Dayton Early Top 3 Division 4
Photo Credit: Dale Barger
Today I will predict the top 3 teams in Dayton for Division IV in 2017-18.
- Fort Loramie– The Redskins surprised several people by making a run to the regional finals before falling to eventual regional champion Lima Perry. With several young players returning, this Redskins team has the potential to be the #1 team in Division 4 in Dayton next season.
WHO IS BACK: Evan Berning is a tremendous guard with great potential. Berning has great court vision and good patience offensively. Dillon Braun is the other guard returning for the Redskins. Braun is more of a scorer than Berning and has amazing range from beyond the arc. Braun also has the ability to play physical in the paint. In the frontcourt, Tyler Siegel is the headline returnee. Siegel is a disruptive shot blocker that can affect shots even if he does not get a hand on it. Not only is he a defensive menace, but Siegel is a rebounding machine capable of grabbing 10+ on a given night.
WHO IS LEAVING: Cody Gasson
- Tri-Village– This was a rough season for the Patriots. Suspensions and injuries hurt them early in the season, but it did not stop the Patriots from making it to the regional semifinals before losing to Cincinnati Christian. Next season will be difficult considering they lose a few key seniors, but with Josh Sagester as a coach, there is hope in New Madison.
WHO IS BACK: At point guard, Dillon McCullough (2018) did a great job handling the ball and starting the offense for the Patriots. McCullough handled defensive pressure relatively well and also provided an offensive spark when other key Patriots were being shut out. Jared Buckley (2018) also returns and will be a frontcourt leader for Tri-Village. Buckley is a physical defender especially in the paint, and rebounds the ball extremely well.
WHO IS LEAVING: Gavin Richards, Trace Couch
- Springfield Catholic Central– This may surprise a few people but the Irish are a legitimate contender in 2017-18. Their backcourt is young and they have one of the top under the radar players in the OHC. They lost in the sectional final to Southeastern, but gave the Trojans a run for their money.
WHO IS BACK: Sabien Doolittle is an interesting player that not many people have heard of. Doolittle is an athletic guard capable of dominating a game on both sides of the floor. On one end, Doolittle is a strong rebounder and great attacker with the ball. He posts up well which is rare for a guard. Defensively, he is a shot blocker and is able to jump over defenders when grabbing defensive boards. Doolittle as well as Trey Dunn are two floor leaders capable of leading the Irish next season.
WHO IS LEAVING: Cosmas Catanzaro