Here's the Top Games for this Friday, as we hit the 2nd half of the season.
(1) Meadowdale @ Thurgood
The Lions will head to Thurgood for a huge game in the City League Championship race.
Thurgood, despite having losing record, are tied for first (5-1) in City League play, which usually goes a long way towards a late run for State honors.
Darnell Hoskins Jr. has had a banner year by all accounts, and has kept the team floating all season. With Evan Clayborn back, could they make. A deep run?
Meadowdale, coached by 1st year guy Dwayne Chastain, have had a very good season to date, and although losing to Wayne on Tuesday, they did compete for most of the game, which could prep them for the game tonight. The Lions are 4-2 in City Play and need a win to stay in the hunt for a title.
(2) Wayne @ Centerville
The Warriors have ran through the competition so much so, that even Kenny "The Jet" Smith had to give props after the Warriors sent his sons team (IMG Academy) packing with a L.
The #1 ranked team in the State, the Wayne Train are, quite simply, playing at another level than anybody else.
Centerville has had a nice season as well, and will look to pick off the bully on the block, as The Elks have a star player in Keegan Saben, who has single handedly kept them in multiple games this season.
Can they pull off the improbable?
(3) Trotwood @ Vandalia Butler
Can the Rams continue to torch the opposition with their young guns? These Rams haven't cared one bit that they don't have one senior in the starting lineup, or that they handed the ball to a Frosh and let him "Go"...
Vandalia would love nothing more than a upset win over the Rams, and will be rocking the gym tonight.
Not sure if they can stay on the floor with these young Rams though.
(4) Dunbar @ Belmont
Belmont ended a 15 year streak after defeating Stivers last week.. Can they end a longer streak against the Wolverines?
Dunbar lost in Flyin to the hoop and will be primed for a good showing tonight.
Terrence Landers has been locked in and had a stellar showing at Flyin, and really all season.
Can Belmont beat the Mighty Wolverines?
The coaching staff has done a good job of trying to turn the program around..
Tonight will be the real test to see if the Bison are truly on the upward trend.
(5) Northmont @ Springfield
Can the TBolts head down to the "Field" & get a huge win? Northmont got a big W last weekend, but will face a Springfield team who lost in Flyin despite a good showing.
Look for a hyped up matchup tonight.
Showing posts with label Dwayne Chastain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dwayne Chastain. Show all posts
Friday, January 22, 2016
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Week 2 Recap: Northridge moves to 5-0; Trotowood, Meadowdale, Dunbar all win
Here's our TOP headlines for week 2 in hoops:
(1) Northridge defeats undefeated Carlisle, move to 5-0
After a breakout year last season, one couldn't help but wonder about the expectations of this season for the Polar Bears.
Last season they got to the Regionals for the 1st time in decades; they defeated some teams who they took losses from for decades; & they set the tone for what would happen this year.
After a 71-60 defeat of Carlisle, it's safe to say the Polar Bears are "In it to win it" as they move to 5-0.
They have already defeated the State Champions (Tri-Village) this season, ending a huge winning streak (32) in the process.
Leading scorer Averon Ely Jr. led the Bears with 21, while Malik Akbar had 19 & D'Anthony Ivery 17.
Could the Polar Bears be headed for a State run?
Sure looks that way. Early to say, but a huge statement has been made. And don't be suprised to see Northridge in the State polls next week.
(2) Meadowdale takes out Thurgood, Coach Chastain gets his first City League W
After Meadowdale came out flat against Dunbar in their opening game, Coach Chastain knew one thing:
He didn't want that to happen again.
After playing Thurgood to a near even 1st quarter, Meadowdale dominated the 2nd quarter 16-4 en route to their first City League win over Thurgood 62-43 @ Meadowdale HS.
Jarvis Smith (18) and Gary Smith (16) combined for 34 points -
almost as many as Thurgood had itself (43).
Thurgood is still missing it's "Big 3" of Hoskins Jr. (concussion), Evan Claiborne (transfer), & Derrick Daniels (Grades) and hopes that Daniels and Hoskins Jr will be back within next week or so.
Meadowdale moves to 2-1 while Thurgood falls to 1-4.
