Week 1 Playoff Football; Alter stops C-J again; Springfield, Trotwood advance;

Usually the football craze is a All-Time high, especially during the 1st week of the OHSAA playoffs;
And this season it didn't dissapoint, as more than 10 teams entered the first round of the playoffs:

Here's the Top HEADLINES, RESULTS OF
Week 1 of OHSAA Footaball Playoffs:

Alter Ends Chaminade's dream season with late FG
The Alter Knights, who, at 4-4, saw their season slipping away after a rough mid-season stretch; as they headed into Week 9 questions were abound:
Were the Knights overrated? Is a new coaching staff needed?  The end of a run possibly?

However, with a key road win and the final Regular season victory over C-J, the Knights would sneak into the playoffs and quiet all the critics.

And their reward? A rematch at Chaminade, no less.
In a defensive battle that had all the makings of a ESPN classic playoff game, Alter would kick a late FG to win a grueling 10-7 win at C-J High School.
Alter would and C-J would score first 2nd quarter on a Marquis Henry TD, in which Alter Kale Steneman would throw a TD in the 3rd to setup the dramatic ending.
After great defense by both teams, Alter was able to move into position late in the 4th quarter on a electric 27-yard run by Steneman run to set up the game- winning kick.
C-J had the ball on the 3 yard line but a late INT sealed the deal on a rollout pass, shocking the Eagles nation and send the Knights into a rage of happiness.

C-J was the top seed in the Region and in the Top 10 of the OHSAA State Rankings all season.

Alter, amidst all the talk of a new regime and other possibilities,  rose up from the depths of the dead and now will move on to Regional Semis.
C-J ends season at 9-3.
Player of the Game: 
Kale Steneman, QB, Alter 


Trotwood rolls over Wapakoneta in "Getback" Game as Anderson takes Over
Trotwood was able to revisit a place that cost them their chance for back to back Championships.
Not to mention there was some racial tension the last couple times the Rams have made their way to Wapakoneta,  with detailed accounts of the disrespect from the Wapak fans.

Trotwood would make sure there would be no dissapointment this season, as the Rams smacked Wapak 33-21 to move into Regional Semifinals for the 4th time in 5 seasons.

The game was tied at half (7-7) when All-State WR-DB Sammie Anderson took over.
Anderson sliced and diced Wapak with a Punt Return for a TD which gave the Rams a lead they'd never relinquish (14-7).
Then after a Rams defensive TD by Ravae Garrett, Anderson would score on a 39-yard TD from Cooper Stewart, and the game was essentially over late in the 3rd quarter (27-7).

The vaunted Rams defense shut down Wapak for most of the game, led by Ke'Shawn Huguely (10 tackles, sack) in which the unit forced 3 sacks and a defensive TD.
Player of the Game: 
Sammie Anderson, Trotwood


Springfield shuts out Marysville as Tolliver, Stephens, Defense dominate 
The Cats welcomed a tough and upset minded Marysville team, who has made a name in the OHSAA playoffs;
This year?
It's all about the Cats as they shut out Marysville 23-0 en route to a big win at home in Week 1 of the playoffs.

In a packed house, the Cats would strike early as Jeff Tolliver, one of the most explosive players in Ohio,  would run the opening kickoff 80 yards, setting the tone for the Cats, getting them a lead (7-0) they would never lose.

Tae'Sean Smoot, the dynamic Sophomore QB, would direct the Springfield offense to 2 TD drives, both caught by All-State WR Larry Stephens Jr. as Marysville would focus on not letting the powerful running game defeat them.

In the 2nd half?
 The defense would turn out the lights on Marysville, holding the shutout in tact and exciting Former NFL DB and Current Head Coach Maurice Douglass.
DL Jokell Brown was rock solid and led the squad with 11 tackles and a sack. Te'Vion Gilbreth was the game-changer on defense on this night.
Gilbreth, a senior, a stout DE with speed, caused 2 fumbles on the night to go with 7 tackles, and was a problem for Marysville all night long.

Douglass has instilled focus in this team, and they have bought in, so much so, that the Wildcats seem like they are on a mission to get to State.
Player of the Game:
Jeff Tolliver, RB 
Te'Vion Gilbreth, DL 


Miami Valley League champs fall to Walnut Ridge
Xenia, who were the outright Champs in the MVL, lost their first ever OHSAA playoff Home Opener  28-7.
Chris Jones, a top DB in the Miami Valley League, would get a 60-yard Interception Return for a TD, and the Bucs fans were riled up.
But Columbus Walnut Ridge QB Howard Thronton would shake off the INT to run for 2 TDs and pass for another to lead Walnut Ridge to a road win.
Marshon Mankins had 16 tackles and recovered a big fumble to stand out for Walnut Ridge defensively.
Walnut Ridge would run off 28 straight before the game is over.
Ryan Foulbert (14), DE Devin Hall (14), and Isaiah Goodrum (10) led the D in tackles.
Player of the Game:
Howard Thornton, QB, Walnut Ridge


Springboro falls in 5 OTs 
Springboro fought to the bitter end, but came up short in a 5 OT loss at home to Dublin Jerome  38-31.
In a game that Springboro dominated for the most part, the Panthers missed opportunities that costed them a trip to the Regional Semifinals.

