Which local teams are in the playoffs? GWOC vs Columbus; CJ-Alter Part 2; Key Players, Predictions

With the playoffs on the horizon lets look at all the teams that made it into the OHSAA 2017 Football  Playoffs and who they will face:

From L-R: Raveion Hargrove, Joseph Scates, Elijah Malcolm, Isaiah Bowser, Andre Gordon, Blue Smith

(SWOPL)
Belmont   @  Sidney   (D-2) 
Can Belmont and their vaunted D defeat Sidney and their dynamic duo?
We taking Belmont in a close one 23-21.


Dunbar    @   Goshen   (D-3)
Can the Wolverines head down to Goshen and defeat the run heavy squad?
We're taking Dunbar 34-24. 


Cin Taft  @ Indian Hill  (D-4)
Can Taft stop a very tough Indian Hill squad?
We take Taft 20-18.



GWOC  vs Columbus
 In what could help shape who wins the State title, the GWOC will square off against Columbus schools this week as the winners will move on to the regional semifinals.
Although there is 7 teams in the playoffs, there are no matchups featuring 2 schools, which could prove to be a epic year like 2 years ago, or could be a Columbus win, depending on how the games swing.
With city bragging rights on the line, here's the matchups:

(D-1)
Pickerington North   @ Wayne
Can North come up to Wayne and stop the Wayne Train? Look for a outburst from Warriors.
Wayne wins 27-20.


Northmont @ Pickerington Central
Can the Bolts continue their great run against arguably the best team in Columbus area?
Pickerington stops Bolts 27-24. 


Hillard Darby  @ Centerville
Can the Elks continue the great run for 1st year coach Brent Ullery? Or will Hillard pull of a upset win?
Elks get it done 24-21.


Fairmont @ Hillard Bradley
Can the Firebirds go into Hillard and defeat the undefeated Bradley team? Fairmont has a playoff type of team, with run first mentality.
Bradley stops Fairmont run 17-7.


(D-2)
Troy  @ Cincy Anderson 
Can the Trojans go down to Cincy and get it done vs a well rounded Anderson squad?
Troy wins on road 26-24.

(D-3)
Trotwood      vs   Elida
Can Elida pull off the major upset? Doubtful, as the Rams are on a mission to grab that title that eluded them last season.
Rams roll 40-7.

C-J              vs   Alter
Can the Eagles get some getback after a beatdown from the Knights last week? Should be a good one.
Alter wins rematch 31-21.

Franklin        vs   New Richmond
Can Franklin continue to put up major numbers against a high firepower squad such as New Richmond?
Franklin falls to New Richmond 34-32.


(D-4)
Waverly      @  Valley View
Can the Spartans continue their undefeated season against a tough Waverly team? The Spartans have whacked every opponent this season they have played.
Valley view wins 37-21.

Weekend Recap: Springfield shows grit, wins in OT; Northmont, Centerville fall; Alter girls reach State

Here's the recap of last weekend District Final 

Leonard Taylor, Danny Davis & Wildcats celebrates OT victory over Oak Hill for District Championship

SPRINGFIELD shows resolve, wins in OT

 In what might be the Game of the OHSAA Tournament so far in Southwest Ohio, the Springfield Wildcats held off Cincy Oak Hills in OT  by the score of 46-42.

  Oak Hills led early, but Star G Danny Davis led the Wildcats to a lead at half (18-15)  as he scored 8 of his game high 16 to pace the Cats.

Sharpshooter Mike McKay pressures Oak Hills in 2nd half

But Oak Hill stormed out the 2nd half and took control of the game, led by the hot shooting of Ryan Batte,  who led them with 15. 

  Late in the 4th the Wildcats clutch players came alive, as Davis, Star big man Leonard Taylor (15 pts, 9 reb, 4 dimes, 5 stls) & sharpshooter Mike McKay  connected on some big 3s to keep the Cats afloat, then to take control of OT.

  Springfield showed some true moxie in the win, and with a ruckus crowd and a little inspiration from above never hurts.

   Head Coach Isiah Carson has a brother who passed a few years ago and was a legend on the court. A while ago Johnny "Showtime" Carson was dominating the court for Springfield, before he signed with the Bearcats, and Isaiah remembers fondly of watching his older bro fall to that Oak Hill team his senior year.

Oak Hill shot 1-6 in the 4th quarter from the FT line.
Divine intervention from big bro maybe?

Wildcats celebrate District Title 

A great moment for Springfield & their hoop program and respected coach?
Most definitely.

But you have to give credit where it's due.