(3) GWOC Action:
Trotwood dismantles Piqua; Elks star guard leads them to W's over "The Field & Xenia; Wayne make debut :
In GWOC action, Trotwood handles Piqua as star guard T.Patten drops 32 on the Indians.....Trotwood also defeated Fairland 79-62 Saturday as well to move to 4-0...
Centerville (4-0) squeaks by a tough Springfield (1-2) squad 56-55 as former Alter guard Keegan Saben dropped the GW 3pt-play to defeat the Wildcats in Springfield.... Saben hit the GW FT with a ruckus crowd going crazy....
His response to crazy fans?.
After hitting huge FT's last year against Dunbar in that epic District Finals game, this pressure was,
"Nothing compared to the thousands of fans at that game."....
Keegan dropped 26, while Danny Davis led Wildcats with 16....The Field had a final shot but it didn't drop....
Then the next night they defeated Xenia as Keegan scored 25 against the Bucs. Xenia was 4-0 & coming off a big win but came out slow and was down 21-11 after 1st quarter. The Elks held that lead throughout the game and won another close one.
Wayne opens season with thumping of Beavercreek
The Defending Champs opened its season with a 71-38 thrashing of the Beavers in Beavercreek....UD Flyer signee Trey Landers poured in 27 points and was unstoppable, while rising star L'Christian "Blue" Smith dropped 15 and plenty inside presence for the champs.
(4) Dunbar rolling, routs Belmont in Versailles
The Wolverines look to be back on their fast, frenetic, dominant style as they cruised to 2 easy wins this weekend.
Dunbar was led by Junior PG Stormi Cook and star Forward Terrance Landers Jr. as they routed Belmont and Versailles this weekend.
Landers scored 21 on the Bison and led 4 players in double figures as they cruised to a W 92-55.
Cook led the Wolverines against Versailles as they jumped out to a 27-13 lead and never looked back, winning 73-54.
Dunbar is averaging 24 points in the 1st quarter this season while giving up 10. The most points scored in the 1st quarter against the Wolverines?
Versailles with a whopping 13.
 |
| Rams gearing for a State Run this season? |
(1) Northridge defeats undefeated Carlisle, move to 5-0
After a breakout year last season, one couldn't help but wonder about the expectations of this season for the Polar Bears.
Last season they got to the Regionals for the 1st time in decades; they defeated some teams who they took losses from for decades; & they set the tone for what would happen this year.
After a 71-60 defeat of Carlisle, it's safe to say the Polar Bears are "In it to win it" as they move to 5-0.
They have already defeated the State Champions (Tri-Village) this season, ending a huge winning streak (32) in the process.
Leading scorer Averon Ely Jr. led the Bears with 21, while Malik Akbar had 19 & D'Anthony Ivery 17.
Could the Polar Bears be headed for a State run?
Sure looks that way. Early to say, but a huge statement has been made. And don't be suprised to see Northridge in the State polls next week.
(2) Meadowdale takes out Thurgood, Coach Chastain gets his first City League W
After Meadowdale came out flat against Dunbar in their opening game, Coach Chastain knew one thing:
He didn't want that to happen again.
After playing Thurgood to a near even 1st quarter, Meadowdale dominated the 2nd quarter 16-4 en route to their first City League win over Thurgood 62-43 @ Meadowdale HS.
Jarvis Smith (18) and Gary Smith (16) combined for 34 points -
almost as many as Thurgood had itself (43).
Thurgood is still missing it's "Big 3" of Hoskins Jr. (concussion), Evan Claiborne (transfer), & Derrick Daniels (Grades) and hopes that Daniels and Hoskins Jr will be back within next week or so.
Meadowdale moves to 2-1 while Thurgood falls to 1-4.
(3) GWOC Action:
Trotwood dismantles Piqua; Elks star guard leads them to W's over "The Field & Xenia; Wayne make debut :
In GWOC action, Trotwood handles Piqua as star guard T.Patten drops 32 on the Indians.....Trotwood also defeated Fairland 79-62 Saturday as well to move to 4-0...
