Key Games go down this weekend as Regular Season nears end

Here's the Top 5 Games of the Night as we hit the final weeks of the Regular Season:

Will the State Ranked Rams continue the great play @ Xenia? 

(1) Springfield (16-2) @ Wayne (14-6) (GWOC)

 Can the "Field continue its great season? At the expense of one of the very few down seasons at Wayne? With one of the stars (Blue Smith) not playing, can the Wayne Train survive the dynamic squad that the Wildcats boast, led by Wisconsin commit and Star G Danny Davis and F-C Leonard Taylor?
  The Wildcats will go into this game as a slight favorite, but can they pull off the huge task of beating Wayne in their gym? Davis and the crew haven't done that since he joined the varsity.

Best belive both coaches (Travis Trice - Wayne & Isiah Carson - Springfield) will have their respective teams ready for war tonight.



(2) Dunbar (16-3) @ Stivers (13-7)
 After a near loss against Rival Thurgood, how will the State Ranked Wolverines bounce back against a Stivers team playing it's best ball of the season? The Tigers sit in 2nd place in the city League and have been led by Tony Boddie and Paris Minnifield this season. It has a been a great coaching job by Felix Turner and the staff and they would love nothing more than to knock off the undefeated Wolverines in City League play.



(3) Springboro  @ Northmont (15-4)
 Can the Boro knock off one of the hottest teams in the Miami Valley?
 Northmont has played it's best ball down the stretch, enabling them to win their Division and to work for a nice seed in the tourney.
 Springboro has had a .500 season, and this will be no easy task, as Northmont has been lights out at home this season.


(4) Trotwood (17-2) @ Xenia
 Will Trotwood have a lapse against a solid Xenia team who has played well in the 2nd half of the season?
 The Rams are coming off a 98-89 win over Dunbar in one of the premiere match ups in the City.
Will they come out focused tonight vs a offensive minded Xenia team who can score with the best of em on a good night?


(5) Meadowdale @ Ponitz (13-6)
   Can the Panthers continue on a good season and tie for a 2 spot in the City League?  It's been a god season for the Panthers. Or will the Lions continue their solid play late in the season?

Tuesday Recap: Dunbar Squeaks by Thurgood, Stivers end Meadowdale win streak; Centerville edges Cincy Taft; SpoonFed and Hoops4U Rankings

Here's our Recap of Tuesday Night Games in HS Boys Hoops

Could this year be special for GWOC Champs Northmont?

Dayton City League

Dunbar  survives Thurgood and Rivalry Game
 The Wolverines held off a game and scrappy Thurgood team in what was a 60-59 win. Thurgood had a couple chances to get the upset victory, but couldn't seal the deal and the upset. The Wolverines were forced into a slow pace game, didn't shoot well,  and Cougars Head Coach Shawn McCullough came up with a great game plan to hold down the Wolverines.

Not to mention Dunbar-Thurgood has been the premiere rivalry in Dayton Public for the last 20 years. So when that happens, all records go out the door. Dunbar moves to 17-3 on the season.

Stivers ends Meadowdale win streak, move to 2nd place

 The Tigers picked up after their first loss in 7 games with a win over Meadowdale 61-51. Both teams were playing good ball of late, as the Tigers had won 6 straight before a setback on Saturday. Meadowdale was on a 4 game winning streak, but  Tony Boddie was the key player, leading the Tigers to 2nd place in the City League with one game to go.

Belmont knocks off Ponitz

The Ponitz Panthers got a big City victory over Belmont, as they try to get ready for the tournament run. Ponitz, a week ago, felt like they had a outside shot at a city league title, but a couple of losses doomed that. Now Coach Steve Pittman and the Panthers crew are working towards a 2 spot in the city and a lengthy tourney run. Star F Floyd Scott led the Panthers. Belmont still is trying to find its rhythm this season, but could be a tough out come tourney time.

GWOC

Miamisburg Eric Boykin knocks down some FTS

Miamisburg runs past West Carrollton

 Miamisburg used a fast start and outscored the Pirates in every quarter en route to a 61-34 win. Star players Kort Justice (18), Lathan Hartman (12 pts, 10 rbs, 8 ass) & Eric Boykin (12 pts, 3 steals) led the charge. Miamisburg moves to 9-9 on the season while West Carrollton falls to 0-19.

Northmont defeats Bethel 

 The Bolts used a huge 3rd quarter spurt to put away Bethel 77-63 Tuesday night. Fueled by Rodney Richardson (14pts 6assists), Vinson Walker (9-9 FG, 18pts 14 boards, 7 assists,) & Delonte Capers (12 pts, 4 reb, 2 assists) led the 28-11 burst in the 3rd to give the Bolts that cushion they needed to get the W. Northmont now rolls to 15-4.

Centerville squeaks past Taft

The Elks rode star G Keegan Saben and Sam Lash (15pts, 5 reb) to a 53-49 win vs Regional Finialist Cincy Taft. Centerville played their normal style and was able to get the close win, something they have done quite often this season. Centerville now moves to 11-7 on the season.

