DHSS Update: Ram Nation Loses Basketball Coaches As Rocky, Benton Step Down; Who Are Leading Candidates?

 RAM NATION LOSES BOTH BASKETBALL COACHES; WHO WILL TAKE OVER? 

In High School sports its rare to lose one good head basketball coach from a program. 

The Trotwood Rams lost their girls and boys varsity coaches in a span of a week. 

Hank Benton, the girls head coach, stepped down after a successful tenure with the Rams girls program, leading them to the District Finals last season. He has taken his talents to Atlanta. 

Rocky Rockhold, the Trotwood boys coach who succeeded in bringing Ram Nation a OHSAA State Championship five years ago, decided to step down last week, leaving two of the elite jobs open in the high school in the Miami Valley and Ram Nation in a frenzy.

With that being said, here are some of the top candidates in the Miami Valley and their odds on getting one of the coaching positions. 

MEET THE CANDIDATES  - ODDS NEXT TO NAME 

Peter Pullen -  (Girls & Boys Varsity)  1:2 

Pullen seems to be treading towards the opportunity to possibly finish his career on his terms, as he was unceremoniously dumped by DPS before jumping back as a assistant coach with Northmont last year. It's obvious Pullen has the fire in his belly to coach.  

With both spots available,  it will be a little intriguing to see which job Pullen would be more interested in.

Regardless, Pullen is one of the favorites.  

Anthony Clements -  (Boys Varsity)  6:1 

Clements has been a good assistant coach under the Rocky Regime, and was on the sidelines when the Rams won the championship. 

While it didn't go as planned in West Carrollton,  Clemens has shown progress and will be a legitimate candidate for the boys job. 

Quinton Alstork  -  (Boys & Girls Varsity)  4:1 

Alstork, the youngest of the qualified coaches, has been through the circuit with a variety of programs, which landed him with the Rams staff last season. 

With over 10 years of coaching, Alstork seems ready to take over either program and would provide a boost as he has been able to relate very well to the youth along with continuing to develop  in coaching.   He has said he is ready, and he should be grabbing a job soon.

Shawn McCullough -  (Boys Varsity)  25:1 

While McCullough name has been thrown around, there are a couple of factors that wouldn't let this rumor become a reality.

(1) He's at Springfield looking to take his young talent to the next level.

(2) Not friends with some Trotwood management and officials

While those are some keg factors, it still doesn't mean that one of the better coaches in the Miami Valley won't be considered. While it's a longshot,  it has been a topic of discussion.  

Larry Barnes  (Girls Varsity)  5:1

Barnes was Benton's top assistant over the years for the girls varsity. Barnes has been a Assistant in the circuit for over 2 decades.  While Barnes has shown real development as a assistant coach, Barnes has flown under the radar for a long time. Is this his year? 

Anthony Parker  (Boys Varsity)  50:1  

While Parker was the first guy who seemed to be mentioned for the job, it seems like Parker might be out of the race for the job due to a couple of key situations. 

(1) Parker has family tied into West Carrollton as his son has just joined the football staff, and his daughter is a sophomore on the girls basketball team. 

(2) Parker has a good team, and doesn't want to lose momentum,  despite losing a couple of key players heading into this season.

 "I feel like we have some unfinished business and I like what we have built over the years here at West Carrollton."  Parker said.

With that being said, Parker was one of the top coaches on that esteemed Trotwood staff that Rocky had assembled over the last decade or so. He has ties to the Trotwood community as well, and lives there in running his EM2G Camp in the summer. 

Expect a push by the Rams brass for Parker to come back to Trotwood. 

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Fall Sports Top 10 Football Training Camps, Storylines To Watch In Miami Valley

 Top 10 Storylines of HS Football in Southwest Ohio

With Fall sports on the horizon, here are the "Hottest HS Football Training Camps" to watch and "Biggest Storylines" during High School Training Camp which is the 1st two weeks of practice in the shortened preseason with OHSAA.  

(1) Springfield - Can the Cats' Finish the Deal?

 

,

After nearly winning a D-1 OHSAA State Title, coach Douglass and his Cats' have to find a replacement for all everything QB Tae'Sean Smoot, who is competing for a starting spot at Jacksonville State. 

Despite losing him and a few more good players, it seems as if the Cats still have some great pieces to formulate another run, and adding a top gunslinger helps the cause as well. How good will these Cats be? 

 Their Wide Receiving core is the very best in Ohio with D-1 future stars in Anthony Brown and Shawn Thigpen Jr on the outside. With an elite coaching staff on deck, expect another deep run from these Cats. 