Centerville (4-0) squeaks by a tough Springfield (1-2) squad 56-55 as former Alter guard Keegan Saben dropped the GW 3pt-play to defeat the Wildcats in Springfield.... Saben hit the GW FT with a ruckus crowd going crazy....
His response to crazy fans?.
After hitting huge FT's last year against Dunbar in that epic District Finals game, this pressure was,
"Nothing compared to the thousands of fans at that game."....
Keegan dropped 26, while Danny Davis led Wildcats with 16....The Field had a final shot but it didn't drop....
Then the next night they defeated Xenia as Keegan scored 25 against the Bucs. Xenia was 4-0 & coming off a big win but came out slow and was down 21-11 after 1st quarter. The Elks held that lead throughout the game and won another close one.
Wayne opens season with thumping of Beavercreek
The Defending Champs opened its season with a 71-38 thrashing of the Beavers in Beavercreek....UD Flyer signee Trey Landers poured in 27 points and was unstoppable, while rising star L'Christian "Blue" Smith dropped 15 and plenty inside presence for the champs.
(4) Dunbar rolling, routs Belmont in Versailles
The Wolverines look to be back on their fast, frenetic, dominant style as they cruised to 2 easy wins this weekend.
Dunbar was led by Junior PG Stormi Cook and star Forward Terrance Landers Jr. as they routed Belmont and Versailles this weekend.
Landers scored 21 on the Bison and led 4 players in double figures as they cruised to a W 92-55.
Cook led the Wolverines against Versailles as they jumped out to a 27-13 lead and never looked back, winning 73-54.
Dunbar is averaging 24 points in the 1st quarter this season while giving up 10. The most points scored in the 1st quarter against the Wolverines?
Versailles with a whopping 13.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Week 1 Bball Recap: Dunbar, Thurgood, Stivers, Trotwood win; Franklin wins without Kennard
Now that High School Hoops are underway, here's some key results and headlines from last weekend season opener a across the Miami Valley:
(Friday Night)
Dunbar jumps out fast, finished strong as they defeat Meadowdale
After losing 3 D-1 Caliber players last season, most wondered how good Dunbar would be.
In talking with the coaching staff, they felt like they could be more explosive than last year, when Ohio St PG AJ Harris was running the show.
Well after a 28-point opening quarter, it's safe to say the Wolverines have plenty of firepower to replace what they lost.
Clutch sharpshooter Chris Jackson exploded in the 1st quarter with 15 points, with 4 3pt-bombs and the Wolverines jumped out to a 20-point lead in the first half.
Meadowdale, led by new Coach Dwayne Chastain, made a charge in the 3rd, used a 23-8 run and even got it to single digits in the 4th.
But after some sloppy play, a ton of whistles, and a experienced backcourt in Devon Baker and Chris Jackson, the Wolverines prevailed.
Terrence Landers Jr, the star forward who decommitted from Bowling Green to open up his recruiting, added 15, while Jackson led the Wolverines with 20.
Meadowdale was led by Keeble with 16.
Coach Chastain was pleased with his teams overall effort, but didn't like the way they started.
Thurgood stifles Ponitz as Hoskins Jr leads the way
In speaking with Head Coach Darnell Hoskins before the season, he felt like this could be his Cougars' year, if a few bounces that go their way.
Seen that swag and glow before from Hoskins. Could be looking at a State squad.
Despite missing Derrick Daniels & Evan Claiborne, the Cougars defeated Ponitz 64-49.
Darnell Hoskins Jr. dropped 21 and was in control for most of the game. The Cougars had 3 guys in double figures.
In what was probably a case of nerves, Ponitz was able to only score 2 points in the 1st quarter, and was down 18-2 going into second.
Ponitz, led by new coach Dwayne Hansbro, knows that he has a young team, and knows this season long will be a test for his Panthers.
Thurgood D also stifled the Panthers for only 4 points in the 3rd quarter when they sealed the deal.
Ponitz was led by Scott's 18 points.
Stivers defeats Belmont
Stivers (1-1) won a big City League battle against the Belmont Bison. Stivers new head coach Felix Turner led his troops to the win.
Toledo signee Isaiah Williams, the 6'8 do it all forward, and Jr. Guard Miles Clark led the way.