After Willieon Yates scored on a 20-yard catch, his 2nd of the game from Landon Palmer, Jerome would score in the 5th OT to secure the deal on a Adam Booth TD, his 3rd of the game.

Despite averaging less than 2.5 yards per rush, and throwing for less than 60 yards total, Jerome was able to grind out a win.
Jake Kowalski and Nathan Swartz led the Panthers defensively while the offense ran for over 200 yards at a 5 ypg clip.
Springboro ends season at 9-2
Player of the Game: 
Willieon Yates, RB-WR, Springboro 
Adam Booth, RB, Jerome 

Northmont Season ends at home as Whitmer Rallies
The Bolts would sqeak in the playoffs, only to be knocked out by Toldeo Whitmer 35-21.
Earlier in the game, Northmont would come out firing on all cylinders,  scoring twice and holding a early 14-0 lead.
Then Whitmer would gain their footing, and would score the next 35 of 42 points to seal the deal.
Star RB Jared Banks would run roughshod over the Bolts for 271 yards and 3 TDs, as Whitmer ran for over 330 yards total in the win.

Jazz Keys, one of the best names and top WRs in Southwest Ohio, went off with a Opening TD, a big kickoff return, and 2 TDs on the night.
But Whitmer shut down the Northmont running game and the Bolts were forced to pass all night long, forcing 2 INTs and keeping the Bolts offense off balance all night.

Phillip Quansah  (15 tackles, 2 sacks) was unstoppable as was Rod Smith (13 tackles) for  Northmont defensively.
Northmont ends season at 6-5.
Player of the Game: 
Jared Banks, RB, Toledo Whitmer 
Jazz Keys, WR, Northmont 


Franklin rally comes up short
The Franklin Wildcats season was ended after a good season, as they lost in the 1st round to St Marys 14-10.  Franklin, who had won 7 straight heading into playoffs,
lost a close one as the SWBL Champs fell at home.
Franklin ends season at 9-2.


Troy eliminated by offensive explosion 
Troy finished their season losing to Lewis Center Olentangy 42-10 at home. The Trojans could not solve the offensive explosion that Lewis Center produced.
Troy ends season at 9-2.


Valley View moves on to Regionals with big win
Valley View showed why they could be a player in the OHSAA playoffs with a resounding 42-28 win in the first round. QB Caden Cradlebaugh threw 5 TD's - 3 to WR Troy Coulter - as Clinton Massie was no match for the Spartan gunslinger.


Dayton Christian falls after return to playoffs 
The DC Crusaders made their way back to the playoffs, only to fall in the first round.

Flyin to the Hoop Recap: Snowstorm has no effect; Baker, McConnell lead Spire to W; Bol Bol shines in victory over USA Today #1; Stars of Day 1

With Flyin to the Hoop underway, we decided to summarize the Opening Night and how the games ended up on a blistery cold snow storm type of night.

Bol Bol, son of former NBA player Manute Bol, was the star of the Night in Flyin.

TOP HEADLINES

Winter Storm doesn't stop fans

The Winter stom that halted every high school game in the Miami Valley area and beyond couldn't stop Flyin to the Hoop in its 15 season.
With snow flying everywhere, blustery winds up to 30 mph, and ice possible, it seemed that all the reasons for cancellation would happen.
Not so fast my peeps.

Horstman, in a exclusive interview with Dayton HS Sports on Wednesday, stated "The show will go on as advertised" & there would be no delay.

And the move worked out, as over 4500 people packed into Trent Arena to  watch some of the best teams in the country, on Friday night.

There were no reported incidents or accidents from the event, which is a good sign.


Former Dunbar players lead Spire Academy to win over Fairmont

The last time Star HS Players Caleb McConnell and Devon Baker were in Trent Arena, they had just fell to Trotwood in the Regional Final as members of the Dunbar Wolverines.

Fast forward 10 months later, and the dynamic duo led rising Prep School Spire Academy to a 80-70 win over the host Fairmont Firebirds in the tipoff game of Flyin'.

Fairmont came out firing, as sharpshooter Jack Hendricks led Fairmont to a 34-25 1st half lead.
On top of that Star PG Devon Baker was scoreless at half.

