Dayton Early Top 5 D1
Photo Credit: Adam Lacy
Back in March, I did a way too early Top 10 ranking. With the summer leagues and team camps ending, it’s time to show the updated rankings. These rankings take into account several factors. These factors include: Any coaching changes, divisional changes, transfers, summer league results, and individual player improvement.
- Wayne– The Warriors maintain their spot as the top D1 team in Dayton for next season. One of the biggest issues Wayne had was they lost head coach Travis Trice in May as he took over the girl’s basketball program at Wayne. As a result, Kevin Kuwik was hired as he takes over at his first high school program after being an assistant coach for the University of Dayton last year. There is some concern since this is first high school job, but Kuwik is a great coach that is inherited a very talented team. Darius Quisenberry (2018) had a great offseason seeing a vast improvement in his recruitment. He now has offers from several MAC and Horizon League schools. L’Christian Smith (2018) also saw his recruitment spike, but on the gridiron.
- Sidney– If Wayne had hired anyone else as their new coach, the Yellow Jackets could have very easily taken over the number 1 spot in Dayton. Andre Gordon (2019) had a great AAU season and Ratez Roberts (2019) has seen improvement in his game as well. Guard Isaiah Bowser (2018) commited to Northwestern for football since the last rankings were released. The Yellow Jackets will be difficult to pick against considering they return 5 starters from last season making them one of the most experienced teams in Dayton come next year.
- Xenia– The Buccs had a relatively quiet offseason as there was not much to report. Samari Curtis (2019) picked up his first offer from the University of Akron during what was a great summer for him with All-Ohio. Although they did not have any big time news, Xenia still is a dangerous team come November. Curtis is one of the best scorers in the conference and alongside returning starter Meechi Harris (2018) the duo are incredible athletes.
- Miamisburg– The Vikings move up a spot from number 5 to number 4 but are also the highest risk to drop out of these rankings. The reason for the rise is the continued improvement from Duncan Hall (2019) and Kort Justice (2018). The reason for the possible fallout is Hall verbally commited to play baseball at the University of Louisville. There is a chance he may not play next season for the Vikings. For now I am assuming he will be on the floor come opening night and he is such a difference maker it is hard to see Miamisburg struggle. On the other hand, if he announces he will not play, Miamisburg will be in a lot of trouble.
- Centerville– The Elks also make an upward move in the rankings as they move from number 6. Donnie Shelton (2018) had a great summer and showed he is read to help fill the void the Elks have from losing Keegan Saben to graduation. This was one of the biggest question marks for this team as Saben and Sam Lash were two of their best players. Now with Shelton and Jevon Henderson (2018) coming back, Centerville will be a huge threat to the GWOC and Dayton.
3 more to keep an eye on–
Beavercreek, Fairmont, Franklin