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? 

Signing Day tomorrow for Patton, Hoskins; Some interesting options could play out; Where Will they go?

It is now time for HS seniors to start signing hoop scholarships.

Where will local stars Darnell Hoskins and Torrey Patton end up? Maybe with Keith Dambrot & LeBron, or Grambling perhaps?

With all the excitement surrounding the Torrey Patton push, we wanted to analyze the stars Final 5 teams and see where Patton and friend and former Thurgood star Darnell Hoskins Jr will end up.

 Hoskins Jr, was the City League Player of the Year in 16, but decided to go to a prep school after his senior year, which enhanced his skills, development, and preparation for big time college ball.


While both will be making their announcements live tomorrow, Patton will do his at 9am (Trotwood), while Hoskins will do his at 3 (Thurgood Marshall).

Both players had great senior seasons, and now they will get a chance to shine at the next level.

Let's look at the teams and weigh the odds on where these 2 stars will end up.

Where will Patton Push lead the star guard?  

Torrey Patton Final 5: Akron, Miami (Ohio), Duquesne, Wright State, & Robert Morris 

Darnell Hoskins Jr Final 5: Akron, Miami (Ohio) Grambling St, Longford, & Saginaw Valley State 


When you look at Pattons final 5, there are a few things that stand out.

(1) The Impact of LeBron 
The fact that James spoke for Patton, this has resonated within Pattons circle and the State of Ohio for that matter. With LBJ'S former coach Keith Dambrough headed to Duquesne, will Patton follow? Word is that Akron went all out for the star, and would love to have the shooting guard.

(2) The local effect 
With Wright State and Miami, you have 2 schools in your back yard who joined the sweepstakes later in the game.

Wright State inquired about Patton as a junor but backed off for some reason, which didn't thrill the Patton circle.

Now the Raiders have hit the full court press button, especially since star G Mark Alstork is transferring out.

Miami has a new coach in Damon Frierson, and he made a nice impact on Patton and his family. Miami is a small school but big time in the fact that they have a solid program that is only 45 minutes from Dayton.

Where will Patton go? Will he stay close to home or will he head up north?
Will he go with Team LBJ?

When you get to Hoskins, he has both Miami (Ohio) & Akron as well, which makes for a intriguing prospect.


Could Hoskins and Patton go to the same school?
Hmmmm

Considering both schools have new coaches in the fold, it makes for a compelling situation if it is possible.

Patton will be a combo guard in college, possibly moving to the 2 spot, while Hoskins is a pure PG.

Hoskins has Grambling pushing hard as well, along with D-2 powers Longford and Saginaw Valley State

Hoskins has calculated every move, and this one won't be any different.

Hoskins and Patton in Miami Ohio red or Akron blue?
Hmmmmmm.....
Or will Patton suprise us with a selection to Duquesne or Robert Morris?

So quiet, but always caluclated.

Let the new journey begin for these 2 talented  young men.
Where ever it will be, look for both to make a major impact from Day 1.

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.

District Recap: Trotwood rolls; Dunbar finishes Wyoming late; Taft spoils Carroll party; Country Day stops Brookville; State Berth on the Line tonight as Alter, Carroll girls collide

Here's the recap of District Final Games this week

Star G Amir Foster goes up for 3 in win vs Urbana 

Trotwood stymies Urbana  
The Rams used patience, a balanced effort and smothering D to throttle Urbana 86-52.
While the game was close in the 1st, Trotwood turned up the pressure and the result was a 24-5 quarter Urbana could not recover from.
 The Rams had 4 scorers in double figures, and will now move on to the Regional Semis to face the team that put them out of the tourney last season in Taft.


Dunbar McConnell leads Wolves past Wyoming
Dunbar star F Caleb McConnell dropped a couple key buckets late, the Wolverines used a 10-0 spurt to end the game and the Wolverines moved back to the Regional Semis after a 66-56 win.
Wyoming had tied the game after being down 7 going into the 4th (45-38) but rallied to tie it up and had a breakaway to take the lead. After the turnover from Wyoming, Dunbar put the game away and will march on. The Wolverines had 3 players (Cook, Baker, McConnell) in double figures.



Taft D shuts Carroll down to get win  
The Senators came out cold as ice, and Carroll was hitting on all cylinders to take a 19-3 lead in the 1st quarter.
After the 1st quarter, it was all Taft as the Patriots would not score in double digits in the last 3 quarters to fall 52-40. While Taft looked bad, Carroll had the momentum. But Taft continued to battle, and the interior defense took over while the offense started to click.
Taft will face Trotwood in the Regional Semis

Country Day too much for Brookville
Cincy Country Day moved on to the Regionals after a convincing win over Brookville. Country Day was hitting on all cylinders, and Brookville couldn't match the offense.





Star Players of the Week  - Who were the top players in District Finals?

Amari Davis - Trotwood   - Davis dropped another 20 spot on great shooting, and has his flow going.

Caleb McConnell -  Dunbar  - McConnell hit a huge 3 to snap a tie game late and another to send the Wolverines to the next round. He ended with 19 and 7 rebs

Ezyontae Brazzle -  Taft  - Brazzle dropped 19 and kept the Senators afloat until they took over the game

Malek Green   - Taft  - The big man was huge, with a  double double (10 pts, 12 rebs, 2 blks) and provided inside presence for a Taft win

Torrey Patton  - Trotwood  - The smooth PG added another great all around game to the resume (19 pts, 8 assists, 7 rebs, 3 stls) to lead the Rams

Lonnie Grayson  - Wyoming  - Grayson did everything in the game, with 16pts, 6 reb, 4 dimes, 1 blk and 2 steals in the loss

Eli Ramsey  -  Carroll  - The big forward was the most effective player for Carroll with 12 pts and 5 boards, and 2 blocks to add

Levi Boettcher   - Urbana  - Boettcher was rock solid, with a double double (15pts, 11rbs, 3 dimes, 2 blocks) in the loss.




