Dayton Early Top 10 Division III
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Division III in Dayton this year had several obvious contenders. Expect the same in 2017-18. Here are the top 5 teams in Division III for next season.
- Versailles– It is hard to not pick the Tigers to be the top team next year when they return arguably the best player in Division III. Versailles is still in the tournament and will face Roger Bacon this week in the regionals.
WHO IS BACK: Justin Ahrens (2018) is one of the most explosive players in Division III. He was in the top 10 in every statistical category in the MAC. If Ahrens improves even more in the offseason, this team may be unstoppable. Keaton McEldowney and AJ Ahrens also return for the Tigers. McEldowney is an aggressive guard capable of taking some of the pressure off Ahrens. AJ Ahrens gives Versailles an inside presence capable of grabbing 10+ rebounds per game.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Will there be any help for the Tigers from their bench?
WHO IS LEAVING: Alex Wendel
- Bethel- The Bees are right behind Versailles as the second best team in Division III. After a strong performance in the postseason and an outright CCC title, expect even better things next season.
WHO IS BACK: Caleb South (2018) is one of the most explosive players in the CCC. South is capable of scoring 25-30 points on any given night. Ryan Rose (2018) is his returning backcourt teammate. The two can be the best duo in the CCC next season and are capable of contending again for an outright title.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Who will give the Bees help in the frontcourt?
WHO IS LEAVING: Tyler Terry
- Franklin Monroe- The Jets are a team to watch next season. Led by one of the top under the radar players in Division III, Franklin Monroe may surprise a few people.
WHO IS BACK: The Jets have one of the top under the radar players in Division III in Ethan Conley (2019). Conley is an extremely athletic guard that can shoot the 3 ball and defend against any opponent. He is receiving interest from several schools but should get some offers soon. Parker Hesler is the other returning name to watch. Also a shooter, Hesler and Conley will be a tough 1-2 punch for any opponent.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Who will replace Kam Thurmond in the post as a low post threat?
WHO IS LEAVING: Kameron Thurmond, Mason Conley
- Brookville– The Blue Devils ended a great season by defeat against an undefeated Summit Country Day team in the District title game. Several players are leaving but I believe Brookville will still be a top team next year.
WHO IS BACK: Jacob Gudorf (2019) showed struggles against Summit but throughout this season was a great player. Gudorf was a playmaker and if he was not scoring himself, made his teammates better and put them in positions to score instead.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Who will step up and provide Gudorf with support on the offensive side of the ball?
WHO IS LEAVING: Cody Cox, Dalton Stewart, Tyler Scherer
- Carlisle- The Indians shared the SWBL Buckeye division title this year, but have the potential to win outright next season. Carlisle returns one of the top players in the SWBL to guide them next season.
WHO IS BACK: Justin Flor (2018) is an inside-out scorer. Flor can dominate on the offensive side of the ball, as well as defend well on the other. With several of Carlisle’s other scorers this season graduating, expect Justin to be the go-to guy for the Indians.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Will Carlisle be able to take the next step and compete beyond Sectionals?
WHO IS LEAVING: Adam Goodpastor, Logan Baker