(2) Wayne - Will Mukes Young Talented team take the Next Step? 

This is the question many are wondering, as the Wayne train inserted an freshman into the starting QB role among other positions. Wayne had a good season but lost in the 1st round of the OHSAA playoffs. With size on the line, and skill players ready to step up at multiple skill positions, including R.J. Mukes III, the explosive WR, KR-PR, the Wayne Train should be ready for another playoff year despite losing TE Elijah Brown to Alabama and All-GWOC RB Jordan Ward. 

(3) Piqua - Can they Dominate Again? 

The Piqua Indians were one game away from a State semifinal berth last season, and have a lot of key players coming back, despite losing all-state baller last season in Jasiah Medley. 

Despite the loss, with a elite QB back in Ouhl and playmakers such as DreSean Robers and Bryson Roberts, this Indians team should still be a top squad.

(4) Trotwood - A Rams Rebirth? 

While the Rams have been in rebuild mode the last couple of seasons, expect a breakout year of sorts, led by rising Junior QB Tim Carpenter.

 With guys hitting upperclassman mode, look for the Rams to make a splash in the Miami Valley. Ram Nation back in the playoff fold? Don't be surprised. 

Word is Carpenter is getting looked at by Ohio State, among others, as he is expecting a breakout year for the Rams.

(5) Familar Coaching Faces In New Spaces 

With Earl White taking over C-J, this is undoubtedly a big deal. White was a legend in the DPS circuit, leading the Cougars and  Bison to 10+ championships before heading to Meadowdale to resurrect their program. 

After a successful season, he now has his biggest task to date, taking over a talented C-J team as Marcus Colvin left for Beavercreek.

 While Beavercreek is in rebuild mode with Colvin, the Eagles have talent and have a "win now" mentality despite losing key players to graduation and the transfer portal. 

(6) Big Shep, Former NFL Lineman to Start Head Coaching Era at Meadowdale 

Derrick Shepard, who was a assistant coach at Alter, has taken over the Lions job, and now will look to continue on the success they had last year. 

While it won't be easy, with two new coaching staffs in the last two seasons, look for the Lions to gradually progress throughout the season.

 Expect a good season from all-league and district performer WR-RB Robert Peebles, who is a legitimate D-1 or D-2 prospect.

(7) "Sleeper Team" Alert: Xenia, Ponitz, Miamisburg

These 3 "sleeper teams" could do some damage in the Miami Valley this season: 

• Xenia, who boasts talent at a variety of areas, including a young QB on the rise; Also their coach has invigorated the program since Smitherman left. 
• Ponitz is the early favorite to win the City League, with Stourm White and Dayjuan Anderson leading the charge. 
• And as long as the Miamisburg Vikings have WR-TE Jackson McGohan and LB-RB Akio Perry, they will be a tough battle every week.

(8) The Rise and Fall; Can These Teams Bounce Back After Losing Key Pieces?

Tippecanoe had a banner season, but will lose a few valuable players, along with Centerville, Stebbins, Dunbar and Alter 

• Tipp will lose its all everything player in Cayd Everhart, who dominated on both sides of the ball in a epic season for Red Devils.
• Centerville loses Chase Harrison and Cam Smith, a dynamic duo for their passing game, which will definitely change the strategy a little this season.
• Dunbar loses All-City guys Darien Leslie and Jamar Payton, along with their leader and QB in Nate Roberts, who led them to the City League Championship last season. 
• Stebbins, who were led by Seniors Nate Keller and Omar Holloway, will look to stay atop MVL behind Star senior WR Adrian Norton, who is being heavily recruited by OSU, among other D-1 schools.  
• The Knights had 2 of the most coveted players in Ohio in DL Derrick Shepard Jr and 5-star OSU signee, LB C.J. Hicks. 

Which of these 5 programs will have the best season without its key stars from last season? 

(9) Pirates look to New Leader To Bring Change

 

West Carrollton decided to go get a local from the coaching ranks of Cincinnati as Chris Mobley will be taking over the Pirates. The vibe is that Mobley, a former D-1 baller himself, has given the players and staff new hope, after Dion Black stepped down after last season to go to the Flyght Academy Football team. 

Nevertheless, Mobley completely turned Hughes around in a couple of seasons, and the Pirates are hoping for the same energy.

(10) DHSS Top 100 on Monday

Dayton HS Sports will launch its Pre-Season Top 100 on Monday. 

We will rank the Top Players for the upcoming 2022 season at each position (Top 10).

  The list will be out on Monday morning. 

Follow Us on The Journey!