One of the Fairmont coaches noted that in watching film on Baker, he had went scoreless in the 1st half, then scored 30 in the 2nd half of a game to defeat a opponent.

While he didn't get 30, he scored 22 points, in leading the Lakehawks to a 29-15 take charge type 3rd quarter, and McConnell (19pts, 9 reb, 2 dimes, 2 blks) & F Isaac Mushila (16 pts, 17 reb) helped seal the deal in the 4th, despite the heroics of Hendricks and the hot shooting of Fairmont.

Hendricks dropped 29 on the night, leading all scorers, on 10-17 shooting, including 8-12 from long distance. Teammate Kellan Bochenek also added 18 points to go with 5 boards.




Bol Bol leads Findlay Prep over USA Today #1 

In the Showcase game of the Night, Bol Bol, son of NBA legend Manute Bol, led Findlay Prep to a last minute 50-48 victory over top ranked Huntington Prep as Bol hit the Game winning shot to send Findlay Prep to the win in the Primetime Game of the Night.

With possible 1 and done NBA prospects on both sides, it was a lot of oohing and aaahing as both teams showed incredible defense, athleticism, and good coaching as well.

Top Ranked Huntington Prep works on execution in 50-48 loss in Flyin' on Friday Night

In a game that was tight was the beginning to the end, Bol Bol showed why he is the #4 ranked HS player in the world and why Oregon will be a instant Final Four Candidate with the big man.

Standing at 7'2 Bol has the movement of a 6'7 small forward, and his rebounding (8), shot blocking (2) and altering, and his offensive game merits him as a probable 1 and done prospect in college.

After a baseline jumper by junior (PG)  Johnathan McGriff for Huntington Prep to tie the game at 48, Findlay was able to work the ball around and get a mid range basket by Bol for the difference.

Huntington got off a shot but it was no good and Findlay was able to win the game.

Bol led all scorers with 18, while McGriff led all scorers for Huntington with 14, 5 rebs, & 2 dimes.
Arkansas commit Reggie Chaney also chipped (10 pts, 5 boards) for the winner.
5-star recruit Jaemyn Brakefield had 6 pts, 9 boards, and great D, as he is one of the top players in the 2020 class.

Huntington Prep had started out as a USA Today #1 during the season.



Top Stars in Day 1

Caleb McConnell  - Spire Academy 
Bol Bol  - Findlay Prep                         
Devon Baker  - Spire Academy
Johnathan McGriff  - Huntington Prep
Jack Hendricks  - Fairmont
Isaac Mushila  - Spire Academy
Reggie Chaney - Findlay Prep
Kellan Bochenek - Fairmont
Jaemyn Brakefield - Huntington Prep



Day 2 Games
Springboro  vs Tipp City (Girls)  11:30
Olentangy   vs  Xenia                      1:15
Spire Academy  vs  Hillard Bradley  3pm
Pickerington North  vs Princeton   4:45
McEachern (Ga)   vs Trotwood      6:30    (Game of the Night)
IMG Academy     vs  Prolific Prep  8:15










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Minor Setback for a Major Comeback; Rams win State, Silences Haters

Last year, the Trotwood Rams went into the OHSAA state football championship game feeling really confident that they could get it done and be 2016 - 17 state champions.

Trotwood celebrate 27-19 win over Tri-Valley for D-3 OHSAA Championship 

In that game, the Rams would be embarrassed, shut out on national TV and headed home with a nasty taste in their mouth.

Rams Coach Jeff Graham, the coaching staff, and the team was diploatic about it, but steaming inside.

Was the Rams overrated? Did they need some new juice in coaching or on the field? What was the reason for the collapse?
And on and on and on the questions ensued all summer and through the fall.

When the season started this year, there would be no hype train. Just all focus. No interviews, no preseason hoopla.

 This could be why the Trotwood Rams (15-0) are the 2017-18 OHSAA Division 3 State football champions after a comeback win on Saturday night vs Tri-Valley 27-19.

In In game that went back and forth, the Rams would step up in the most crucial of situations, in the 4th quarter.

Down 19-14 in the 3rd,  the Rams was able to score, shut down Tri-Valley and secure the championship on a William McDaniel TD, his 2nd of the half.

William McDaniel scores on a TD run

McDaniel scored 3 times on the night, while Hargrove got the Rams going with the 1st TD.
Hargrove, the runner up Mr Football, ran for 137 while McDaniels ran for 142 yards.

Then, in normal fashion, the Rams vaunted defense stepped up, as Jayvanare Nelloms snatched a huge INT, the only turnover of the night, and the Rams would hold on for the huge win.

