Dunbar falls in a shootout 
The Wolverines lost 43-40 in a shootout to Cincinnati Taft. The Wolverines had a chance late in the game, but couldn't get it done.
The Wolverines fall to 4-5.


  Centerville defeats  Springfield to keep its playoff hopes alive
The Elks continue to walk a tightrope as they defeated the Wildcats 35-32 Friday night. After starting 2-3 the Elks have won 4 straight and with a win next week, could sneak into the playoffs.  Despite a great game from Star Danny Davis, the Wildcats couldn't survive the epic battle.


Prediction Record this week: 3-3 

Top 5 Games of Week 8

Here's our top games for week 8 as teams make their playoff runs and key rivalries heat up.

Will the Wolverines be ready for the Cougars?

(1) Dunbar  vs Thurgood  @ Welcome Stadium (7pm)
     Last years City League championship game features two of the best in the city, as a revamped Thurgood squad who was reigning City League Champs 6 years straight, will look to keep the dynamic Wolverines from putting up big numbers.
Dunbar has been inconsistent in key moments, but has looked unstoppable in others. After losing City League player of the year Jamahl Manley, the Cougars have started to rebound.
We have the Wolverines winning a wild one 34-28.



(2) Beavercreek (6-1)   @ Centerville (5-2) (7pm)
   In the GWOC game of the Week, both teams desperately need this game. The Creek', led by 1,000 yard rusher Tim Beadshaw, will be ready, but so will Centerville, who has won 4 straight and could be the hottest team in the area.
We have Centerville winning a close one 28-24


(3) Northmont  (4-3)  @  Wayne (7-0) (7pm)
   Can Northmont, led by star player Avery Miliner, pull off the upset of the season? Nationally ranked Wayne has throttled every team it has seen this season, sans one.
The WayneTrain will continue its steamrolling 41-21.


(4) Piqua  (2-5)  @ Trotwood (5-2) (7pm)
After a shocking loss to Troy at home last week, can the Rams bounce back and get a much needed W this week to stay in drivers seat for playoffs? Piqua has had some great moments and key wins this season.
The Rams will get it done by a score of 30-16.


(5) Dayton Christian  @ Lockland 
Can the Crusaders go on the road to get a huge Weight and keep their playoff hopes alive? Been a good season so far, but Lockland will be ready.
We're riding the Crusaders in a close one, 26-18

If committee is paying attention, Bison will make it to playoffs

   We had the luxury to have Belmont on the TV show of Dayton High School Sports last year. After initially speaking with rising star RB Davion Lankford  you got the sense that the smooth RB with sick moves and a gear few have, hadn't quite understood what he was accomplishing.

  He hadn't played ball in years. His grades wasn't on par, and, quite frankly, he wasn't focused on being a student athlete. Or even a student.

However with the coaxing of his family and new staff of Belmont football coaches, Lankford did make changes.
Big changes. Program resurrecting changes.
With stunning results, we might add.

But back to the Interview.
Before the interview Lankford was nervous, excited, and happy to be on the show. He had ran for 200+ with 3 TDs, and his mom, uncles, and support staff was there.He genuinely seemed shocked that he was getting so much attention for playing football. 

He was our first ever DHSS Athlete of the Week. And he beamed for that moment.

But the one thing you also seen was the hunger for more, and the desire to be great. The longer the interview went on, the better he got. Kind of like how he is on the field. And in the books too.

    After a nice start last season,  the Bison fizzled late, and you started to hear the rumors of the "Old Belmont Bison ways", which was losing, losing, and more losing.
    But the one difference between the old Bison and the new Bison is quite simple:

Coach Earl White and his coaching staff.

  Not to mention a rejuvenated Bison fan club (Bison Nation) which tailgates, whoops and hollers and support their Bison with the best of them.

   White took the Colonel White / Thurgood Marshall program and took it to a level very few coaches have reached in City League and Southwest Ohio HS football history.
   Multiple City League Titles, numerous playoff beths, (including a signature victory over the vaunted Alter Knights) and a State Berth, to name a few.
   White was a former player himself, and holds every player, coach, and staff member accountable.

And if you don't like it?  Deal with it.


  And by his results, the players have responded and love his style. Whether u like his style of play or not, it has worked almost 70% of the time, which is a great winning percentage for any coach on any level. He knew it would take a little time, but a Southwest Public City League Championship in their first season and his first City Title after two years?

Ohio HS Football Playoff Committee, are you watching?

  After a gutsy win over Ponitz, we asked some family where Lankford was looking to go.
   Sources close to Davion told us that Coach White told Lankford that, "When the time is right" he'd unveil the list of schools drooling over the two way star for his services.

"Stay focused on books and the season, and the rest will take care of itself." White said.

Well after a 5 TD game last week, it's safe to that Lankford is listening.