Belmont had opportunities but too many missed shots and turnovers.
Franklin wins without Kennard
Franklin won their first game without High School legend Luke Kennard as they defeated Eaton in a close one. Coach Brian Bales feels strong about his in the fact that he has some young talent on the team and know they will get better. "A lot of players learned from Luke and his work ethic" & Bales feels they could have a good season this year if a couple players step up.
(MONDAY NIGHT)
Trotwood defeats Thurgood
Trotwood defeats Thurgood as the Rams defense and size stifled the Cougars. Without the big men of Daniels and Claiborne, Trotwood as able to use their speed and size to overpower the Cougars.
(Friday Night)
Dunbar jumps out fast, finished strong as they defeat Meadowdale
 |
| Chris Jackson goes ham in 1st quarter vs Lions |
After losing 3 D-1 Caliber players last season, most wondered how good Dunbar would be.
In talking with the coaching staff, they felt like they could be more explosive than last year, when Ohio St PG AJ Harris was running the show.
Well after a 28-point opening quarter, it's safe to say the Wolverines have plenty of firepower to replace what they lost.
Clutch sharpshooter Chris Jackson exploded in the 1st quarter with 15 points, with 4 3pt-bombs and the Wolverines jumped out to a 20-point lead in the first half.
Meadowdale, led by new Coach Dwayne Chastain, made a charge in the 3rd, used a 23-8 run and even got it to single digits in the 4th.
But after some sloppy play, a ton of whistles, and a experienced backcourt in Devon Baker and Chris Jackson, the Wolverines prevailed.
Terrence Landers Jr, the star forward who decommitted from Bowling Green to open up his recruiting, added 15, while Jackson led the Wolverines with 20.
Meadowdale was led by Keeble with 16.
Coach Chastain was pleased with his teams overall effort, but didn't like the way they started.
 |
| Lions, Coach Chastain battling vs Dunbar |
Thurgood stifles Ponitz as Hoskins Jr leads the way
In speaking with Head Coach Darnell Hoskins before the season, he felt like this could be his Cougars' year, if a few bounces that go their way.
Seen that swag and glow before from Hoskins. Could be looking at a State squad.
Despite missing Derrick Daniels & Evan Claiborne, the Cougars defeated Ponitz 64-49.
Darnell Hoskins Jr. dropped 21 and was in control for most of the game. The Cougars had 3 guys in double figures.
In what was probably a case of nerves, Ponitz was able to only score 2 points in the 1st quarter, and was down 18-2 going into second.
Ponitz, led by new coach Dwayne Hansbro, knows that he has a young team, and knows this season long will be a test for his Panthers.
Thurgood D also stifled the Panthers for only 4 points in the 3rd quarter when they sealed the deal.
Ponitz was led by Scott's 18 points.
Stivers defeats Belmont
Stivers (1-1) won a big City League battle against the Belmont Bison. Stivers new head coach Felix Turner led his troops to the win.
Toledo signee Isaiah Williams, the 6'8 do it all forward, and Jr. Guard Miles Clark led the way.
Belmont had opportunities but too many missed shots and turnovers.
Franklin wins without Kennard
Franklin won their first game without High School legend Luke Kennard as they defeated Eaton in a close one. Coach Brian Bales feels strong about his in the fact that he has some young talent on the team and know they will get better. "A lot of players learned from Luke and his work ethic" & Bales feels they could have a good season this year if a couple players step up.
(MONDAY NIGHT)
Trotwood defeats Thurgood
Trotwood defeats Thurgood as the Rams defense and size stifled the Cougars. Without the big men of Daniels and Claiborne, Trotwood as able to use their speed and size to overpower the Cougars.
Friday, December 4, 2015
5 biggest Storylines to 2015-16 High School Hoops Season
Although the Norris Cole Hi-Top Classic and Thurgood Invitational kicked off the season for some teams last week, most High School Hoop teams made their debut last weekend as basketball season is here.
Last year was a incredible season for hoops in Dayton High Schools as 3 local mens teams reached state (Wayne, Dunbar, Chaminade) -
with Wayne winning it all.
Here's 5 of the biggest storylines for the 2015-16 season:
(1) Will key transfers make major impact with new schools?