The Rams have won their 2nd State Football title, the other in 2011. Offensive Coordinator Kerry Ivy stated, "This one means a lot" in which Ivy and the coaching staff endured all the criticism from last year.

All the haters can fall back now, as the Rams showed why they are the top team in D-3 & arguably the best in the State.

Congrats to Ram Nation on the title.
The question is, are the Rams the best in Ohio and the Midwest?

Minor setback for a major comeback.

Salute the Rams.

Trotwood, C-J battle for State Semifinal berth; Winton Woods vs LaSalle

With only 2 local teams left in the OHSAA playoffs and 1 of them guaranteed a State Semifinal spot, it's been another solid year in the Miami Valley.

 This year Chaminade-Julienne (9-3) & Trotwood (12-0) teams will battle for the right to play in the D-3 Semifinal Game next weekend. 

The Rams were predicted by many to be a Stare Finalist, as they had a major portion of their players from last season still in tow.

Led by Senior RB Raveion Hargrove, who just won District Player of the Year, the Rams have been dominant all year, leading to the top spot in the OHSAA State D-3 poll. 

C-J on the other hand?

Not so much, although you seen the talent last season. 

The Eagles started out 0-2, then reeled off 7 straight before being dusted off by Alter in the final week of the season. 

 Despite the loss, the Eagles slipped into the playoffs, and avenged the loss in the 1st round against Alter by smacking the Knights 49-24. 

They then topped that in the Regional Final with a sweet comeback win last weekend, led by rising senior Star QB Ryan Peltier, who has been lights out for most of the season, especially late. 

The 6'4 gunslinger has presence and a arm to get it anywhere on the field. And he can run too. Which makes for for a dynamite match-up against Trotwood lefty Markell Stephens-Peppers who has been a Top 5 All-Ohio QB all season himself. 

The difference? 

Trotwood defense has been deadly all season and don' expect anything different tonight. They will be missing one of their star two-way players in Sammie Anderson, but still have enough versatility to offset the loss. 

And of course, 3kray, which is Hargrove's fast growing and social media buzzing nickname. 

Recently there has been a lot of hate for how good Hargrove is.

  Calling him a prima donna. Needs to be taken down. 

Hargrove is the epitome of what you want in a high school student-athlete, which is why he is revered by everyone in his circle, and respected by his peers the way very few are. 

Coach Colvin of C-J has done a magnificent job of getting the Eagles to believe up to this point. 

Can he come up with the perfect game plan to outmatch wits with the best staff in the game in Trotwood? Can they defeat Jeff Graham and his staff and knock off the huge favorites?

 Or will Ram Nation continue to show why they are on a mission for that elusive State Championship? 

Games at Stebbins HS (730 pm) 

Battle for State Berth in Rematch game in Cincy

Cincy LaSalle has had a good run and will see if that trend will continue against a tough Winton Woods squad who already beat them once.
Woods, who easily won last week, is the favorite but LaSalle is a very tough team, and it will be hard to beat twice.
Both teams are playing at a very high level right now.

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.

Grant hiring good for city; Dunbar ruling; Former Alter, Thurgood grad enters NBA draft; Patton push; Showcase Saturday;

Here's the hottest weekly topics to talk about as Track and Baseball Season Heats up and 2016-17 School Season comes to the end. 

Grant Hired at UD; How will this affect top players in Dayton area? 
 With the Anthony Grant hiring  at Dayton for the Head Basketball Coach job last week, one of the hot questions remain:

Can Former Flyer Anthony Grant led his Alma Mater to success? 

Will he recruit hard out of the city?
Or will he go other places to build the squad?

While new Indiana Hoosiers coach Archie Miller  built his talented squad over the last 5 years with mostly players from other places, he did start to recruit locally as he grabbed Wayne stars Trey Landers & Xeryius Williams. 

However a plethora of great young talent left, including the likes of Luke Kennard, Justin Bibbs  (Va. Tech), Jaaron Simmons (Ohio) A.J.Harris (OhioSt), Mark Alstork (Wright St), & Teddy Hawkins (Illinois St), all of whom were stars in the area, yet they got away.

Some will argue that you should go coast to coast when looking for talent for a Sweet 16 type of program such as Dayton.

But why, when you have some of the top players coming right out of Southwest Ohio at a alarming rate?
Grant has said he will recruit in the Dayton area.
Question is, how much?

While Grant has a NBA Coaching type of resume, he is fully aware what type of talent that resides in Southwest Ohio.

Which is part of the reason he feels like this is a perfect destination for himself, of sorts.
He knows that with his coaching experience, his ability to get his players to work and with the history and fandom of the Flyers, he will get the undying support of the faculty and boosters and will have UD ready to win.

