Signing Day Results: Patton, Hoskins Jr, Miller, Guy, Gable, Foster, Jackson, Trice, Hooks Ink It Up; Which Local Teams Missed Out? Top 10 Unsigned players

Here's some of the the top Headlines, Results, from yesterdays High School Signing Day, which was exciting to say the least. Some of the best student athletes in Southwest Ohio:

Patton Push lands in Akron with LeBron and Co; Dayton, Wright State offer "Too Late"

 After a incredibly tense and thrilling basketball ride for star G Torrey Patton, the 2-Time Player of the Year and leader of the Trotwood Madison Rams decided to sign with Akron, turning down Wright State and Dayton in the process.

It was reported that Dayton made a offer in the middle of the night, as Flyers new coach Anthony Grant had gotten the word about Patton, albeit later than he would have liked. Or should have.

Much appreciated, but "Too late" Patton said.

While it was thought he might go to Duquesnse with LeBron James former coach Keith Dambrot (who was initially at Akron before taking job at Duquense), Patton was sold on the future of the Zips, where he fit in, where he really liked the city and the environment, and the fact that there is another local on the roster (Isiah Williams) also was a plus for Patton.

Torrey Patton, with Akron staff 

And where was Patton's first choice initially? Wright State

But the inconsistencies in the recruiting hurt the Raiders chances, and even though the 2nd push was very hard, and had Patton thinking twice, he never strayed far from Akron.

There were a couple tense moments as Wayne Head Coach Travis Trice was invited to the event by the Patton family. Some of the Trotwood staff wasn't pleased with this, but overall it was a dynamic event and a fitting day to a drama filled-but incredible to watch Movie Script type of year for Patton, the Rams and his family.

Congrats to the newest Akron Zip.
And yes we are predicticting it.
He will be a star in the MAC in 2 years.



        Hoskins Jr signs with Saginaw Valley State 

Darnell Hoskins Jr and dad celebrate signing at Thurgood HS

 Darnell Hoskins felt at home when he went to Saginaw Valley State, and knew that they wanted to put him in their immediate plans, so he surpised everyone when he made if official yesterday.
Hoskins had 3 other D-1s on the list (Miami (Ohio), Akron, Grambling St) but felt that the Cardinals was the right choice.

"I wanted to go where I can play right away, and they had a plan for me. They have a great program, one of he best D-2s in the country and they made me feel like family there."

His father, Darnell Hoskins, who went to Wisconsin before going to Dayton, was relieved, and proud to see his son make the decision, going against the grain and not selecting a D-1 school.

When asked what was his second choice?
"There wasn't one" Hoskins said. I knew when I left the campus that I wanted to be there.

Alter Star Braxtin Miller signs with Cowboys
Star PG Braxtin Miller signed with the Oklahoma State Cowboys yesterday.
Miller, a 3-time State Champion, will come right in and possibly start for the Cowboys. Miller, led the Knights to one of the greatest runs in Ohio History with the 3-peat, and should take her game to the next level next season.
Will Ohio State regret not signing the star guard?

Thurgood Star G Hooks signs with Ohio
Star G Cierra Hooks  (Thurgood Marshall) signed her letter of intent to go to Ohio yesterday. The 2-Time Player of the Year is very excited to have the opportunity to play on the next level. Hooks led the Cougars to some of the best records in School History in the last couple years.

Gable signs with Southeast Missouri State
One of the premiere big men in the Miami Valley decided to go to Southeast Missouri State, and signed the letter of intent on Monday.
Greenville Star F Isaiah Gable, a 6'7 Combo Forward, also runs track, and has a college ready skill set to with his frame.
Gable liked what the coaches had in plans for him, and liked the campus as well.
Gable could become a college star in the future, as he has all the tools to excel at the next level.

He lit it up in the Senior Showcase, as he literally jumped out of a long drive from a recruiting visit and lit it up in the 3-pt showcase, making 21 of  24 3-pointers putting on a shooting exhibition, and winning the event.

Chris Jackson inks deal with Urbana
Dunbar All-Ohio G Chris Jackson verbally signed to head to Urbana this fall. Jackson, a 6'3 Shooting Guard, will get his chance to show why he could be one of the real sleepers in the class. Jackson has D-1 ability and the Raiders or the Flyers should have maybe looked a littler harder at the clutch scorer.

Trice inks to go to Sinclair
Isiaah Trice, Travis Trice 3rd son to hit college, will be heading to Sinclair Community College this fall to play for the Tartans.

Trice decided to go that route, which will still give him a opportunity to possibly go D-1 after a year or so. Sinclair has one of the top Junior College programs (D-2) in the country and was ranked as high as #5 this season.

Trice is excited for the opportunity, and so is his dad.
"He will get a chance to continue his journey and get better in the process at a good school. I'm very happy for him." Travis said.

Guy headed to Defiance 

Jefferson star G headed to Defiance
Jefferson G Issac Guy signed his letter of Intent to go to Defiance as the dynamic G will get to continue his college. Guy has great 1 on 1 ability and will help the program immensely.




Next Article:
Raiders, Flyers shut out of commits: Good or bad for teams?

Next Article:  Top 10 unsigned players

Next Article: 
Baker keeps job; Will Powell be next in line? 

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.

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

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.

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.

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?
   