Girls (D-2)
State Semifinal Berth Tonight  on the line Between Carroll and Alter

Two of the best teams in D-2 will go at it tonight with a State Semifinal Berth on the line as Carroll (23-4) will take on Alter (24-2) @ Springfield HS (7pm).

The 2-time Defending State Champs are led by All-American Candidate  Braxtin Miller, who is headed to Oklahoma State. The PG has put the team in another position to reach the State, which is the stuff of legends.
On the other hand, you have a hungry and focused Carroll team, who has steamrolled everyone in their way.
They are led by All-State baller Amanda Schroeder, who is a serious threat all over the court and at 6'0 can post up with the best of em.
Only problem is, she averaged 7 ppg against Alter this season, both losses.
Can the Patriots pull off the upset?

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.

Friday Recap: Wayne escapes upset; Dunbar shuts down Belmont; Trotwood shines; Stivers upends Ponitz; Laravie drops 33 on Purcell;

   Heres the recap of the first full Friday of high school hoops in the Miami Valley:

Wayne holds off pesky Fairmont team   -
Wayne came out the gate and was tested by a tough Fairmont squad who, quite frankly, gave them all they can handle. The Warriors won 65-57 and was led by Junior Standout L'Christian "Blue" Smith, who scored 22 points and was relentless inside. Isaiah Trice, Travis Trice 3rd son to come through program, added 11 in the winning cause.
Jack Hendrix was the leading scorer for Fairmont, with 22. Fairmont coach simply stated, "They made more winning plays."

McConnell ran the show vs Belmont 

Dunbar runs past Belmont in showdown -
  There were many people who thought that this would be Belmont year to run the basketball league in Dayton Public. With a assortment of new players and coaches, the Bison felt like this could be the year that the Bison turn the tide on the city.

Not so fast Belmont.

    The Wolverines came out firing on all cylinders, jumped out to a big lead by halftime (15) and turned the early City League clash into a rout 78-59. Star F Caleb McConnell, who is actively on the Wright State Raiders & other mid-majors radar,  dropped 19 to lead the Wolverines, who now move to 2-1 after falling to State ranked Newark (#3) last weekend.
Belmont played more efficient in the 2nd half, but by that time the deficit was too big to overcome. Dunbar won every quarter, pointwise as well.
Dunbar moves to 2-1 while Belmont falls to 3-2.

Trotwood debut starts slow, finishes fast as they run past  Fairborn -

    Trotwood, the one area team who got the farthest in the OHSAA tournament last season, looked to start slow, but once the Rams got rolling, it was no stopping them as they dumped Fairborn 95-71. Amir Foster, Sophmore sensation Amari Davis and Senior All-State Performer Torrey Patton led the Rams, who are looking for another deep run this season.

The Rams move to 1-0.

Stivers stop Ponitz  -

  Stivers got its first city league victory of the season after a win at Ponitz HS 63-54.
Freshman sensation Trevon Ellis led the Tigers with 16 to get the Tigers to 3-1 on the season. Ponitz made a late 4th quarter run, but it was not enough as Carlos Roberts and the Tigers get a big road win.
Ponitz falls to 1-1 in City league play.

Alter wins led by Laravie

 Alter grabs big win as Dominic Laravie dominated Purcell Marian with 33 points. Alter now goes to 1-0.

C-J  wins in final moments 

   C-J player Nick Barnes hit 2 Game Winning free throws to lift the Eagles over McNicholas. Christian Montague led the Eagles with 26 and P'Hariz Watkins added 21. C-J now moves to 2-1.

Hoskins gets 1st win as Middies  coach

Former Thurgood coach, now Middletown head guy Darnell Hoskins got his first w in his tenure at Middie Country with a big win over Cin. Princeton 52-45. Hoskins had previously been at Thurgood, and now will see if he can lead the Middies back to prominence.

Centerville throttles Springboro

 Centerville shut down Springboro in GWOC action as the Elks held the "Boro" to just 30 points total.

Stars of Weekend 
These are the stars of Friday Night:

Torrey Patton, Sr. G Trotwood
The reigning D-2 OHSAA Player of the Year picked up right where he left off, dropping 25 on opening night for the Rams.

L'Christian Blue Smith, Jr. F-C  Wayne
The hottest prospect in the country - & yes I said it -in the entire country - picked up 22, some huge blocks, plenty boards and dunks worthy of ESPN, along with the key win vs Fairmont.

Caleb McConnell, Jr. F  Dunbar
 McConnell Came up big as he lit up the Bison with 19 in a battle of 2 of the best in the city. not only did he score, but his passing and defense was also key as well.

Trevon Ellis, Fr. G  Stivers
  Ellis, the dynamic fab frosh, scored a game high 16 as he led the Stivers Tigers to a big road win vs Ponitz.

Amir Foster, Sr. G  Trotwood
 Foster, the dynamite of a guard opposite Patton, exploded for 23, and was able to help Trotwood
handle business against Fairborn.

Dominick Lavarie, Sr. F Alter
 Laravie dominated the competition and went for 33 in the season opener.

Andre Gordon, Jr. G Sidney
 Gordon ignited the Sidney squad with 31 as they defeated Tipp.

Nick Barnes, C-J
 Barnes hit 2 crucial FTs to give Eagles the W.



Team Of The Week:
DUNBAR - The Wolverines, who were slight underdogs heading into Friday nights game, sent a message to rest of City League with resounding W over Belmont.

Rams show resolve, defeat Dunbar

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

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

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

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

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

#1 ranked Amari Davis shoots over Chris Jackson 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All-GWOC G Torrey Patton playing D

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

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