They didn't fold when the chips were down, and showed extreme calm and the "clutch gene" in the midst of the wildness and anxiety that OHSAA Tournament brings.

Salute the Cats, District Champs
On to the Regionals.

CENTERVILLE falls late to Mason

Centerville started out strong, and held a lead over Mason in the 1st half as PG Donnie Shelton was dominant in leading the Elks. Centerville led 23-21 at the half, but couldn't score in double digits in either half as Mason regained momentum and shut down the Elks by a score of 44-38.

Edward Puisis led the Comets with 21 big points  & 2 steals as they head to the Regionals.

 Star G Keegan Saben scored 12 while Shelton led the Elks with 13, 4 dimes, and 5 rebs.

 Centerville shot 2-11 from the field in the decisive 4th quarter, sealing their fate.

NORTHMONT starts  slow, LaSalle advances 

The Bolts got off to a slow start and was unable to recover as they fell to Cincy LaSalle 62-33 Saturday night.

 Northmont shot 6-22 in the 1st half, and LaSalle shot 62% (13-21) en route to a big lead. Northmont went 1-17 overall from 3, which was a killer.

     LaSalle was led by F Tre Crigler, who dropped 17 , while teammates Riley Haubner  (16) & CJ Fleming (15, 7 rebs, 5 ass) to lead a balanced attack.

Alter gets back to 3rd straight State

Alter was able to shut down Carroll for a 3rd time this season last weekend, and as a result the Knights will reach a 3rd consecutive Final Four. 
 The Knights are the 2 -Time defending champions, so to accomplish this feat is second to none. 
 They are led by Senior All-American Candidate Braxtin Miller, who eas Co-MVP of the Region. 

  Miller has committed to Oklahoma State, which is a true loss for Ohio State as they have watched her dominate at the OHSAA Tournament, only to watch her leave the state. 

Week 9 Weekend Recap; Our top 5 Stars from the Weekend; In case you missed it

Here's what happened last weekend in the Miami Valley on the hoop front:

Can Star Player of Week 9 Paris Minnifield and the Stivers Tigers continue their wining streak?

Trotwood rolls past Northmont in GWOC Showdown

The Rams was able to shut down Northmont early in what was billed as the top 2 teams in the GWOC. The #1 State Ranked Rams seemed to play at another level, while Northmont struggled early in the game, sealing their fate as the Rams pushed out and was able to cruise, led by rising junior Myles Belyeu 26 points. Belyeu was a workhorse all night and showed why he will be one of the most coveted Seniors in the Country next year. The win moves Trotwood to 10-1


Dunbar stymies Toledo Scott on the road

The Wolverines went up to Toledo and shut down the hosts as star F Caleb McConnell racked up 28 to lead Dunbar to a 71-52 win for the state ranked Wolverines. The win moves Dunbar to 11-2.


Ponitz holds off Thurgood for 11th win 
 The Panthers were led by Star Senior Forward Scott and D'Edgar Cooks this weekend as they edged by Thurgood 51-50 and Clark Montessori. Cooks had 17 in the win vs Thurgood and Scott dropped 26 in the win against Clark. The w's put Ponitz at 11-4, 4-2 in the city and in position for a nice run in coach Steve Pittmans first season.

Alter smacks C-J in Rivalry Game
 Alter handed the Eagles a smackdown in a rivalry that has created tons of great players, coaches, and moments that rival any in the GCL.
However, in this one, it was all Alter all night as Dominic Lavarie dropped 25 to lead the Knights to a 71-50 win.

Sidney bounces back
 Sidney was able to bounce back with a win as Star G Isiah Gordon led the Yellow Jackets with 20 points.

Centerville garners another win
 Star Guard Keegan Saben led the Elks to another win, over Lebanon.

The "Field" winning streak snapped
Springfield handled business against Fairmont winning 70-64 but then lost at Cincy Moeller. Springfield is now 11-2 and sitting pretty in the GWOC atop the league.


Wayne blows out Middletown without star 
 The Warriors got back on track with a big win over Middletown 74-45 as star big man Blue Smith didn't play. Smith was held out due to a minor injury to his back on a play last week. Despite Smith not playing, Wayne was hitting on all cylinders, and was able to get back on track after a 4 game losing streak.

Minniefield leads Stivers to big win over Bowling Green
 Sharpshooter Paris Minniefield was unconscious against Bowling Green, as he led the Tigers to a big win 52-33. The 6'1 senior combo guard, Minniefield hit a flurry of 3's, dropped 25, and was able to lead the Tigers to a 9-6 record.


