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.

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. 

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)

Trotwood will face familiar foe, looking to get back to State Championship

 After seeing the playoff performances from  Trotwood and Wayne, it's no surprise why these are the two teams still standing in the Miami Valley making it to the state semifinals.

Rams Coach Jeff Graham talks "Rap Diss Song" & reaching State

Let's start with Wayne.

    All-season Wayne has made it look easy scoring a multitude of points, usually having a "Running clock" by the third quarter because of the blowout rule in high school football which is a 35+ lead.

    Last week in the regional finals vs Hilliard Davidson there were all the signs of a upset: Frigid weather, raining off and on, a gusty wind, a tough Defense and a well coached team in Hillard who runs, runs, and yes, runs the ball. As  a matter of fact, Hilliard hadn't passed the ball the last 2 games prior to playing Wayne.
 
    Hillard shut down the Wayne Train in the first half (3-3 halftime score) and the game had the look of a low score, grind it out affair that it would take to win, which Wayne hadn't won all year.
    Considering that Wayne had cruised to every victory in the 2nd half, this was their first Real Test of the playoffs.
  In the 2nd half they outscored Hillard with 2 big TDs, shut down the Hillard squad completely with their D, and gutted out a 20-6 win in front of almost  7,000 fans at Welcome Stadium.

   Now while the Wayne faithful didn't quite like the way they won that game, they might wanna get used to it if they plan to hoist a State Championship and complete the most dynamic season in Wayne history.
   The pretty wins are probably over, as only 4 teams remain, and Wayne, despite being ranked #5 in the Country by USA Today, are only ranked 3rd in the State, and will face the #1 seeded team this week in Cincy Colerain  who dismantled Elder last week 41-11.

   After seeing what Wayne was able to do on Saturday night, it shows that they are far beyond the "Flashiness and Style Points" that have been affiliated with them. And that their "D" can stand up and be dominant when it needs to be.

   Daryl McCleskey Jr. scored late in the 3rd, Fred Pitts scored in the 4th, and the D locked down for the W.
   Can the Wayne Train continue to steamroll to its 2nd consecutive State Championship game?

Rams continue to ride hot player, dispatch of Wapakoneta

Rams Coach Jeff Graham talks "Rap Diss Song" & reaching State

   Last year Wapakoneta lost to the Rams in the Regional finals which Trotwood won in 4 OTs; so when Wapak saw that Messiah DeWeaver had transferred, they felt like they could - & would beat the Rams. The my even had a "diss song" rapping & talking about it.
   However they had no clue how to stop the new "Star Player" in Raveion Hargrove, which they had no answer for.
  Hargrove ran up, down around, and through the Redskins for 320+ yards, 3TDs and took the liberty of dominating from the opening drive after Wapakoneta fumbled on its opening 2 drives.
  The Rams seized control and sensing the nervousness of the Redskins, took control with their aggressive D & running game.
  In speaking with  head coach Jeff Graham, he laughed off the supposed, "Rap Song" that Wapakoneta made and said that his boys heard about it, but was focused on the task at hand, while having a laugh or two in the process.
 
  Wapakoneta has been undefeated the last two years and the only opponent to stop them?
  Trotwood.

   The irony Is that Trotwood will now have to face a team who has had their number recently in  Toledo Central Catholic, who won in OT, and will be looking to get back to the State Championship as well.
  Can Trotwood erase the demons of Toledo Central Catholic and get one step away from another Championship game?
  We like the Rams chances and their mentals right now,  and don't expect a rap song about Toledo Central Catholic anytime soon from the Rams.
 We'll just assume they just want to get the job done and in the words of the infamous Jay Z and Swizz Beatz from  the hit song,
"On to the next, On on to the next"