But if Grant really wants to win in this city, to be able to reach a Final Four and have the city embrace him like they did when he was corraling rebounds and starring in his Don Donoher days, he will need the support from the inner city.

And he will need to lock down the top recruits every year.

When you look at who's coming through the college pipeline in the next 2 seasons, it's imperative that Grant goes hard at some of these top players.

Such as a Caleb McConnell, a L'Christian "Blue" Smith, a Devon Baker, a Amari Davis, or a Myles Belyeu. Why not a Isaiah Gordon?
Or maybe even a Jaboli Leonard, or Deshon Parker. 

Will Grant pursue the Top Ranked Amari Davis?

The talent is full and plentiful here in this area, devloping at a rapid pace, and some of these kids are more than ready to sign with the Flyers.

With some of the previous coaches, they didn't quite recruit as heavy in the city as they should have.

Purnell, Gregory, Miller, and O'Brien all were very good coaches and good recruiters as well.
Winning coaching with winning records in Dayton.
But with not quite enough homegrown talent.

And if the Flyers don't reach out to these players?

Wright State will. And has. And so is Ohio State. And don't be suprised to see Cincy, Indiana, and Purdue to start making some calls as well. Along with Michigan and Michigan State.

Grant was a great choice for the job at UD. He has the resume, has the experience and bleeds flyer red and blue. He was a fierce competitor on the court. And he has brought that winning attitude to his coaching style.
Good luck coach Grant.  We hope you do well.

Don't forget about the amazing talent in your city.

What will happen with the talented Wolverines organization? 

Dunbar Ruling soon;
 Why DPS should not get death penalty
  
 The Dunbar Wolverines and Dayton Public Schools are awaiting the final decision this week on what their punishment will be after the incident that has all of Dayton talking.

It has been the talk of the High School landscape in Southwest Ohio since the Hoop Season ended.

 The reports are saying that Dayton Public Schools Athletic Director Mark Baker allegedly told the Dunbar AD and the coaching staff, (specifically Coach Powell) to throw the Dunbar - Belmont football game (after a ineligible player was inserted into the game midway through 2nd quarter).

The Wolverines was supposedly told to lose - on purpose - so that both teams could make the OHSAA Playoffs.
Since Dunbar was already in before the Belmont game, it was the Bison who needed the win for a playoff berth.

In the beginning of the 3rd quarter there were some strange looking plays which, in effect, had the officials stop play and threaten to stop the game altogether if the "uneven" play continued.

Dunbar vs Belmont last season

After the officials and coaches huddled up, things would seemingly go back to normal.

Dunbar would cruise to a W, Belmont would be knocked out and the Wolverines would head to the playoffs.

But after OHSAA reviewed the situation, they suspended the player (due to grades), eliminating the Wolverines last 2 wins, causing the Wolverines to lose, Belmont to make playoffs and a major shakeup in the playoff point system which ended up removing teams out of the playoffs and adding teams who were initially thought to be out of the playoffs.

 The outrage was apparent, as the Wolverines fans, parents and staff and football fans all over the Miami Valley talked.

How could this happen?

  Baker firmly denies the accusations, and after a investigation done by the Superintendent of DPS, she found that Baker had done nothing wrong.

Head coach Darran Powell and the Dunbar staff spoke vehemently about what the staff was told to do from Baker.

Powell told the parents, staff, and media in a meeting, that Sunday after the game, that he
 "Would never play a player without consent."

Legendary coach and AD Pete Pullen stepped down from the AD spot and offered to coach for free, as did Powell.

They would eventually keep their jobs, while Pullen did give up the AD job.

Baker hasn't made any public comments since the event has transpired.

Will the 1st year AD and former Wolverine legend get to keep his job? 

Which brings us to this point.

These are the questions that are flying about lately:

Who told the ineligible kid to play?
If Baker didn't say it, why did the Wolverines do it?
And if he db bcbcwhy did the Wolverines play t
Did the Superintendent really find no wrong doings?
What did the Dunbar staff have to do with the situation?
How thorough was the investigation?
Did the Coaches really not know?
And so on....

And while most of these questions haven't been answered to the public, the public outcry and anxiety has been - and is - at a all time high.

Never before has this situation happened, and there are the "Death Penalty" sayings that are rumbling throughout the city.

   There are reports that OHSAA is not happy with the way the District has handled the situation.
So much so that they have taken away playoff games and extra functions at Welcome Stadium, as a pre cursor to what's next.

The fact that everyone in upper management, except for Pete Pullen, has stood pat, makes for a scary situation.

 OHSAA wants the District to be able to handle these types of situations without sticking their hands in too much.
But the fact is, the situation is still in limbo.