Stars of the Night:

Floyd Scott, Ponitz

Vinson Walker,  Northmont

Sam Lash, Centerville

Tony Boddie, Stivers

Delonte Capers,  Northmont

Here are our Dayton HS Sports rankings going into the final weeks of the season featuring two of the best Sports Experts in Dayton

Hoop4U.com                      SpoonFed

(1) Trotwood      17-2     (1) Trotwood      17-2

(2) Springfield    15-2    (2) Springfield    15-2

(3) Alter              17-2      (3) Dunbar          17-3

(4) Dunbar         17-3      (4) Northmont    15-4

(5) Northmont   15-4     (5) Sidney            15-4

(6) Sidney           15-4      (6) Alter              16-2

(7) Franklin        16-3     (7) Wayne           14-6

(8) Brookville    16-3     (8) Versailles       18-1

(9) Ponitz            13-6     (9) Bellefontaine  17-4

(10) Wayne         14-6     (10) Ponitz            13-6

Weekend Recap: Trotwood defeats Dunbar in game as good as advertised; Springfield keeps rolling; Northmont GWOC Champs; Meadowdale continues winning streak

Heres the recap on what went down, the key Headlines, and the stars from last weekend in HS hoops during Super Bowl Weekend:

Trotwood outlasts Dunbar in "Game of the Year"
In a game that was hyped up as the "Game of the Year;" it lived up to the hype;
Lots of emotion in the 1st quarter, but once the nerves settled, it was the 2 best teams in Southwest Ohio battling it out for supremacy in the Miami Valley.

  After a 19-19 first quarter score, Trotwood got it going in the 2nd, building almost a 20-point lead and leading by 15 (56-41) at half. The RamNation felt like it could be a blowout in the making.

Myles Belyeu & Torrey Patton got the Rams going, and Amari Davis exploded in the 2nd quarter and finished the half with a thunderous slam to send the Rams into the half with great emotion and confidence.

  Dunbar coach Pete Pullen made a couple halftime adjustments and the Wolverines got hot in the 2nd half.  Led by Star PG Devon Baker, Scoring machine Chris Jackson and hot shooting Stormi Cook, the Wolverines cut the lead down to 9 heading into the final quarter.

 The lead would be narrowed to four late in the game, but Trotwood sealed the deal with clutch free throws and some key buckets by Rams Star Guard Amir Foster and Davis and the Rams held off Dunbar for the 98-89 win.

  If anybody was at the game, you have to say that game was one of the best games of the season.

Great atmostphere, rockin crowd, back flips, and dancing from the Rams Student Section, good coaching and great play from some of the best talent in not only Ohio, but the Midwest; With a bevy of D-1 coaches on attendance, along with NBA talent Daequan Cook and Norris Cole, the gym was a who's who of entertainment.
 Definitely had the feel of a game that we could see again in a rematch, possibly for a trip to a State semifinal on the line?
With the win, Trotwood (17-2) will probably secure the top spot in the Region in the OHSAA Hoop Tournament. Dunbar falls to (16-3).

Stars of the Game:  Myles Belyeu,  Amari Davis, Torrey Patton, (Trotwood)
                                   Devon Baker, Chris Jackson, Stormi Cook (Dunbar)

MVP of the Game: Myles Belyeu, Trotwood
     Belyeu was unstoppable the entire game, and did whatever it took to lead the Rams to victory. Since the Flyin to the Hoop, Belyeu's game has went to another level. He will be a Top 10 Senior in Ohio when its all said and done, and look for Belyeu to start getting looks from the D-1 Mid-Majors and beyond come tourney time. Belyeu, standing at 6'4, can play 3 positions, is strong enough to get his shot off anywhere on the floor, is gritty, and has a college ready body right now.

Top Player for Dunbar: Devon Baker PG
    Baker was explosive all night for the Wolverines, and when things looked bleak in the first half, Baker kept the team afloat. He dropped 27, with plenty of dimes and rebounds to match. Baker has really turned his game up this season, and is already being coveted by some mid-major schools, as he has another year left to hone his skills. Wright State & some MAC schools has shown major inte'rest in the 6'2 point guard.


Northmont clinches share of GWOC title
 The Bolts earned a share of the GWOC title with a 52-40 win over Lebanon.

    Northmont, who have been consistently good all season, are definitely a scary team to watch. They have multiple players who can get it done, and have been led by Senior Guard Arius Spears who seems to do everything for the Bolts in the key moments. With Rodney Richardson & Christian Wilson heading the scoring duties, dynamic wing player Dalonte Capers playing well and with scoring forward  Mo Beavers starting to get into the groove, the Bolts are a team to watch come tourney time.



Stivers continues winning streak, stays with a chance to win City League Title
 The Tigers kept their streak rolling with a  win over Thurgood. The Tigers were led by Boddie, who dropped 15 in the win. The win puts Stivers win streak at 7, the most in the Felix Turner era.


Meadowdale wins 4th in a row
 The Lions roared to their 4th straight win as they defeated Belmont. Jabali Leonard was the MVP of the game as he dropped 21 in the win. Since Leonard has joined the squad the Lions are 4-1 and have seemingly found their rhythm, which is cruicial as the tournament looms.