@DaytonHSSports 

Dayton HS Sports will drop its Top 100 Players on Friday in the Miami Valley. 

Dayton Baller, Centerville Legend Cotie McMahon Leads USA Team to Gold Medal

Dayton Baller, Centerville Legend Cotie McMahon Leads USA U18 Team to Gold Medal

 By Deon Cash

Cotie McMahon, one of the top hoopers in the initial girls HS Class of 2022, is on the fast track to being great at the next level as she led the Team USA U-18 girls squad to a gold medal with a 20-point win in the Gold Medal game.

McMahon dropped a game high 22 points to go with 3 dimes and a couple of boards as she dominated the Championship game for Team USA, and in reality, the entire tournament. 

McMahon was a highlight reel of a junior at Centerville, when it had been reported she was thinking about entering college a year early. At the time, the Elks were a major force, but they lost in the District Finals in McMahon's junior season, which was their most talented team.  

Cotie and her family would have a few discussions about the options, and eventually,  she would make a decision, one that would change her career and life. 

Ohio State was "All In"with McMahon and with good reason,  as she had developed her game and physicality at a D-1 college level by her junior year at Centerville. It was easy to see when she and Bree Hall clashed, as they were the centerpieces of a incredible year of HS hoops in Dayton in 2020-21.  

Hall decided on South Carolina, while McMahon chose OSU. Then it was reported McMahon would be skipping her senior year, which was unheard of, especially with what the Elks had coming back. 

But Cotie wanted to play real minutes as a freshman at OSU, and get a jump on the competition, which she has always been at the top of. This was no more evident than at the Olympics,  as she led the U18 team in scoring in a couple games, including the title game, which she was brillant, to say the least. 

As far as college?  Her grades were top notch in high school, so it wouldn't be a hard transition, since she has always had a great mind. 

 McMahon, is a guard - forward whose playing style is similar to LeBron James in the way that she is a freight train and bully when heading to the rim. She can score at all 3 levels, and is in the Dwayne Wade guard mode of athleticism, meaning, don't be surpised to see her with some suprise in game dunks - on opponents - in a couple of years. 

With the improved range and jumper, and added quickness and explosiveness from working out vigorously in Columbus? 

You see the early results.  She has WNBA Top 5 talent written all over her. 

And trust, there will be plenty more for the residents of Columbus to enjoy, as McMahon will look to help get the Buckeyes back to the Final Four in the next 3 or 4 years. 

Remember, she hasn't set foot on OSU court as a Lady Buckeye yet. 

But for now? Much respect to a young queen of a woman and family who made the decision that has been less traveled, and it benefitted greatly to say the least. Expect a breakout year for McMahon at Ohio State, as she should be a go-to starter from Day 1.

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Dayton Weekly  @DaytonWeek

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Summer Heat: New C-J Transfer, OSU Commit: "We want to Play Cupps & Law;"...Who is Lighting Up Summer AAU Circuit?.. C-J Makin Moves in Baseball

 With high school literally ending, here are the hottest topics on the High School side in the Miami Valley at the end of May. 

(1) OSU Commit Headed to C-J Pops Off At Cupps, Law 

George Washington III, one of three up and coming ballers coming from Texas, will be transferring to C-J this year, per the reports.

Washington, a junior PG, who has already committed to Ohio State, came in blazing after a recent interview. 

Washington was asked about facing Cupps and Law, and said, "How good is Cupps and Centerville? I want to see myself." We want to play them." He's the best? We will see." 

While Washington is a top 50 player and a beast, a lot of guys have "Challenged Cupps" and to no avail. 

While Cupps is one thing, Law is another, as they also mentioned his name in the convo as well.

Be careful young bull, because to be honest? Law and Cupps are rated much lower than they should in those ESPN rankings. 

That C-J vs Centerville game should be amazing this season. Or C-J and Wayne. And while George is the oldest of the 3 brothers, make no mistake; they all can play and will for the Eagles as well. They will join star G Evan Dickey after Jonathan Powell is heading to Centerville to play with the Elks. 

(2) Top Players in AAU Circuit - So Far 

After looking around the circuit, there are a few names popping up with regularity, which makes you wonder about the upcoming season already. Here are a few names to take notes on: 

Juan Cranford - Wayne 

While Rice is on the EYBL and other elite ciruits, Cranford has been dominating the competition all over, most recently in Indianapolis. 

After exploding in the OHSAA Tournament,  he has kept the momentum going through the summer. Expect a bevy of coaches to start flocking into Wayne HS to check out the lefty combo guard with a sniper stroke. 