Here are  the Stars of Weekend:

Caleb McConnell   Dunbar        28 pts in win
Floyd Scott,             Ponitz          20+ average in two wins
Paris Minniefield    Stivers         25 in key win
Myles Belyeu           Trotwood    26 in win over Northmont
Dominic Lavarie     Alter            25 in win over C-J
Kadeim Jones         Thurgood     30 in the loss


Committed:
   Chris Jackson, Guard for Dunbar, commits to Urbana to play football and basketball.
 The 2 sport star played WR and QB for the football team, and plays the shooting guard spot for the State ranked Wolverines.
 

MidSeason Rankings (Hoop4U & SpoonFed) is here; Did your High School team make it?

With the Mid-Season in tow, here are our two HS Experts Rankings as we go into a pivotal stretch in the hoop season: 

   

Where are Pitts' Panthers and City League leader Dunbar on the list? 

                     

                         HOOP4U Rankings                                         
(D-1 & 2)      
   1  Trotwood   8-0                                                          
   2. Dunbar       8-1                                                              
   3. Wayne        9-2                                                          
    4. Sidney        9-1                                                            
    5. Brookville   9-0                                                          
    6. Northmont  10-2                                                        
    7. Springfield   9-1                                                        
     8. Alter             9-1                                           
     9. Franklin        9-1                                                    
     10. Ponitz          6-4                                       

SpoonFed Rankings


    1. Trotwood     8-0
    2.  Dunbar        8-1
    3.  Northmont  10-2
    4.  Alter             8-1
    5.  Wayne          9-2
    6.  Springfield   9-1
    7.  C-J                8-3
    8.  Franklin        9-1
    9. Sidney           9-1 
   10. Ponitz          6-4



 With the prestigious Flyin' to the Hoop coming during the weekend, there could be some shuffling come next week when the rankings come out.

Team on the Rise: Northmont  - The Bolts seem to have a lot of confiedence after knocking off Wayne. Could be a scary team come March.

Team Under the Radar:   Springfield  - The Wildcats have been laying low as Northmont and Wayne have grabbed the headlines. But the murmurs is that this Springfield team could have a deep tourney run in store and have been on fire of late.


             

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)

Week 2 Playoff Recap: Wayne, Trotwood, Miamisburg, Alter advance; How did they do it? Stars of Week 2;

After the 2nd Week of the Playoffs, one thing is crystal clear:

 The Miami Valley, and in particular, the GWOC, is reppin' well in the OHSAA State Football Playoffs, as 4 teams will play for a chance to reach the State Semifinals this weekend.

  With the teams that are still in, they all have a legitimate shot to not only get to state, but to win it.

Here's last weekend results and recap, as we see how all the local teams fared in their divisions.

Can these thoroughbreds lead their respective teams to the State Semifinals? 

(D-1) Wayne blows out Dublin Coffman   -
   Wayne RB Fred Pitts scored 4 times as the Warriors D shut out Coffman in the first half (31-0) and cruised to a victory vs Dublin Coffman 52-10. Coffman was outmatched from the start as the Wayne Train steamrolled Coffman in the first half. Wayne, who is now ranked #6 in the country (Max Preps) was clicking on all cylinders, and looked razor sharp from the kickoff.



(D-2) Miamisburg beats Troy again   - Different location, but the same results after Miamisburg defeated Troy 28-21. The game was played to a tilt until a late blocked punt helped the Burg seal the deal. Star RB Jake Netherton scored on a burst to give the Vikings the 28-21 lead they never relinquished, and will now head to the Regional Finals. Troy (10-2) had a great season, only losing to Miamsburg twice after only winning 2 games last season.

Rising Star QB Markell Stephens-Peppers of Trotwood passed for 3 TDs last week 

(D-3) Trotwood slams new Richmond
 Trotwood star RB Ravieon Hargrove once again scored on the first play of scrimmage and rising star QB Markell Stephens-Peppers threw 3 TDs as the Rams overwhelmed New Richmond 47-10. The D also did a great job of shutting down New Richmond offense as the Rams (11-1) head to another Regional Final.


(D-4) Alter shuts out Massie  -
Alter dominated early and often as they shut out Clinton Massie 42-0 as the #1 team in Ohio in D-4 moved to another Regional Final. Star RB John Bivens ran for a score as the Knights Defense stymied the Massie attack.



(D-3) Franklin falls to St Marys  - 
Franklin fell behind early, and fell prey to a tough St Marys team as they lost 55-31. Once St Marys got rolling, the Franklin offense couldn't stop them, as they scored, but wasn't able to get back in the game.