When you look at it, it was one kid, 2 games, and a decision were made that wasn't the right one.

Belmont notified Dunbar the morning of the game to let them know their player was ineligible. They should not play him, or else.

So who should stay and who should go?
Who's telling the truth and who's not?

The other DPS coaches, players and parents in the city are fuming, because of the fact that this situation, which should have been handled in- house, is now a fire ablaze.

And unfortunately OHSAA has to put the fire out.

Hopefully the entire DPS Sports Program is not penalized for what some people get paid to do.

If OHSAA puts a death penalty on DPS, it will cripple the future of the Dayton youth.
It will cause a statospheric wave of tranferrals, social media ripping, and division in the inner city.

Sports is what keeps the young kids dreamimg, inspiring to become better people.
While books and education are more important,  sports galvanizes a community like no other.

Tim Stried, the media relations rep for OHSAA, understands the magnitude and felt like the committee didn't want to make any rash decisions.

If there is one thing I'll say to Tim it's this.

One man or womans' actions shouldn't penalize a whole district, no matter what seat they hold.

Whether it's the Superintendent, the AD, the Coach, the ineligible player or whoever they decide is at fault, the bottom line is this:

The entire city loses.
The District looks unorganized and unprofessional.
DPS loses.
But most of all, the kids lose.
That Dunbar team was special.
Sad they didn't get to show their talents in the playoffs.


OHSAA has taken their time with this scenario, and I dont think they will overreact.

A suspension will probably happen, but I don't see a death penalty for one kid, one game, one situation.
If it had been multiple players, and a history of the AD making bad decisions, then ok.

Baker has only been the AD for one year. But he also didn't have experience, which is something you need in the Athletic Director field. Especially to run a entire district.

Time will only tell, but we gotta do better DPS.

Patton Push gains steam, thanks to LeBron; Penn State now in the mix

All-Ohio G Torrey Patton speaks to youth at kids camp

Trotwood 2 Time All-State Guard Torrey Patton recruitment has started to make a real push, and will look to take visits soon. After LeBron James made a call or two, Pattons' stock has skyrocketed of sorts.
He's now has Toledo, Niagara, Akron, and Duquesne on the list, as LeBrons old coach took the job at Duquesne and has offered to take Patton with him.

 Penn State has now came in late, as the Big 10 school has jumped in the mix.
 Patton said he will take his visits and then make a decision later this month.
Patton set the OHSAA D-2 record for most points in a State Game (34) as his Rams lost to Akron SVSM squad.
LeBron was so impressed he got on the horn to find out more about Patton.
Patton has felt better, almost relieved, about the fact that he will be probably headed to a D-1.
He deserves it.
Question is, where?
Will he end up in LeBrons camp?
Or will he end up in the Big 10?
Decisions decisions.



Senior Showcase Saturday 
 Saturday is the Hoop4U Senior Showcase as
the top 20 seniors from Dayton Public and surrounding schools will show their talent as Colleges come and and check them out at Belmont HS on Saturday night.

Featuring a 3 pt-shootout, a dunk contest, and one of the hottest musicians in the game in Mic Lan Mic Lansky, the event should bring a  packed house.

With featured names such as Storm Cook, Amir Foster, and Floyd Scott, it should be some great young talent on display.

The game will start at 7pm and
Tickets are still available.

You can get with  Kevin Satterfield  or Hoops4U CEO Lorenzo Smith for more info.

Alter, Thurgood grads declare for NBA
Alter grad (Simmons), Thurgood legend (Alstork) enters NBA Draft; Alstork will look to transfer

2 highly regarded players from local schools would look to make a splash at the NBA Draft Combine.
Junior G Jaaron Simmons and G-F Mark Alstork both entered their names in early draft consideration.
While Simmons, the Ohio U. star, will enter but not hire a agent, Alstork has decided to leave, graduate early and play for another school, reports say.

Simmons was a star PG for Alter, while Alstork led the Thugood Cougars to a state berth.

Simmons is a 2-time All MAC performer, and feels like he wants to see where his stock is.

Alstork had a breakout season this year with Wright State, averaging almost 20ppg, making the 1st Team All-Horizon League
and, at one point, was one of the top scorers in the country.
Alstork has made it known he'd like to play at the NBA level, and has the opportunity to go to a bigger college and showcase his skills.
The Raiders will miss him dearly, as the former Thurgood Marshall Cougar was a do-it-all type player for the team.





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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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

Akron St Vincent St Mary, OHSAA D-2 Champs 

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



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

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

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

Torrey Patton, to be exact.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But a couple things are for sure.

(1) When LeBron speaks, you listen.

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

Where will the hottest hoop prospect in Ohio end up?