With the balance of power shifting towards Wayne, Dunbar, Thurgood and Trotwood, there's no surprise that players want to go where they can be successful, possibly win a State Championship and get a D-1 scholarship.
With the rules governed by OHSAA, it is harder than ever to "beat the system" & have a prized player leave one school and go to another.
With that being said, there are a couple of players who will be leaned on heavily as they go to different schools:
Evan Claiborne - From Dunbar to Thurgood
The 6'9 big man who held the fort down in the middle for the Wolverines last year, now plays for Thurgood in his senior season. He will sit out first 11 games, but his presence inside could be the key to the Cougars making another State run.
Combining Claiborne with 6'8 Miami signee Derrick Daniels and Star guard Darnell Hoskins Jr, could be the recipe for a visit to Columbus come late March.
Rodrick Caldwell - from Stivers to Wayne
Caldwell, who has recently signed with Bowling Green, left Stivers and joined a team filled with big time players as the Warriors look to go back to back this season. Caldwell is a dynamic guard who can play both guard spots and can score from anywhere on the court.
(2) Who will be the next "Luke Kennard" and "AJ Harris" this season?
After watching these two great ballers grace the Southwest Ohio High School ranks for 4 years, Kennard is now hooping at Duke and Harris at Ohio State for the next four years.
Is there anyone remotely close to being the next Kennard? Not likely....
The left handed All-American averaged 35+ his senior year. Unlikely to find his replacement considering he's the 2nd All-time leading scorer in OHSAA history.
And Harris?
Not just fast and quick, but had the smarts to match; he led his Wolverine squad to a title as a freshman & when the games were on the line, he consistently stepped up and was clutch, which is one of the reasons the Buckeyes snatched him up - after his freshman year of high school, I might add.
While there are a few names who merit consideration, which player will step up as the "Marquee" hooper in Southwest Ohio?
(3) Can anyone stop the "WayneTrain" this season?
Let's just be honest;
Even the biggest Wayne Train hater has to admit that Wayne Warriors is dominating boys hoops in Southwest Ohio right now.
Point blank.
Not only are they dominant in Dayton, but they are now beating the top teams out of Cincinnati and Columbus as well. And with winning the State Championship last year they have set themselves up for a great chance to repeat this year. They were in the USA Today Top 20 all of last year and don't expect them to be far from the top spot this year. They sent 3 players to the D-1 circuit in the last two seasons, with more to come. They're loaded with talent and look for the super sophomore L'Christian "Blu" Smith to explode on the scene this year.
Coach Travis trice has got a heavy dose of artillery at his beckon, & we look for another deep Wayne run this season.
(4) New Coaches show Youth Movement in City League; McCullough heads to Middletown
With new coaches such as Meadowdale's Dwayne Chastain & Ponitz Dwayne Hansbro entering the fray, there is a youth coaching movement going on in the Miami Valley.
Chastain finally landed the Lions job after being turned away for a few other opportunities, which never deterred Chastain. An All-American shooting guard in college, Chastain will take over a team with talent, but look for him to put his stamp on this team with fast pace, tough defense and smart play.
Hansbro will take over a team who lost to Franklin in the district finals last year at UD Arena. Hansbro was assistant coach last season 4 Ponitz, and looks like he will be a strong coach and which he also adopt the uptempo style with an aggressive defense from what we've seen early in the season.
Both coaches have won already this season. Both understand what the city league is all about, and both should do a great job.
Former Stivers boys Varsity coach Shawn McCullough is now working with Mark Baker in Middletown this season. There were reports that he would end up at another city school, but that wasn't the case.
McCullough guided the Tigers to the Regional Semis in his first season, but last year the team struggled. They lost early in the tourney, and after some internal situations that were basically out of his control, McCullough decided to step down as coach.
Make no mistake though, as McCullough should be grabbing a head coaching job soon enough and his name has been floating around a lot already this season.
(5) What will happen to the Dunbar Wolverines this season?
When it comes to Dunbar basketball, after the roller coaster year that they had last year, what could possibly happen this year?