(D-4) Valley View falls to Cincy Wyoming
 Cincy Wyoming scored twice in the 2nd quarter to build a 21-6 halftime lead and take control in the game to hold off Valley View. The Spartans pulled it to 21-12 but missed the 2 point conversion and Wyoming scored in the 4th to seal the deal. Colin Genslinger and Colin Wood scored for the Spartans in a losing effort

OHSAA Playoffs Start tonight; Matchups, Stars to Watch, Predictions

With the OHSAA football playoffs here, it's time for the best of the best to battle for HS Supremacy.

  Here's the teams who made it to the Playoffs, their 1st round Matchups and the key players to watch.

Can L'Christian "Blue" Smith and Fred Pitts lead the WayneTrain tonight in playoff action?

D -1 (Region 3)
Wayne  (9-0-1) (Ranked 2nd in State) 
  Home vs Lancaster 
 Wayne will look to start another Deep Run against Lancaster, a team that has been solid, but still was 6-4 coming into the playoffs. Wayne should be led by ferocious running attack and a aerial passing game that is second to none. Look for the Wayne train to win 34 - 17.

Springfield  (7-3) 
@ Pickerington Central (9-1)
 Pickerington was the best team in the city, and they are loaded with talent. Springfield needs to force turnovers early in the game, to seize momentum. Central has a balanced attack, so the Wildcats must be focused from play one....Also look for Leonard Taylor to make some plays to change the outcome. We have Pickerington Central 27, Springfield 24.


(Region 4)
Springboro (7-3) 
 @ (1) Cincy Colerain    
Springboro pulled off 2 huge wins to get to this point, defeating Miamisburg and Lebanon to streak into the playoffs. Problem is, they get the top team in the State in Colerain who looks to be set on a Championship run.
We have Cincy Colerain winning 28-17.

Lebanon (7-3) 
Home vs Cincy Sycamore 
Lebanon had a sterling year, led by a potent offensive attack which put up big points this season. However, they also gave up huge offensive outcomes, and Sycamore can score as well...We think with 2 even teams, the home team will prevail in Lebanon winning 35-32.

Division 2  
(Region 8) 
Troy (9-1)  
Home vs Cincy Anderson (7-3) 
Troy has been waiting for the opportunity to get back into the playoffs after a subpar season where they only won 2 games. They will get Anderson as a result of the hard work. Anderson has a nice season as well, but Troys  defense will lead them to a win in a home game. We got Troy winning 20-13.


Miamisburg (8-2)  
Home vs Kings (8-2) 
 "The Burg" has had a very good season by most, but with the talent on the team they feel there is more in store. They take on perennial power Kings as they host a game. Kings has had a good season, but Miamisburg is ready for the challenge in the best round. We got Miamisburg Winning 30-24.

Division 4 
(Region 16) 
Alter (Ranked #1 in state) 
Home vs Cincy Indian Hill (9-1) 
Alter has demolished everyone in their path this season, and ended CJ hopes emphatically with a 51-3 trouncing to gather the #1 spot in the D-4 State poll. While Cincy Indian Hill has had a great season thus far, the Knights eat, breathe and sleep for this year to atone for what happened last season..
Loon for a Alter win 41-27.


Valley View  (9-1)  
@ Waverly (9-1) 
 Valley View will head to Waverly after a very good season to take on the Waverly program. That crowd will be rockin tonight for this contest as Waverly has a good squad capable of making a deep run. Valley View, is 9-1 & has had some key guys step in and make plays. Can they continue the "next man up" philosophy to a playoff win?
 We got Valley View with the upset win 27-26.

Wayne wins defensive battle; Ponitz celebrates best season ever; Dunbar Belmont epic matchup; Top 5 Matchups of Week 10;

THURSDAY RECAP  

Wayne pulls out defensive battle vs Trotwood on Senior night
  The Wayne Train didn't really gather full steam on Thursday Night Lights, but did do enough to defeat Trotwood 17-6 at Heidkamp Stadium in a battle of 2 of the heavyweights in HS Football in Ohio.
   Senior WR Trew Davis hauled in 5 passes with a spectacular TD, RB Fred Pitts ran for another and the Wayne defense stifled Trotwood in the 2nd half to hold on to the win against a game Rams squad.

Senior WR Trew Davis scores TD as Wayne defeats Trotwood 17-6 (courtesy of Image Jock)

With the game being on National TV, there was no shortage of drama. Early on.

   Trotwood looked as if they would get on track first, as star RB Raveion Hargrove seemingly pulled in a TD grab for a 6-0 lead. However, the call was overturned, and the Rams would not score.


   Trotwood would score on its next possession to cut it to 7-6, but only after the Trew Davis TD put Wayne on the board first.
  Pitts then came through with another TD, in which put Wayne up 14-6.