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

Massillion spoils Moeller perfect season, win D-3 Championship 

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

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



OHSAA Key Notes

The Cleveland / Akron schools won all 4 boys divisions.

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

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

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

Overlooked Rams feel like time is now; Alter wins 3rd straight;

The Trotwood Madison boys hoop team have a chip on their shoulder, and that chip has been there all season.

The best Starting Five in Ohio?
(L-R) Foster, Patton, Stephens, Davis, Belyeu 

    Feeling  a little bit overlooked when it comes to who's the best in Ohio, the Rams will now have their shot to show that they are one of the top dogs in Ohio, and possibly the Midwest as they take on LeBron James former school in Akron St Vincent St Marys at the Schottenstein Center at Ohio State today in the OHSAA Semifinals (2pm).

  Before the season, people felt the Rams were good, but the  "How good were they?" question loomed all year. We're they "State bound?" or "just good?" as people like to compare and debate. Is Dunbar or Wayne better?  Do they have the right coaching staff? Along with other key questions.

 They had lost in the Regionals to Cincinnati Taft last season, and had shown a little too much youthfulness and inexperience in that game.

 What would happen this year?



Well they went 24-2, finished atop the GWOC, 2nd in the D-2 State poll and had one of the most successful seasons in Ram history.

The only teams they lost to was a Nationally Ranked Prolific Prep squad, led by All-American Gary Trent Jr, and Sidney, who boasts one of the best Sophomores in the country in Andre Gordon.

Other than that?

 They have flattened just about every opponent, save a few.
 While they dropped video game numbers early in the OHSAA tourney, averaging 100+ through the first 4 games, the Regionals is where we would see what the Rams were made truly made of.

 The Regional Semifinal vs Cincinnati Taft was a huge game mentally for the Rams, in which Taft ended their season last year and looked like they might do it again.

The Rams missed FTs, shot poorly, and looked like a team who could be upset.
Taft imposed their will, with their huge defensive presence, played their tempo, mixed defenses and flustered Trotwoods' juggernaut of a offense.

 But this time, the more experienced Rams persevered, the coaching staff made some great moves and the Rams would hold off the feisty Taft squad to win, exorcising their demons in the process.

Then came the heralded rematch with Dunbar.

Dunbar proved to be no match as the State Ranked Wolverines scored first, only to be bombarded with a 17-0 run by the Rams to seal the deal as Trotwood rolled by 30.

Now the Rams will face another opponent it has seen this season, as  legendary Coach Dru Joyce and his powerhouse program St. Vincent St. Marys team will face off.

These two played in the Flyin' To The Hoop, and Trotwood punished Joyce and St Vincent, dropping almost a 40 spot on the heralded program and forcing Joyce to admit that hoops is better right now in Southwest Ohio than up Northeast.

Joyce knows that his team is far different than what happened in Trotwood in Flyin' to the Hoop.

 But Joyce also knows that these Rams are unlike any he has seen this season.

Will be interesting to see what type of game plan Joyce will use in trying to stop the Rams.

 With arsenal everywhere, let's take a look at the Rams key players:

Foster goes up on Taft bigs 

Starters -
 Torrey Patton, Sr. G
Patton has had the season few High School players can dream of. A true leader, the leading scorer and dime dropper for the Rams. A combo guard who directs the highest scoring offense in the OHSAA tournament. 1st Team All-State and 2-Time Player of the Year. Can get you 20, 5 and 5 on a bad day. A stat sheet stuffer, who can do it all. A quiet assassin, who will become a star in college. Great size (6'4), with the inate ability to get where he wants on the court. Should be a showcase for Patton this weekend.
Prospect: Major D-1


Amir Foster, Sr. G
Foster is a stick of dynamite who can explode at any time to change the game. One of the best 1 on 1 defenders in the country.  Can shoot from NBA range, and will dunk on the biggest of them. A Combo Guard, who does all the little things to win. Was the MVP of the Regional Final game vs Dunbar, when he led the team with 24 points. Very composed, does not make bad decisions. A true team player and the most athletic player of the team. Always ready for clutch moments, and comes from great lineage.
Nice D-1 Combo Guard size (6'3) and toughness, as he played on the State final Football team as well.
Prospects:  D-1


Amari Davis, Soph, G -F
 Davis is the player you watch and say, "This guy could be tbe one...."
Davis has one of the top 10 mid range games in the country for his class. His ability to get to the basket, is only rivaled by his ability to score from 18 feet out. A true competitor, has game changing, ESPN ability.
A lefty, has a smooth J, and once he gets into a groove, watch out. The hottest prospect on the Rams squad, Davis has a world of potential. Hard to guard,  doesn't force plays, and can run the point, Davis could be the shining star once it plays out in Columbus. When he gets a breakaway, it's lights, camera, action!
Prospects: Major D-1