They have been the standard for basketball here in the Miami Valley for 40 years, and every year with them is a reality show in waiting when it comes to the basketball court. Questions such as:
How far will they go?... Will they win state this year? Who's the new "Star" player?.. & What will they do this season?...along with more questions.
Let's assess the Wolverines for a moment:
Lets start with the bad news -
After a incredible season ended just short of another state championship how will the Wolverines respond? Losing the starting backcourt of Ohio State Guard AJ Harris, sharpshooter (Vincennes JUCO) Dorianne Dawson, and Top 15 ranked Center Evan Claiborne to Thurgood, they must replace 3 of the starting 5. Considering those 3 were the backbone of the team, could be a reason of concern.
Now the good news- As everyone knows with Dunbar, they don't regroup, they insert hungry young studs and play.
And with big time players such as PG Devon Baker, clutch scorer Chris Jackson, and star forward Terrence Landers , it's safe to say that the Wolverines will be in it come Regional time.
And one last note;
Landers dropped 20 in the 2nd half of the epic Lima- Dunbar game in Norris Cole Hi-Top Classic, solidifying himself as the "go-to-guy" when the chips are down.
He went toe to toe with Lima Sr. Guard & Michigan bound star guard Xavier Simpson; and his offense was on full display for the packed house.
(6) What surprise team will come out of the blue and make a run?
Every year a team comes outta nowhere, and becomes the "Darling" of the high school season.
Last year it was Franklin, Ponitz, and Northridge, with the teams nearly reaching the State.
What teams could have a nice run?
Look for the Sidney team to have a good season... They have a strong team, size, and can shoot it.
Look for Middletown to break out this season.....Coach has Mark Baker talent, size, and great coaching staff, which could lead to a run the Middies are desperately looking for their 7'0 big man to bring the thunder.
Also watch for Meadowdale...They have some talent, and with a huge win at home in season opener vs Dunbar they could start out fast.
Last year was a incredible season for hoops in Dayton High Schools as 3 local mens teams reached state (Wayne, Dunbar, Chaminade) -
with Wayne winning it all.
 |
| Can Shaq - like EJ lead the Middies back to prominence? |
 |
| Is it "Action Jackson" Time at Dunbar? |
Here's 5 of the biggest storylines for the 2015-16 season:
(1) Will key transfers make major impact with new schools?
With the balance of power shifting towards Wayne, Dunbar, Thurgood and Trotwood, there's no surprise that players want to go where they can be successful, possibly win a State Championship and get a D-1 scholarship.
With the rules governed by OHSAA, it is harder than ever to "beat the system" & have a prized player leave one school and go to another.
With that being said, there are a couple of players who will be leaned on heavily as they go to different schools:
Evan Claiborne - From Dunbar to Thurgood
The 6'9 big man who held the fort down in the middle for the Wolverines last year, now plays for Thurgood in his senior season. He will sit out first 11 games, but his presence inside could be the key to the Cougars making another State run.
Combining Claiborne with 6'8 Miami signee Derrick Daniels and Star guard Darnell Hoskins Jr, could be the recipe for a visit to Columbus come late March.
Rodrick Caldwell - from Stivers to Wayne
Caldwell, who has recently signed with Bowling Green, left Stivers and joined a team filled with big time players as the Warriors look to go back to back this season. Caldwell is a dynamic guard who can play both guard spots and can score from anywhere on the court.
(2) Who will be the next "Luke Kennard" and "AJ Harris" this season?
After watching these two great ballers grace the Southwest Ohio High School ranks for 4 years, Kennard is now hooping at Duke and Harris at Ohio State for the next four years.
Is there anyone remotely close to being the next Kennard? Not likely....
The left handed All-American averaged 35+ his senior year. Unlikely to find his replacement considering he's the 2nd All-time leading scorer in OHSAA history.
And Harris?
Not just fast and quick, but had the smarts to match; he led his Wolverine squad to a title as a freshman & when the games were on the line, he consistently stepped up and was clutch, which is one of the reasons the Buckeyes snatched him up - after his freshman year of high school, I might add.
While there are a few names who merit consideration, which player will step up as the "Marquee" hooper in Southwest Ohio?
(3) Can anyone stop the "WayneTrain" this season?