Now about that change...
Lankford has become the unquestioned leader of the Bison. He has squared his grades, worked extremely hard on his body, as he takes major punishment every week. He is a captain of the team, become more vocal and holds all the other players accountable while lifting an entire program back to notoriety.

  Lankford has taken a glimpse of hope and turned it into a mountain of opportunities.
D-1 offers, loved by his peers, respected and feared by his opponents.

  But, in his most recent interview, its obvious he is focused on the task at hand. He talked about his team, getting to the playoffs and rising up even with its looks dim, as his boys had just won in OT after he had scored a TD, 2-pt conversion and had a key sack.

  The Bison (6-1) sit 9th in the region for a playoff berth, with 2 games to go. Although they won their league, it's not guaranteed to make the playoffs.  With White's pedigree in previous playoffs, & the a team loaded with talent, quality coaching, and players who have bought into the system?

Never too late.

Just ask Davion Lankford and Earl White.

OHSAA Football playoff Committee, are you paying attention? If not, you should be.

Everyone else sure is.

Salute the Bison.

Week 6 recap: Wayne Train rolls, Lions beat Dunbar, Trotwood cruise.

Here's a recap of the key games in Week 6 that went down on Friday:

Wayne shuts out Springfield in rivalry game -
In what most thought would be a battle, turned out to be all Wayne on a rainy night as Matt Wilcox scored on a long TD pass, and RB-WR Daryl McClesky Jr. scored twice in the second half to help Wayne move to 6-0. Maybe the warriors were fired up. But it's been the Wayne Train on a one way ticket to the state.


Meadowdale squeezes past Dunbar -
With both teams trying to make a push for the playoffs, The Lions came out on top as they held the Wolverines late in the game for a big 15-12 win. The Lions move to 3-3, while Dunbar falls to 2-4.


The 'Creek defeats Northmont, moves closer to playoffs -
Although it wasn't pretty, Beavercreek held on for a key win, as Tim Bradshaw scored late to seal the deal. The Beavers (5-1) seems in position for a playoff berth.



Rams roll past Sidney -
Trotwood scored early and often and led comfortably by halftime. Sidney had no match for the vaunted Rams running game. And now standing at 5-1, it looks like the Rams are prepping for another postseason run.


Taft defeats Thurgood -
Cin Taft came in with a game plan and executed it almost to perfection in downing Thurgood 49-7.
Thurgood (2-4) was looking to gain steam for a late push, but had trouble moving the ball throughout the game.

Belmont wins in OT, moves to 5-1; Jefferson cruises

10 minutes after the game between Ponitz & Belmont, Bison Coach Earl White face said it all in one word:

Lankford clutch sack in OT

RELIEF

    After another dramatic encounter, their 5th straight win, and the Bison faithful rooting to no end? What more was there to say?

  The Bison escaped from the Golden Panthers grasp in OT as two-way star Davion Lankford scored a TD, a 2-pt conversion & got a key sack to help Belmont upend Ponitz 30-22.
   It wasn't easy to say the least, but this Bison team will not fold, as you have seen in the last three weeks.
With Belmont nursing a 22-6 lead in the 4th, Ponitz engineered two straight TD drives - with the second drive covering 85 yards within the last two minutes; The Panthers also got the 2-pt conversion, with less than 15 seconds left. It was great execution by the Panthers, and you felt a sense of "the upset bug" in the air.

  Belmont received the ball first in OT, and Lankford scored the TD and the 2-pt conversion.
    Ponitz also scored on the first play from scimmage, but a offensive penalty negated the play, and the Bison D took over.

   Belmont knows that in order to get to the playoffs, they will have to play harder and finish better.

But hey, at least the Bison are thinkin' playoffs.
For the first time in a long time.
Salute the Bison.




Jefferson gets big W 

Jefferson grabbed a much needed victory last night
as they defeated Hillcrest 24-14.

Can Belmont defeat another rival upstart program in Ponitz?

The Belmont Bison (4-1) will look to continue its meteoric rise up the Southwestern Ohio HS Football ladder as they will take on a hungry Ponitz squad eager to get a win tonight (7pm) @ Welcome Stadium.

Ponitz (1-3) has been close but has lost late in the last few games. They led division leader Woodward in the first half, but couldn't hold the lead.
Belmont was down 36-22 late in the 3rd qtr, but pulled off a furious rally to win 44-36 @ Cincinnati Woodward last week.

Can Ponitz pull off mild upset?

Coach Earl White and RB sensation Davion Lankford has led the way for a rejuvenated program.

Tonight's game will be interesting to watch as the Bison were 4-1 last season as well, but then went on a slide and ended up in the middle of the pack.

Can Belmont ride the wave, defeat another city rival, & move one step closer to the playoffs?
  Or will Ponitz get back in the winning column?

