Dayton Early Top 5 D3
Photo Credit: Joe Neves
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.
- Versailles– The Tigers still hold the #1 spot in D3. Justin Ahrens (2018) had a huge summer as he decommited from Ohio State. Since then, it seems every school in the country has offered him. One thing we’ve learned since this decommitment, Ahrens is pretty hard to guard. I expect him to continue to dominate and for the Tigers to continue their dominance.
- Bethel– Not much happened this offseason for the Bees. This team is very capable of making a run in March, specifically because of the return of Caleb South (2018) and Ryan Rose (2018). With Versailles returning several key pieces from their roster, it will be difficult for Bethel to be the #1 team but South and Rose definitely will give them a legitimate chance.
- Madison– The Mohawks are a new team in D3 as they come after a few seasons in D2 but this team has lots of potential and will turn some heads. They have one of the top sophomores in the area in Grant Whisman (2020) and return 4 of their top 5 scorers from last season. After taking a few punches in a tough D2 bracket, the Mohawks now have the opportunity to be the more physical team and will likely be a team to watch come November.
- Preble Shawnee– The Arrows had a rough summer as one of their top players, Joey Bates (2018) dealt with injuries, but this team is still a tough team and a legitimate favorite in the SWBL. Levi Lewis (2018) is among multiple returning players as the Arrows also return 4 of their top 5 scorers. Although new to our top 5 rankings, Preble Shawnee will be a great team to watch come November.
- Carlisle– Staying put at #5 just like in March, the Indians have the services of one of the best players in the entire SWBL. Justin Flor (2018) is a do-it-all guy and although several big pieces graduated, Carlisle is still one of the better teams in D3 come November. Flor is the early favorite to be POY in the SWBL and will attract a few college coaches attention by the time he graduates next Spring.