Dayton Early Top 10
Photo Credit: Adam Lacy
Although there are still two weeks left in the season, I think it is time to unveil the really early Top 10 Dayton teams for 2017-18. Today I will focus on Division I. (Note: These predictions are solely predictions. In August, I will do another rankings after all the transfers/other changes go through).
- Wayne (15-9)- After a rough season this year where the Warriors took an early tournament exit, Wayne will look to reload next season as Dayton’s top team.
WHO IS BACK: Wayne returns several big time players next season. Starting in the backcourt, Darius Quisenberry (2018) and Deshon Parker (2018) will be back. Quisenberry is 1st team all-GWOC material and has the potential to be player of the year. Parker provides Quisenberry with support making them one of the best backcourt duos next season. The Warriors also bring back L’Christian Smith (2018). Smith is one of the best football prospects in Ohio, and it is assumed the will be playing basketball next season for Wayne. If he does play, Smith provides Wayne with a physical presence that can defensively guard any position.
WHO IS LEAVING: Isaiah Trice, Ray James, Chandler Fointo
- Sidney (18-6)- The Yellow Jackets had a strong showing this season, including the honor of being the only team in Ohio to knock off Trotwood-Madison. This season is only the beginning of what is to come for Sidney basketball.
WHO IS BACK: The biggest name returning for the Yellow Jackets is point guard Andre Gordon (2019). Gordon has the potential to be the best point guard in Ohio and is definitely 1st team all-GWOC potential. Sidney also returns defensive star Ratez Roberts (2018) and post player Devan Rogers (2018). With all of these pieces returning, Sidney has potential to challenge Wayne as the top team in Dayton in 2017-18.
WHO IS LEAVING: 2 seniors
- Xenia (17-8)- Before losing to Springfield in a close game, Xenia had been one of the hottest teams in Dayton. After a 5-5 start to the season, the Buccaneers went 12-3 the rest of the way. This is a team that beat Fairborn twice and Greenville as well as gave Springfield all they had in their tournament finale.
WHO IS BACK: Samari Curtis (2019) is by far arguably the most explosive player in the GWOC. Having him and his 24.1 points per game back next year will make the Buccaneers a nightmare to stop defensively. Meechi Harris (2018) is another starter returning for the Buccaneers.
WHO IS LEAVING: Kobe Hughlett, Ricky Williams
- Springboro (13-12)- The Panthers had an up and down season to say the least. They played well against several teams including Wayne, Franklin, Sidney, and Kings but also took losses against Alter, Dunbar, and Lebanon. Even with the losses, the Panthers overcame strong odds for the season. After losing Alec Holtrey early in the year, some would have expected the Panthers to struggle but instead they finished the year above .500.
WHO IS BACK: The Panthers return their frontcourt of Thomas Arrington (2018) and Noah Kelley (2018). Although not known for scoring, both young men are tremendous rebounders and with offseason work, can be molded into scorers. Although the Panthers lose several key players, their ability to compete with some great teams this year as well as compete without one of their top players all season makes them a threat next season.
WHO IS LEAVING: Trey Varinsky, Christian James, Alec Holtrey, Nick Pluta
- Miamisburg (11-13)- With only 3 seniors on roster this season, the Vikings went through some growing pains. They struggled against some of Dayton’s top teams but also lost to several weaker teams throughout the season. The experience gained however will help the Vikings next year as they look to improve.
WHO IS BACK: Duncan Hall (2019) is a future star for the Vikings. He averaged a double-double for the season and has plenty of time to improve even more. The Vikings also return Eric Boykin (2018) at the guard position and Jason Hubbard (2018) in the frontcourt.
WHO IS LEAVING: 3 seniors
- Centerville (17-8)- The Elks had a fantastic run this postseason. They fell to Mason in the District title game on Saturday. However, next season will be a different picture for the Elks.
WHO IS BACK: Donnie Shelton (2018) demonstrated throughout the season he can lead the team when Keegan Saben was defended hard. He has a great 3 point touch and good pall control that the Elks will need since they are losing Saben. The other starter returning is Jevon Henderson (2018). Brooks Cupp has proven he is a great coach and he can lead this Centerville team well. The biggest question for next season will be if Shelton or Henderson can become the scorer for this team.
WHO IS LEAVING: Keegan Saben, Sam Lash
- Beavercreek (9-14)- The Beavers season did not go great this season, but next year should be a much better improvement. Although losing 4 seniors the Beavers return some key players that will help them next season.
WHO IS BACK: When healthy, Jon Alessandro (2018) is one of the best under-the-radar players in Dayton. At 6’6, Alessandro is an inside-out player capable of doing damage from beyond the arc as well as inside. The Beavers also return Chris Herbort (2020) a sharp-shooter with great vision. With the offense likely being worked through Alessandro, the Beavers should show more improvement on the offensive side next year.
WHO IS LEAVING: Peyton Young, Cedric Baldwin
- Springfield (22-3)- It’s hard to imagine after a fantastic season this year that Springfield might be taking a huge step back in 2017-18. However graduation will hit the Wildcats hard and there are still big questions as to who will return next year.
WHO IS BACK: As of right now, Michael Wallace (2018) and Leonard Taylor (2018) are the biggest names returning. However, Taylor is a star football player and although he has not hinted of not playing, there is a chance he could focus on football and not play basketball for the Wildcats next year. Wallace will be looked upon to fill the holes in the backcourt by losing Mike McKay and Danny Davis.
WHO IS LEAVING: Michael McKay, Danny Davis
- Bellefontaine (18-6)- The Chieftans are the only team that is not a GWOC member in this top 10. They have potential to be even higher once the season begins. They’re not losing lots of talent and the players they do return can be leaders.
WHO IS BACK: Jack Clement (2019) will be the go-to-guy in the backcourt in the winter next season. Clement showed vast improvement as the season progressed and was a big reason for Bellefontaine’s victory of Beavercreek in the tournament this year. The Chieftans also return post player Spencer George (2018).
WHO IS LEAVING: Dawsin Tillman
- Farimont (10-13)- The Firebirds may not have had a great record, but they showed they have potential in the future. They had victories over Sidney, Bethel, and Xenia throughout the season. I expect them to show vast improvement next season.
WHO IS BACK: The backcourt duo of Kellan Bochenek (2019) and Jack Hendricks (2018) is one of the most underrated duos in Southwest Ohio. Bochenek has incredible court vision and can be one of the top point guards in the coming years. Hendricks has the potential to be the best shooter in the GWOC next season. Dylan Crutchfield (2018) is a name to watch as well.
WHO IS LEAVING: Jansen Davidson, Kamron Drollet