   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

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.

Wayne Train outlasts Springfield, makes 1st ever State Appearance; Dunbar snatches state berth from Franklin; C-J headed back to state led by Vest

Going into the weekend, 5 schools from Southwest Ohio had a chance to get to state.
4 of the teams would have to play each other to get there.
After this epic weekend of hoops?

Dunbar, Wayne, and C-J all will head to Columbus as they clinched berths to Ohio HS State semifinals on Saturday.  Here's the recap:



A.J. Harris goes up over Austin Doliboa and Matt Thompson
 

Dunbar pulls off comeback, defeats Franklin in OT

 In the words of  Dunbar Coach Powell,  "Pressure bursts pipes."
And that was no more evident in this prime time matchup, which featured superstar players, great coaching, a almost sold out Arena, ruckus fans, and more twists and turns than your favorite roller coaster at Kings Island.
 
   In what may be billed in the future as the High School game of the Decade, Franklin dictated the first half, took control in the 3rd, only to have Dunbar come back from a 10- point deficit in the final quarter. Sophomore wing Chris Jackson  then hit one of his 2 huge 3's to send the game into OT. Dunbar used a late miss by Kennard and a free throw by A.J. Harris to take the final lead (77-76) and a missed 30-ft shot by Kennard to get back to state since 2012 - Harris freshman year.

Franklin had every chance to win the game, but could not shut the door on the Wolverines.

Luke Kennard passes Jay Burleson on All-Time Scoring List

    They led by 13 in the 3rd, led by 10 midway through the 4th and by 6 with less than 2 minutes remaining in the game. Kennard was dominant (41 pts, 9 reb), and it seemed that the Wildcats would claw their way to the first EVER State appearance.
 
   But A.J. Harris woke up in the final quarter (23 pts, 9 dimes) and it was no doubt that he would not let the Wolverines die. After a airball early in the 4th, Dunbar coach Pullen grabbed his senior captain and told him to "calm down" and to "play his game." And indeed he did, as he showed all 12,000+  people why he will be attending Ohio State next year. 

When the game was over? Stunned faces on the Franklin faithful. Anger on the players faces.
When I spoke with Franklin coach Brian Bales after the game, he didn't have many words. Just in shock. Felt like his squad had it. As he looked over the empty arena, one could only imagine what was going on in his and his teams mind. It was a great season, but was almost magical. And now its over.
That "Damn AJ Harris" he said.

As for Dunbar?  Jubilation. Exhalation. Celebration. And preparation. For the moment.
For these moments.

Chris Jackson cuts down the nets after Huge 3's

They'll be heading to state and solidifying themselves as The marquee high school in Dayton.
                                No pressure on the Wolverines. No pressure at all.




Wayne Train rolls through Wildcats late to get to first ever State Semifinals

Wayne Train gets to first ever State for HS Hoops
 (courtesy of Image Jock)

With all that happened with these two teams there was no doubt that Wayne and Springfield would be fired up Saturday. A state berth on the line, two talented programs, a altercation earlier in the season, and with everything on the line?
  It was all that and then some.

   Springfield jumped out early, and seemed to set the tone of the game, along with the officials, with lots of fouls calls early as they didn't want any physical problems like in the earlier game.
And yes, the game was chippy.

  But Springfield seemed to play with more moxie and coolness, and looked to be the more experienced squad in the first half, as they held a small lead.

Despite early foul trouble, Wayne was able to stay in the game. Danny Davis and Darius Harper provided the bulk of the work for the "Field" to gain that momentum.

Brawl between the "Field" and "WayneTrain"

   However, in the second half the Wayne Train got going and with their State title hopes on the line, a early National Ranking to boot, D-1 players all over the roster, a top notch coaching staff, and all the expectations and disappointment that might follow? Could they rise up?
The Wayne Train got rolling and outscored the Wildcats by 12 in the fourth to capture its first ever State berth. Coach Travis Trice, while super excited, celebrated with the squad, then had to hit the road to watch Travis Trice Jr. (Michigan St) as they take on Virginia in the NCAA tourney.

Dayton bound hoopers Trey Landers, Xeyrius Williams, and  junior sensation Roderick Caldwell led the Wayne Train to the W.

Ironically, the Wayne Train will take on the same team it did in the State Football semifinals.
 Friday 8:30  vs  Cleveland St Edwards

Congrats to Wayne and its organization. They deserve it. And salute a young Springfield team who will be back next season.




C-J pulls away from Cin. Schroder, gets to another state

Eagles back to State in D-3

C-J  moves to another state after defeating Cin. Schroder 68-53. The Eagles (22-6) pulled away late in the game as Alan Vest hit some huge baskets to get them over the hump.
 Last season Cin. Schroder lost to the Eagles, and were ready for the battle. But C-J kept its composure, and once again  reached the State. Coach Staley knows his team will be tested, but was extremely proud of the team. 
The Eagles only want state appearances and titles, and will have another legit chance to bring one back to the Miami Valley.
Salute the Eagles, as they once again show that they can produce in pressure packed situations, in front of a packed house at Trent Arena.
Can they win the D-3 Title?

With that being said, Dayton has a team in  the D-1, D-2 and D-3 State semifinals.
Don't get much better than that for the Miami Valley.
Can we go 3 for 3? Very possible.