Tiyah Parker - West Carrollton 

After helping lead the Pirates to their first OHSAA playoff wins in over 20 years, the fab freshman hit the gym and circuit running. She has dominated in the last few events, most recently at athe Knoxville Knockout  and at the Prep Hoops Buckeye Breakdown,.who held their annual event.

Parker has taken it up a level, and as a sophomore she will be asked to do more, but after some MVP showings this summer, she is headed towards a breakout season for a very talented and on the rise Pirates girls team, who already have the likes of sensational sophomore -turned Junior Selena Frost. With that backcourt, it will get scary this season for the Miami Valley League in 22-23.

Dayjuan Anderson - Ponitz 

Anderson has made waves, but not for what u think. The nephew of the late great Dwight Anderson has gotten back to the turf and us already getting offers, as Grand Valley State offered the dynamic hooper. 

For Football that is. 

When he was a freshman Anderson was a WR, and now that he is standing 6'5 and can get up with the best of em and has physically starting to bulk up? 

Could be a breakout season for Anderson and the Ponitz football team. 

Anderson is one of the front runners as the City League Player of the Year in basketball, so this year will get very interesting for the dynamic 2-sport stud.

(3) OHSAA Baseball Playoffs Gets Serious as C-J, Butler Still Rollin

The Chaminade Eagles, 2 -Time State champs, are still alive as they held off Bellbrook 9-8 in a wild one. A walk off homer sent the Eagle nation into a fury, as they will play this weekend as well.

Butler  will face Lebanon today as the Aviators are in the OHSAA D-1 Top 10 State Rankings. A walk-off home run over a tough Centerville team have lifted the co-champs of the MVL this season. 

If you have a nominee for a top player or Organization,  email us or send us a DM 

@DaytonHighSchoolSports  

WNBA Recap: Fever Fall In Series To Atlanta Dream

 WNBA Weekly- SELive365 Style 

Atlanta Sweeps Indiana in Home and Home Series;

Fever Fall to 2-4 

By Deon Cash 

SELive365 Recaps Home and Home Series Between Atlanta -Indiana 

Game 1 –INDY @ ATLANTA (Friday) 

Howard Shines Brightly in 1 vs 2 Rookie Matchup; Mitchell Drops 27 in Loss 

 The Indiana Fever came into the Atlanta series feeling pretty good about the movement they had made, winning 2 straight, and finding a good rhythm to their early season. 

After winning 2 straight to get back to .500, the Fever headed to the ATL to test their luck, and took a tough loss on the road to the Dream in a close one 85-79. The #1 pick of the WNBA showed out with a career high 33 points to move the Dream to 3-1.

 Rhyne Howard was a beast, and led Atlanta, who had 5 players in double figures. Her ability to get her deadly shot off at any time, with the combination of dribble moves was on full display in her “Welcome To The League" performance which wrapped up the WNBA Player of the Week award for Howard.  

NaLyssa Smith, the #2 pick of the draft, was having a good game herself (18pts, 6 reb) before she suffered a ankle injury later in the game. 

Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with a game high 27 in the loss, which drops the Fever to 2-3 on the season.

 GAME 2  –ATLANTA @ INDY  

DREAM USE BALANCED EFFORT TO DEFEAT FEVER IN INDY; HOWARD STARTS FAST TO LEAD BALANCED ATTACK 

The Atlanta Dream used a balanced effort to shut down the Indiana Fever and send them to their second straight loss on the season by the score of 101-79.  

Rhyne Howard led a balanced attack with 19 points, as the Dream took full advantage of a off night by the #2 leading scorer in the WNBA, Kelsey Mitchell. Mitchell and Robinson, the Fever starting backcourt, both had a tough 1st half, and the result was a double-digit advantage for the Dream at the half. 

The Fever would battle, but was outscored all four quarters by Atlanta, who now sit at 4-1 on the early season and have become the surprise team of this 2022 WNBA early season. The Dream had 6 players in double figures en route to a 101-point performance. 

Forward Victoria Vivians paced the Fever in scoring with 16, followed by top rookie C Queen Egbo (12 points, 5 rebs). 

Rookie F Emily Engstler started for the first time (in place of NaLyssa Smith – ankle) and garnered a nice 10-rebound effort in the loss. 

Destanni Henderson, who has become a fan fave already, had 9 points and 2 dimes in 17 minutes, and looks as if she might get more minutes in the rotation in the upcoming games. 