The Wayne defense was rock solid and able to stop Hargrove and Stephens Peppers from any serious threat after halftime.
  While some will say that Trotwood was cheated, the fact is that the Warriors D shut down the Rams offense in the second half after the Rams had showed that they could move the ball early.

    Trotwood star LBs James Parker and Mikey'ion Hunter both had 10 tackles while DB Kobe Vinegar had 11 and was able to stifle the Wayne Train passing game.

 
  While Trotwood didn't win, they did serve notice that they could be headed for a deep run come playoff time.

 Wayne knows they didn't play their best ball, but still was able to pull out a tough win against a state type of opponent going into playoffs.




Ponitz  secures best season in history

  Ponitz shut out Cincy College Prep Academy 33-0 to run their record to 7-3, their best record in Panthers history. Coach Jim Place and the coaching staff did a excellent job to get the team to the next level.
 Ponitz was ahead 33-0 at half, and the clock was running from the start of the 2nd half.
While Ponitz needs some major help to get into playoffs, they have nothing to hold their head about, as the only teams they lost to was Belmont, Dunbar and Taft. 3 teams, who all are in playoff contention.
 Salute to the Panthers, and look for Place and the Panthers to contend for a SWOPL Championship next year.
 Led by D'Edgar Cooks, Xavier Henry, Isiah Gordon, and star RB Jamil Freeman, the Panthers showed explosiveness this season unlike any other.
 


FRIDAY GAMES

Can Belmont and coach White stop Dunbar and get to playoffs?

Top 5 Games of Week 10;  Playoff Implications

With the playoffs starting next week, here are our Top 5 Games of  Week 10;

(1) Belmont    @    Dunbar    
In what will be the game of the night, everything is on the line for Belmont. The Bisons strategy is simple; win and get into the OHSAA playoffs for the second consecutive year. Belmont will have to beat a team who is playing at a very high level and has a lot of confidence in their squad in Dunbar. The Wolverines have knocked down every obstacle this season, sans 1, so can they send the Bison packing? Or will Coach Earl White, Elijah Malcolm and the Bison get it done?

                Listen to Coach Darran Powell talk about his team, playoffs, Belmont and more:

(2)  Troy   @  Piqua  

  Can Troy knock off their rival in a game Piqua must have to get into playoffs? Troy already has a berth, and it will be interesting to see how they play it. With all everything RB Darien Tipps Clemons out, Piqua has used the "Next Man Up" Philosophy to stay in the playoff race. Can Piqua get it done on Senior night? Or will Troy spoil the party?

(3) Alter    @  C-J 

  C-J  has taken what looked like a early season to the dumps, and turned it into what could be a magical one. After starting 0-2, they have won 6 of 7 and now sit in a spot where if they win, they will make the playoffs. Only one problem, as the state ranked Alter Knights have made a living of ruining the Eagles season in the last game. With a new stadium, Senior night, and a charged up Eagles team? Should be a great contest tonight for these 2 GCL studs.

(4)  Springboro  @  Lebanon 
Can Springboro continue its roller coaster of a season with a win that would get them into the playoffs? They have a chance with a win over a already tourney bound Lebanon team. The Boro knows that they have to put it all together tonight, or else the season will be over.

(5) Fairmont   @  Springfield  

 Can "The Field" clinch a playoff berth? If they can get past a pesky Fairmont team, then they will do just that. After losing a tough one to Wayne, now they will get a less than average Firebirds team, and nonetheless, on Senior night. Look for all-everything player Danny Davis to show out with a chance to get to the playoffs on the line tonight.

SpoonFed Recap: How did Top 10 football teams in Southwest Ohio do last weekend? (Week 7)

Here's out Top 10 Teams and how they fared this weekend:

Top 5 Teams (Division 1-3)

Wayne  2 way Star player Matt Wilcox on Dayton HS Sports Show

(1) Wayne      6-0-1     D-1 -    Wayne trounced Fairmont 35-0 as they moved into a
National Top 25 Ranking; Matt Wilcox shined on D and the offense was efficient in the win. If the Warriors can get it done against Springfield and Trotwood the last two weeks, they could very well be hosting the regionals.


(2) Trotwood   7-1      D-3 -    Trotwood rolled over another GWOC opponent as they put 50 on Stebbins, and stay in good playoff position. One more win and the Rams should be in the playoffs.

(3) Troy           7-1      D-2  -    Troy continued its great play with a easy win  which the D shut Sidney down. The Trojans could clinch a spot with another win, the way it looks.