Springfield continues torrid pace
 The Wildcats continued to win and stay atop the GWOC division with a win over Centerville. Centerville was held scoreless in the 3rd quarter, and the Wildcats took full advantage of the situation. The Wildcats now sit at 15-2, have won 4 in a row, and seem to be hitting on all cylinders.


Alter blasts Badin
The Knights ran past Badin for their 16th win of the season.  Bazelak led the Knights in a balanced scoring attack with 13. Alter held Badin to 30 points for the entire game as they cruised 52-30.


C-J rolls as Montague leads the way
 Star G Christian Montague led the Eagles to a victory over Purcell Marian. The Eagles star guard dropped 29, and was unstoppable all night. The game was close until a huge run (20-6) turned the game in Chaminades favor. The Eagles move to 11-7 and still have a chance for a League Title.


Thurgood outlasts Western Hills
 The Cougars were able to pull out a big win in Cincy, as they defeated Western Hills. Hills had a lead heading into the late stretch of the game, but Kadeim Jones led the Cougars to the win.


Oakwood shocks Franklin
 The Lumberjacks knocked off highly ranked Franklin, as they were hitting on all cylinders. Franklin suffered its 2nd loss of the season (15-2) and it could hurt come seeding time.


Dunbar rolls in City League showdown vs Ponitz
 The Wolverines rode star G Chris Jackson to turn what was considered the top game in the City League into a rout. The Wolverines jumped out fast and never looked back.
D'Edgar Cooks led the Panthers in scoring with 18. Dunbar moves to 15-2 while Ponitz fell to 12-6.

Wayne Train finding their groove late in the season
 The Wayne Train seems to be finding some steam, as Anthony Parker Jr led the Warriors to a big win over Beavercreek. Parker Jr, the dynamic guard, dropped 17 as the Wayne Train moves to 14-5.


Stars of the Weekend

Myles Belyeu - Trotwood
Torrey Patton - Trotwood
Christian Montague  - C-J
Anthony Parker Jr  -  Wayne
Devon Baker   - Dunbar
Jabali Leonard   - Meadowdale
Amari Davis  - Trotwood
Chris Jackson - Dunbar 



Key Games tonight

Stivers  @ Meadowdale  (Game of the Night) 
Ponitz. @ Belmont 
Dunbar  @ Thurgood
Miamisburg  @ West Carrollton 

Dunbar Trotwood game hottest ticket in town; What did NBA 3 pt Champion say about the game? Is it bulletin board material?

Since Trotwood knocked off Dunbar last season, the Rams have showed they are the top squad in the Miami Valley.

Who wins the HS Game of the Year?
Dunbar (16-2)  @ Trotwood  (16-2) 

When the season schedule came out, Dunbar @ Trotwod was #1 on the list of "Must See" games on everyone's watch list when it comes to HS Hoops in Dayton.

No question about it.

That's why it was no suprise that this game was sold out within 2 days of the tickets being on sale.

By Wednesday social media had found out that tickets were already sold out. And people were already panicking.

  Some parents from Dunbar didn't even have tickets, which has some of the Wolverine nation upset.

However, the Rams weren't too happy with the distribution of tickets last season for the game at Dunbar either.

Regardless, one thing is for sure.

This is the Regular Season HS Game of the Year in the Miami Valley.

The hottest ticket in town.

Better than what the college hoop king Dayton Flyers and The Raiders have on the slate too?

Yessir.

Which leads me to believe that both colleges should have a scout or two at this game. Along with a Calipari and a Matta, and who knows?

If u have a ticket?
You definitely are in high demand.

Word is that scalpers are selling tickets for 50 a pop.
This game has all the makings of a Dayton HS Sports Classic:

Let's examine the teams:

 Trotwood, who feature a dynamic starting 5, have D-1 talent all over the court & it seems that.they could be destined for a trip to Columbus come late March.
 Led by All-State G Torrey Patton, Sophomore Sensation Amari Davis, explosive Senior G Amir Foster, & the one of the fastest rising juniors in the State in Myles Belyeu, the Rams are loaded. With young talent on deck and a solid Coaching Staff, the Rams have 5 legitimate D-1 prospects in the starting 5.

Dunbar, has the same type talent and then some, as they are led by Junior stars Caleb McConnell & Devon Baker. Senior sharpshooter Chris Jackson has been on fire lately and with senior G Stormi Cook bringing his steady offensive numbers, the Wolverines are primed for a deep run themselves. Throw in a wild card like Michigan St commit JoJo Scates, and the Wolverines match-up evenly with the Rams.

It has been said that former Dunbar Legend and NBA three-point Champion Daequan Cook spoke to the squad, and let them know that this is just a game, not a state game like it may feel in the Trotwood locker room.
Whether that serves as bulletin board  material 39or the Rams, that's yet to be seen. But it's evident that Dunbar is trying to look at this as a regular season game. But with Cook speaking out, it just adds a little fuel to the fire and spice to the game.


The key to the game could rely heavily on the bench, the coaching, and the late-game heroics of someone. Usually in these type of games a suprise player Rises to the top.

Whoever it is, we're looking forward to seeing it with the hottest ticket in town.

No doubt about it.