We're predicting a Bison win 32- 22.
Last week prediction record: 4-1

Belmont sets records on Cincinnati Aiken 72-48; star RB hurt; Ponitz loses late

When Belmont lost the first game of the season to Hamilton (who is notably ranked 21 in the state in their division), it was a thought that this will be the same Belmont team that we seen over the last 40 years.

Bison's historic RB trio, coach 

Coach Earl White & Principal after the game 

Not so much.
 The Bison have rolled off three straight wins - all in convincing fashion, and none with more of a statement then the 72 - 48 thrashing of Cincinnati Aiken @ Welcome Stadium. Star running back Davion Lankford racked up 4 TDs & 200 yards before the arm injury, but the game was well in hand. Even after that the team ran for four more TDs en route to one of the highest scoring performance in the teams history. Belmont now sits at 3-1 & Coach Earl White have the Bison eyeing a playoff berth for the first time in decades.

Ponitz loses to Woodward

Pointz fought hard but came up short 32-20 @  Cincinnati Woodward.  Ponitz now falls to 1-3.

Wayne captures first ever State Championship; Dunbar falls in final seconds; C-J loses in semis

With three teams up in Columbus battling for High School State Hoop supremacy, here's the results of all three teams and how they fared.

Wayne Train seizes first ever state title, defeats Westerville South

When speaking with Wayne coach Travis Trice before the trip, he seemed at peace with what his team had accomplished.

But he knew he had the team to win it all.

And they did just that with a 65-57 win over Westerville South as they sprinted out early, controlled the game and hit timely free throws late to grab the biggest win in the school history in front of over 10,600 people.

D'Mitrik Trice led the Warriors with 19 as four Warriors hit double figures. Xeryius Williams, Trey Landers, and Robert Caldwell all balled out as Wayne came out much different than in the classic Semifinal game vs Lakewood St Edward.
In the semifinals Wayne was tested to the max.

Lakewood came out firing, grabbed a early lead, and set the tone. Wayne responded in second half, pushed it to OT, then dominated Overtime to get to the final.
Remember, St. Edward was the team who beat the Wayne Train to win the OHSAA D-1 football championship, so the extra motivation was there.
This time the Warriors would get the job done.

Coach Trice felt like the players believed in each other, was prepared mentally, physically, and spiritually & the "play for the one to the left and right of you" mentality is what helped the Warriors win its first ever State Championship.

And with what the Warriors have coming back?

Could be a couple more "Wayne Train" stops in the Schottenstein Center in the near future.

All Aboard the Wayne Championship Train.
Salute the champs.



Dunbar loses in final seconds to Defiance in Semis

The Wolverines had a golden opportunity to get to the State Championship, but couldn't take advantage of a lead and a couple of missed chances cost Dunbar as they lost 46-45.

Defiance came out stong early and established the tone, but Dunbar quickly reversed those fortunes and grabbed the lead late in the first quarter.
The Wolverines were ahead for most part of the second quarter and although the game was tight, Dunbar seemed to have a slight edge, as Ohio State bound Amos "A.J." Harris led the team at half with 10 points & Terrance Landers had 6.

In the 2nd half Dunbar grabbed a lead and held it for most of the half until the final moments. Dunbar was ahead 44-39 midway through the 4th quarter and it looked as if they would pull away.
But Defiance kept battling, and eventually tied it up in the last minute. Terrance Landers was fouled and made 1 of the 2 free throws, which left the door open for Defiance.
Defiance then was fouled after missing two shots and grabbing two offensive rebounds.
They hit both free throws to take the final lead. Dunbar came down and tried to get a shot up, but was unable to get one off as Defiance stole the ball underneath and was fouled with 3 seconds.

They would miss the front end of 1 & 1 but Harris half court desperation heave was short, and Defiance was on to their first ever State Finals.
Dunbar was outscored 9-4 in the 4th quarter, which sealed their fate.
A.J. Harris led the Wolverines with 19, & was the only player in double figures.
Harris did say that "he loves playing in the Schottenstein Center" & that he feels that Dunbar "should get back to State" next year.

After the game, Head Coach Peter Pullen was very dissapointed with the outcome, but was proud of his team and knows they will be back.

Note: Defiance did go on to win State, in OT.


C-J falls in fourth, loses to Lima Central Catholic

C-J fell behind early and although they came back strong late, fell to Lima Central Catholic 55-50 in the D-3 OHSAA Semifinals.
Lima jumped out early, and the Eagles responded. Central Catholic held a lead at half which ballooned to 15 before a 15-2 run by the Eagles cut it to 3, 45-42.
The Eagles would get it to 2, but Catholic knocked down some key free throws to send the Eagles home.
Coach Staley felt like his boys played hard, but Jus didn't execute quite well enough against a top notch opponent.
This was the Eagles 7th trip to the State.