(4) Springboro         6-2   D-1 -  Springboro erupted for 66 as the Panthers marched all over the field on Fairborn. the win keeps the Boro in good playoff shape providing they finish strong.

(5)  Miamisburg       6-2   D-1 -   The Burg silenced some critics and pulled out a can on Lebanon 55-20.  The win pushes Miamisburg into a playoff spot if they handle business late in the season.    


Next 5:  Lebanon  6-2; Springfield  6-2; Franklin  8-0; St. Marys 8-0; Wilmington 7-1; 
             Belmont 6-2



Top 5 Teams  (Division 4-7):

 (1) Alter                           8-0    D-4 -    Alter shut out Hamilton Badin 48-0, and  looks to be headed to a deep run come playoff time.

(2) Clinton Massie            7-1    D-4 -    Massie has been dominant despite the loss to Alter.

(3) Dunbar                        7-1    D-4  -   Dunbar punished another cincy team, and now will have back to back tests (Cin Taft, Belmont) which could make or break season.

(4) Marion Local               7-1    D-6 -  Marion handled business and stays in top 5 and in playoff shape.

(5)  Coldwater                   7-1    D-5-   The former champs will look to gear up for the postseason.       


Next 5:     Mechanicsburg (8-0); St. Henry (5-2); Valley View (6-2); Chaminade Julienne (5-3) Covington (8-0)

Who are the Top 10 Teams in the Miami Valley? (Spoon-Fed Edition)

Heres our first High School Football Ranking of 2016

(D1-3) Top 10  Teams

Wayne Train 2-way star Matt Wilcox 

(1) Wayne (5-0-1)  
Wayne Train seems to be on another level, and the focus looks razor sharp as they go for the big school (D-1) Championship.  With Senior two-way star Matt Wilcox leading the way, the Warriors are primed for another championship run.



(2) Miamisburg (5-1) 
 The Burg has the weapons on offense and defense to get it done, and their coach will keep them focused. They also have a flair for the spectacular, which could be due to their explosive offense or their fiery coach.


(3) Trotwood  (5-1) 
 The Rams seem to be clicking on all cylinders and could be headed for a deep run with two potent RBs at the helm. Since the setback to Troy the Rams have rolled off 5 straight. We know what coach Graham can do come playoff time.


(4) Troy  (5-1)   The Trojans bounced back in a major way, and showed that they could be headed for a playoff berth this season. The only loss was a last second shocker to Miamisburg at home.

(5) Lebanon (4-2) The Warriors stopped Springfield and Northmont in consecutive weeks to move into 5 spot. Can they continue their hot play?



Next 5 :  Springboro (4-2), Springfield (4-2),  Franklin (6-0), Northmont (3-3), St. Mary's 6-0 ; Belmont (5-2) 



D4 -7 Rankings

(1) Alter   (6-0) D-4 -  The Knights have rolled over almost every opponent this season;  They are currently 2nd in the OHSAA state poll and could make another Stat trip.

(2) Coldwater  (6-0)  D-5  Have been dominant this season; Wil another trip to state be the end result?

(3) Dunbar   (5-1) D-4 The Wolverines boast a team with a high skill set, and seems to be gelling at the right time. Can the Wolverines do the little things to make a deep run?

(4) Marion Local  (5-1) D-6 Marion Local once again have a team that could be playing into December.

(5) Clinton- Massie (5-1) D-4 Massie have played well this year, and aside from the one blemish, look to be headed towards a playoff run.



Next 5:  St. Henry  (4-2) D-6; Valley View 5-1 D-4; Versailles (3-3) ;  Fort Recovery (4-2) D-7; Covington (6-0) D-7

Rams show resolve, defeat Dunbar

     In the "Rematch" between Dunbar and Trotwood, after the first half it looked as if the Wolverines would be headed towards a huge win, as they outplayed, outscrapped, and beat the Rams at their own game.

Amir Foster, Amari Davis, Torrey Patton lead Rams to big W

 
    Dunbar star Forward Terrance Landers Jr. was housing the Rams, and with freshman sensation Amari Davis in major foul trouble (3 in the 1st quarter) it looked a little shaky for the #1 seed in the Region in the Nutter Center.

   The Wolverines held a 40-32 lead at half, and was brewing with confidence, as they had shaken the Rams with a mixture of D, aggressive offense, and good coaching.

      However, midway through the 3rd quarter, the Rams D bucked up, and the offense put on a flurry (9-0 run) within a 2 minute span to turn a 7-pt deficit into a lead.
 

#1 ranked Amari Davis shoots over Chris Jackson 

The Rams never looked back, en route to winning 71-64.