S.E.LIVE365  ANALYSIS  

(Top 5 TAKEAWAYS FROM SERIES)

(1) #1 Draft pick Rhyne Howard is The Real Deal 

Howard showed her versatility, combo moves, deadly jump shot, and lastly, but most importantly, her ability to lead. Howard has helped lead the Dream to a 4-1 record after having the worst record last year. She can play multiple positions and can shoot or distribute, which has been a problem for anyone defending her. A legit superstar in the making. 

(2) #2 Pick NaLyssa Smith was up for the Challenge Until Injury 

Smith has been a good selection, and seemingly was having a breakout game as well, before being sidelined with a ankle injury. 

(3) As Backcourt Goes, So Go the Fever

Kelsey Mitchell has been a MVP Candidate E

early this season, but the last game was a nightmare. Robinson came off a injury and was inserted back into the lineup, but it seems to have shifted the momentum of the team a little bit. Destanni Henderson, the stick of dynamite that fueled the team early, now has to come off the bench and provide that same impact, which the staff will implement in the next games. 

(4) Rookies All Bringing Good Energy;                 More Minutes for Henny, Englster, Hull? 

Emily Englster started her first game and grabbed 10 boards, while Queen Egbo held it down in the paint. Maybe the Fever could let all 5 rookies play at one point, a la the Michigan Fab Five of the 90s. Hull has started to step up and find her range.and footing in the league, and Henny must get more time. Englster will play more until Smith comes back.

(5) Dream will make WNBA Playoffs this season

The Atlanta Dream have all the components to make a run in the WNBA playoffs: Solid Vets to go with a future superstar in Rhyne Howard. Add the fact that she is the reigning WNBA player of the week, and you have a quick turnaround in the ATL. With players such as Cheyenne Parker leading as well, expect some exciting moments and more wins from Atlanta this year. They currently are 4-1. 

NBA Champion To Play at The Invitational

 NBA Champion To Make Appearance at “Invitational”

Daequan Cook, arguably Dayton’ best ever basketball player and a NBA 3-point shooting champion, will be at the Dayton High School Sports Invitational tomorrow,  per the reports.

Cook, who has started his new training program for youth athletes, has also taken up the sport of golf and will come and shoot tomorrow at Community golf course in Kettering, Ohio at the fundraiser. 

Since playing ball in the NBA and overseas Cook has been in the Dayton area working with the youth in basketball. He also has been communicating and talking to the Oklahoma City Thunder brass as he eyes a possible return to the NBA as a trainer, scout, coach, or in some realm.

Cook will headline a variey of local influencers that have decided to show up at the Invitational.

“I’m all about giving back to the kids, so I’m excited to be a part of this.” Cook stated.

There are still spots available for golfers who would like to come out and support the cause and for business who want to be apart of a special new event.

“The reasoning for the event is to create a inner city golf team along with giving away a partial donation to high school senior golfers who deserves it.” Deon Cash, CEO of Dayton HS Sports said. 

You can register by calling 937 397 0491 and texting “Register” for the Invitational. Or just come out tomorrow from 9-1pm. 

“We are very excited for all the people will come out of this first event. We understand it is a growing process and we still have work to do but this is the first of a series of golf outings that we will be launching to raise money for the youth and raise awareness in the inner city.” 

For more info, call DCash at 937 397 0491. 

Jefferson Legend, State Champion Adreian Payne Passes Away Unexpectedly; What Happened?

 Jefferson Legend, State Champion Adreian Payne Passes Away Unexpectedly; What Happened? 

Adreian Payne, arguably the best player to play in Jefferson Bronco history, passed away this last weekend in Orlando, Florida.

Payne, was one of the best big men to ever play in Dayton. He led the Jefferson Broncos to a OHSAA State Title in the mid 2000's. He would go to Michigan State, lead them to a Final Four before being drafted in the NBA by the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

passed away after being shot by his girlfriend's good friends man, who was reportedly in a state of anger.  He knew the man, so he felt like he could try to talk to him. He was good at communicating in intense situations. 

The man, named Lawrence Dority, who was friends with Payne's ex- girlfriend friend, allegedly shot Payne after an argument in which Dority had reached his boiling point.

Payne, who was playing overseas since leaving the NBA after 4 years of service, had just taken a break to get his son Amari together as he was about to undergo a very serious brain procedure which had taken the focus away from basketball for A.P.

Payne was a absolute stud in high school and college, and even made a suprise best friend in Lacey Holsworth, the 8-year old cancer patient who he became buds with him at Michigan State. 

Holsworth would help inspire that team to a Final Four. She would pass away weeks later, which crushed Payne. 

Rest in peace to a guy who was trying to help someone get better. A real legend from Dayton, Payne will be sorely missed. 

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