Top Dayton Sectional games
Photo credit: Bryant Billing
The sectional round during OHSAA play tends to be on the lighter side as many top teams draw lower seeded teams. AS a result, many blowouts occur and usually the games are not as fun to watch. Sometimes however, we do get some great matchups early on and give us a sneak preview of what to expect in the later rounds. The below previews are for several sectional matchups to watch in the Dayton area this week.
Butler vs. Fairmont
The Aviators will prepare for a test as they face a Fairmont team fresh off of a 32 point blowout win over Xenia. Both teams have different styles of play. Butler focuses more in a half-court offense running a continuous motion offense while Fairmont likes to break out in transition and try and use their many shooters to their advantage. The key in this game is which team controls the tempo. If Butler can keep the game close and use their half-court offense to their advantage, they have a chance of winning.
Miamisburg vs. Belmont
In another great Division I matchup, Miamisburg matches up with an athletic Belmont team. The Vikings have been one of the top teams in Division I this season, only losing once in 2018. Belmont has been a surprise this season as well pulling off a 15 win season. Currently riding a 3 game winning streak, the Bison will face quite a challenge against a Miamisburg team that has found success against multiple Division I teams this season. The key in this one will be if Belmont can control the tempo and contain Jason Hubbard (2018).
Urbana vs. Shawnee
This Division II matchup serves as a rematch between the two CBC teams. Their last meeting ended with Shawnee winning 49-39. Expect another low scoring matchup as the Braves play a slower paced style of play offensively, hence why they averaged less than 50 points per game this season. For Shawnee to win again, they will need to find a way to stop CBC Player of the Year Levi Boettcher (2018) and his 15.4 points per game. For the Hillclimbers, they will need to control the ball better as they committed 12 turnovers in their loss last season.
Preble Shawnee vs. Dayton Christian
The Warriors are winners of 7 straight while Preble Shawnee has won 7 of their last 8. The Arrows have been one of the highest scoring teams in the SWBL averaging just less than 60 points per game and are led by senior Joey Bates (2018). Dayton Christian is a talented team, however there are questions about the talent level they have faced. For them to be successful, they will need to feed Matt Welker (2018) the ball and hold off the Arrows on the glass.