   While Dunbar kept the game in striking distance until the last seconds, & had chances to seize the moment, they couldn't quite match their excellent play in the 1st half.
   The Rams were led by Combo Guards Amir Foster (16) and Torrey Patton (21), as Foster started the run with a steal and thunderous finish to ignite the Rams.

      Foster said, "We gotta win all the 50-50 hustle plays," in regards to the extra effort he displayed in his game changing play to leap and snatch the steal, break out, and 2- hand slam it down, turning up the young Rams squad, coaches, and fans.

  Patton, in the 4th was in one word - dominant.

     He willed his way to the basket, hit tough layups, floaters and free throws, & added 6 rebounds to go with 5 key steals, which helped turn the tide.

   Patton said it feels "Great" to knock off the State Semifinalists of last season.

    Trotwood knocked down 10 FTs in the 4th, (mostly by Patton) & the Rams won their biggest challenge of the season.
   

All-GWOC G Torrey Patton playing D

     They did it in a fashion that they hadn't shown before (coming from behind in some adverse conditions), and on the biggest stage of their young careers?
 
 Could be the start of something special.

   Dunbar Coach Pete Pullen was happy with his teams effort, but knows that the 3rd quarter really hurt the Wolverines, when Dunbar was outscored 17-7 and lost their offensive flow for a key stretch of the game.
 
  Trotwood will play Cincinnati Taft on Sunday at UD Arena for the D-2 Distict Championship.

 




 

 

Wayne sends multiple statements; "No Audience" Recap; Undefeated team falls

Heres what went down last weekend in high school sports in the Miami Valley:

L'Christian "Blu" Smith, Rodrick Caldwell on the move

 Wayne throttles Springfield, then defeats top ranked team in Cleveland

     The Warriors knew this weekend would be the "Early Test" weekend that shows where they are after winning a State Title.
 They would have to play Springfield and State Title Contender Cleveland St. Ignatius.

    Springfield was arguably the hottest team in Southwest Ohio, running off 7 straight, while St. Ignatius is widely regarded as the "Top HS Team in Cleveland."
   On Friday Wayne dispatched Springfield quickly in the GWOC Game of the Week, reeling off the first 14 points of the game and grabbing a huge lead by half.
   Danny Davis, Springfield's star guard, had 3 fouls by half, and 2 early in the 1st quarter.

 Game over.

    Then Saturday the Warriors took out one of the top teams in  Cleveland in St. Ignatius

   Wayne came out on fire, and jumped out to a nice lead.

    In the 2nd half Ignatius made a furious late rally, but the Warriors held off the boys from the northeast and uwon by a score of 65-58.

 The Warriors were led by Trey Landers, Rodrick Caldwell, and L'Christian "Blu" Smith.

  The Warriors should be #1 when the OHSAA State Bball Rankings drop later this week. And don't be surprised to see them in the USA Top 5 when it's all said and done.



"No Audience"  games commence; 

Dunbar hammers Stivers
 
     The Wolverines jumped out fast, per usual this season, and cruised to a big W @ Stivers 67-34.

When Dunbar plays well early?

 Forget about it.

  Terrence Landers Jr. led the Wolverines with 14, while Jamison added 10.

Paris Minniefield led Stivers with 9 and was hot from behind the 3.
 The Tigers seemingly struggled with the "No Audience" scenario.

 Dunbar stays tied at City League lead (4-1)



Meadowdale continues to roll  

Joe Keeble splashing a J over the Ponitz D

The Lions continued their strong play by soundly defeating Ponitz 66-49.
  With no fans to harass, the Lions outscored Ponitz every quarter en route to the big win.
   Joe Keeble led the Lions with 19, while CJ WillIams had 12.
  Scott led Ponitz with 18, while Cook added 12 for the Panthers, who fall to 1-3 in City League Play.

Meadowdale moves to 4-1 & sit tied atop the Dayton Public League.



Thurgood big man fuels win

Evan Clayborne was dying to get back on the court.

    After watching the Cougars struggle early, it was hard to watch for the 6'9 Top 15 Center in Ohio.

    Not to mention all the talk about why he left Dunbar....hearing people murmur "was it the best move?" & "Why?"

    Well regardless, Clayborne showed why college coaches are salivating over the big man, as he came out and put up 16 points, a number of rebounds & blocks, and combined with Hoskins (19) to dominate the 2nd half and cruise late to a W over Belmont.

  At half the score was 17-16 Belmont, and the "No Audience" factor seemed to be playing in the Bison's favor.

Until Cougars Coach Darnell Hoskins got a hold of his team at halftime.