Myles Belyeu, Jr , G-F
 Belyeu improved his stock more than anyone on the team this season. With a made-for-football type body, Belyeu worked on his overall game and it has shown immensely as his mid-range, his 3-ball, and his ability to drive went up a notch.
Not to mention his stifling defense, which could be the best in Ohio. Built in the D Wade shooting guard  mold, Belyeu is the engine that gets the Rams going.
His performance in Flyin to the Hoop, along with in other key games has shown he can take it to the top level, and out the Rams on his back if need be. Since he has done it a few times this season. Can play 3 positions. Nice shooting guard size (6'3, 210) with crazy athleticism.
Prospects: Mid Major D-1


 Justin Stephens - Soph, C
 Stephens is the anchor in the middle who holds down the fort while the Rams run and play the aggressive D they like to play.  Stephens has been a huge force defensively and will have to be on top of his game in order for the Rams to cut down the nets. Knows his role, and will take on anyone coming down the paint or posting up. Has good footwork, and is averaging 2 blocked Shots a game in the tournament.  Standing at 6'7 & 240, once Stephens becomes a more focal point of the offense, watch out. But overall, he's had a great season, and has not fouled out of half as many games as last season. The real x-factor to the Rams title chances.
Prospects: D-1

Key subs: Sammy Anderson, Carl Blanton

Blanton & Anderson have provided enough juice off the bench to help the Rams get to this point. Head coach "Rocky" as he is affectionately known, and his  The coaching staff has done a great job of getting his young players more quality munutes, and it payed off in the Taft game when Fab Frosh Blanton, Anderson, and the bench helped secure the win with some key plays and buckets.

Coaching Staff:
Rocky Rockholdt and his staff have done a 2nd to none job this season in handling everything that has come their way. Can they keep it up on the big stage? There is no reason to think they wont.
A great job from start to now.

Bottom Line:
The Rams have some things in their favor heading into State Semifinals; Will they take advantage of the rare opportunity & reach the OHSAA State Final? (Saturday @ 1045).

Maybe a LeBron sighting?
Joyce and St Vincent might need the inspiration.




Alter girls make history, win 3rd in a row led by Braxtin Miller

Led by Superstar Guard Braxtin Miller, the Alter Knights won their 3rd consecutive OHSAA Championship last weekend.

Miller was undoubtedly the catalyst, dropping 23 in the contest as the Knights went back to back to back like very few have done in OHSAA history.

 Miller, a do-it-all PG, will take her talents to Oklahoma State next season.
Ohio State had initially recruited her, but after a series of events, the Buckeyes fell back.

Bad move.

 Miller, will look to go into Oklahoma State as the Starting point guard and could be destined for greatness.

Miller, afterwards, didn't really seemed all that amazed about what she had done, not fully grasping the magnitude of what just happened.
Seemingly more relaxed and content than excited, now she can focus on what her next mission is.
To take the Cowboys back to the NCAA Final Four.
Don't be surprised to see if happen.
 Next year.
We just witnessed one of the most humble greats of Ohio All-Time hoops.

State Berth on the line as Trotwood Dunbar set for rematch

When the season started, it was widely assumed that Trotwood and Dunbar were two of the most talented teams in Southwest Ohio,  possibly the state.

Who takes the Region? Dunbar or Trotwood?

When they met at Trotwood a while ago, it was a classic, with Trotwood winning by 10. The Rams used its signature defense and streak ability to push out on Dunbar early, and was able to hold off the Wolverines for an epic victory.

Neither team lost again.

And here we are.
Regional Finals.

 Two of the most successful schools in the Miami Valley in the last 15 years.

 After a long season, these two will decide who gets the State Berth from this Region (Trent Arena, 3 p.m.)

In their last game #1 State Ranked Trotwood held off a tough Taft team, and exercised some demons in the big win.
It also was the first real test for the Rams, and despite some missed FTs, they still showed poise in the win.

Can Star F Caleb McConnell help lead Wolverines to State?

 Meanwhile Top 10 Ranked Dunbar ran past Bloom-Carroll 71-37.
The Wolverines know that they must play a precise game, especially on the defense end to grab the W.

Trotwood, feels that, if they play their game, they are the best team in the State.

Dunbar and Trotwood are, quite possibly, the 2 best teams in the State.
Would be a heck of a State Championship game.

But bragging rights in Southwest Ohio and a trip to Columbus is what the winning team will get.

Should be a great matchup, and the
winner should cut the nets down in Columbus.

No matter what, it's been a remarkable season for both teams.

Let the show begin.
March madness.

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.