Dayton District title previews Division I/II
Dayton teams have some big challenges ahead in the District title games. Teams like Wayne and Trotwood should easily cruise into the Regional semifinals. While other teams like Carroll and Fairmont will face a challenge. One thing is for sure, the next few days will give us some great basketball to watch.
Division I
Fairmont vs. Moeller
The Firebirds have definitely been a surprise team in Division I. With solid wins over Butler and Miamisburg, the Firebirds have used a barrage of three point shooting and incredible offensive display to make a run to this district title game. Unfortunately, they meet a Moeller team that is considered one of the top teams in the state. The key will be seeing how Fairmont defends Jaxson Hayes (2018) and the height of the Crusaders.
Wayne vs. Oak Hills
The Warriors have used their athleticism and talent to breeze into this district title game. Oak Hills will be their opponent and will be a challenge as they are riding a 6 game winning streak into this matchup. Darius Quisenberry (2018) and Deshon Parker (2018) will be looked upon to lead the Warriors in this matchup and they are the favorites to win.
Springfield vs. Elder
The Wildcats survived a scare in the sectional final against a talented Sidney team, and now face off against an upset minded Elder team. The Panthers shocked Mason 60-58 and then knocked off Winton Woods 56-51 to get to this district final. Elder is led by Zach Harp (2018), one of the top scorers in the GCL South. The Wildcats are a much deeper team than Elder and is much more athletic and will need to use that athleticism in order to win this matchup.
Division II
Fenwick vs. Thurgood Marshall
In this sectional final, the winner will advance to play Woodward in the District title game. Thurgood is an athletic group that is playing in this game because of Dunbar’s forfeiture. They face off against a Fenwick squad that has been one of the most consistent teams in Dayton this season. For the Cougars to win this one, they will need to contain C.J. Napier (2019) as he is one of the top rebounders in the Dayton area.
Carroll vs. Hughes
The Patriots have won several low scoring games thus far over Graham and Shawnee. They go up against Hughes for a berth in the Regionals. The Big Red have dominated the postseason up to this point and have won by double digits in every game thus far. Giovanni Santiago (2018) continues to impress and is one of the top under-the-radar players in the state. The Patriots will try to match up, but will struggle to compete against the Big Red who excel in attacking in transition.
Trotwood-Madison vs. Chaminade-Julienne
The Rams are one of the top teams in Dayton and have shown how talented they are throughout the season. Holding every opponent thus far under 50 points and scoring over 90 points per game, the Rams have dominated every team they’ve faced. Chaminade-Julienne has found a way to get into this district title after beating Bellbrook and rival Alter. Although the Eagles have competed well, it’s hard to see them knocking off Trotwood.