The Cougars then outscored Belmont 24-9 in the 3rd quarter to snap the Bison upset hopes.
 
Thurgood moves to 4-1 & stay in 3 - way tie for 1st place in the City League race.



 Alter rallies late against C-J, stuns Eagles in classic

Everyone knows when Alter and CJ collide, you can throw out the records.

    And that was no more evident then at the Nutter Center (Wright State) as the Knights turned a huge early deficit into a late comeback win, shocking the Eagles. The Laravie brothers led the win for Alter, and combined for 30 points.

    C-J was up at half 16-7, playing stifling D and rising up to the challenge.
  Then Alter got hot and outscored C-J 44-29 in the 2nd half to get the win.
   Joiner led the Eagles with with 22 while Montague added 13.

 Alter has won 5 straight and defeated Cincy St Xavier 46-45 on Saturday.



Monroe defeats Franklin, halts 53-game win streak

    When Monroe had a chance to take down the Wildcats, who had paraded through the SWBL like they owned it, and honestly?

    When you win 53 straight, you can say that you do run the league. However Monroe made sure it wouldn't be 54 as they took out Franklin 51-49 in Monroe this weekend.

   Noah Kappers and Steve Donald both had 15, and called the win over Franklin, "Amazing."

    Franklin went 2-12 down the stretch from the free throw line - which led to the win for Monroe.

 The loss was Franklin's first of the season.



Trotwood pulls out comeback over Sidney 

 The Rams were looking beatable, and the winning streak was looking shaky.

    Sidney had been on point, and had battled the Rams to a standstill.
Actually a 1-pt lead headed into the 4th.

  Cameron Gallimore (17 pts) and the Yellow Jackets were primed for the GWOC upset.

    Then the Rams turned up the D, caught fire and rallied for a tough 61-52 win.

    Junior Guard Torrey Patten came alive and dropped 26, leading the rally and keeping the Rams with only 1 loss. The Rams doubled up Sidney in
the 4th quarter (22-11).

  Trotwood was down 9 (30-21) going into halftime.

 

Top 5 games of Week 2 in the Miami Valley on Labor Day weekend

Now that high school football has kicked off, lets take a look at the DHSS Top 5 key games in Southwest Ohio on this Labor Day weekend:




(5) Thurgood @ Trotwood (Fri 7pm)


Thurgood (0-1), last years City League champs, despite losing last week, still has a plethora of good players on the team, but will be tested severely tested tonight facing a young but hungry Rams team itself. Trotwood won a last week, and with another win, could ease the pressure off the young QB who replaced Michigan St bound Messiah DeWeaver (who is back at Wayne)






(4) Beavercreek @ Carroll (7pm)


The Creek ran to a huge W last week behind star RB Bradshaws 3TDs and huge running stats. Carroll defeated Meadowale. Both teams look to go 2-0 early In the season.






(3) Cin Withrow @ Alter (Fri 7pm)


After Withrow (1-0) handled Dunbar last week, they will take on the State runner ups this week. Alter (1-0) will look to continue on a great W over a hyped Fairmont team. Withrow has a couple game breaker type players, but can they stand up to the Knights well balanced squad?




(2) Dunbar vs Ponitz (Fri 7pm)


In a early season game with possible Title and playoff implications, Dunbar (0-1) will look to get on track tonight after numerous missed opportunities in the last game vs Withow. Ponitz, (1-0) spearheaded by former C-J coach Jim Place and a great staff, were the only team in Dayton City League to get a W, (defeated Cin Clark).
Dunbar looked as the early season favorite for a league title, but if the Panthers can pull off the upset tonight?
Watch out for Ponitz.


(1) Wayne @ Cin Moeller (Sun 4pm)


In a game that will be featured on ESPN3, the bragging rights for Southwest Ohio is on the line. Wayne was a quarter away from a state title last season, and defeated Moeller in the state semifinals 29-22 last season. The #WayneTrain blanked one of the top teams in Canada in its opening game and looks as focused as ever.
Moeller is a championship contender as well, and has won many games in this type of atmosphere. With a tough D, rock solid Offense and a All-American candidate at TE. Not to mention the fact that the Warriors ended their dreams last year.
The Moeller crowd will be insane today in Cincy.
However, when you watch the WayneTrain, you almost are looking at a mid major D-1 college team in which their three top offensive players (Messiah DeWeaver, Matthew Wilcox Jr and ChristianLBlu Smith) will be playing on your TV screens on Saturdays for a major program very soon.
And possibly Sundays as well.
I look for a WayneTrain showcase and a convincing W on Sunday.


Just in case those NFL coaches and scouts want to see the future.




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