Even the biggest Wayne Train hater has to admit that Wayne Warriors is dominating boys hoops in Southwest Ohio right now.
Point blank.
Not only are they dominant in Dayton, but they are now beating the top teams out of Cincinnati and Columbus as well. And with winning the State Championship last year they have set themselves up for a great chance to repeat this year. They were in the USA Today Top 20 all of last year and don't expect them to be far from the top spot this year. They sent 3 players to the D-1 circuit in the last two seasons, with more to come. They're loaded with talent and look for the super sophomore L'Christian "Blu" Smith to explode on the scene this year.
Coach Travis trice has got a heavy dose of artillery at his beckon, & we look for another deep Wayne run this season.
(4) New Coaches show Youth Movement in City League; McCullough heads to Middletown
 |
| Lions new coach Chastain relishes opportunity |
With new coaches such as Meadowdale's Dwayne Chastain & Ponitz Dwayne Hansbro entering the fray, there is a youth coaching movement going on in the Miami Valley.
Chastain finally landed the Lions job after being turned away for a few other opportunities, which never deterred Chastain. An All-American shooting guard in college, Chastain will take over a team with talent, but look for him to put his stamp on this team with fast pace, tough defense and smart play.
Hansbro will take over a team who lost to Franklin in the district finals last year at UD Arena. Hansbro was assistant coach last season 4 Ponitz, and looks like he will be a strong coach and which he also adopt the uptempo style with an aggressive defense from what we've seen early in the season.
Both coaches have won already this season. Both understand what the city league is all about, and both should do a great job.
Former Stivers boys Varsity coach Shawn McCullough is now working with Mark Baker in Middletown this season. There were reports that he would end up at another city school, but that wasn't the case.
McCullough guided the Tigers to the Regional Semis in his first season, but last year the team struggled. They lost early in the tourney, and after some internal situations that were basically out of his control, McCullough decided to step down as coach.
Make no mistake though, as McCullough should be grabbing a head coaching job soon enough and his name has been floating around a lot already this season.
(5) What will happen to the Dunbar Wolverines this season?
When it comes to Dunbar basketball, after the roller coaster year that they had last year, what could possibly happen this year?
They have been the standard for basketball here in the Miami Valley for 40 years, and every year with them is a reality show in waiting when it comes to the basketball court. Questions such as:
How far will they go?... Will they win state this year? Who's the new "Star" player?.. & What will they do this season?...along with more questions.
Let's assess the Wolverines for a moment:
Lets start with the bad news -
After a incredible season ended just short of another state championship how will the Wolverines respond? Losing the starting backcourt of Ohio State Guard AJ Harris, sharpshooter (Vincennes JUCO) Dorianne Dawson, and Top 15 ranked Center Evan Claiborne to Thurgood, they must replace 3 of the starting 5. Considering those 3 were the backbone of the team, could be a reason of concern.
 |
| Dunbar Dynamic duo last year, Harris and Dawson |
Now the good news- As everyone knows with Dunbar, they don't regroup, they insert hungry young studs and play.
And with big time players such as PG Devon Baker, clutch scorer Chris Jackson, and star forward Terrence Landers , it's safe to say that the Wolverines will be in it come Regional time.
And one last note;
Landers dropped 20 in the 2nd half of the epic Lima- Dunbar game in Norris Cole Hi-Top Classic, solidifying himself as the "go-to-guy" when the chips are down.
He went toe to toe with Lima Sr. Guard & Michigan bound star guard Xavier Simpson; and his offense was on full display for the packed house.
(6) What surprise team will come out of the blue and make a run?
Every year a team comes outta nowhere, and becomes the "Darling" of the high school season.
Last year it was Franklin, Ponitz, and Northridge, with the teams nearly reaching the State.
What teams could have a nice run?
Look for the Sidney team to have a good season... They have a strong team, size, and can shoot it.
Look for Middletown to break out this season.....Coach has Mark Baker talent, size, and great coaching staff, which could lead to a run the Middies are desperately looking for their 7'0 big man to bring the thunder.
Also watch for Meadowdale...They have some talent, and with a huge win at home in season opener vs Dunbar they could start out fast.
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