Dayton’s top D3 teams for 2018-19
Photo Credit: Rick Cassano
Last year in Division III, the Top 5 were consistent most of the season. 2018-19 looks to be a little different as the #1 team seems to be the only consistent squad going into November. Madison seems to be the only powerhouse next season with #2-5 being up for grabs. Here are the top 5 teams in Dayton in Division III for 2018-19.
1. Madison- The Mohawks return 4 all-SWBL players for 2018-19. It starts with rebounding guru Levi McMonigle (2019). Although not known for being a high scorer, Levi has potential to grab 12+ rebounds on any given night. When it comes to scoring, look no further than Grant Whisman (2020). A 6’7” guard, Grant can score the ball inside and out, and will score double digits on almost every night. In fact, in 21 games he appeared in this year, Grant hit double digit scoring in all but 3. Matt Gomia (2020) and Mason Whiteman (2019) are two other role guys to watch.
2. Stivers- The Tigers are coming off a 9-13 record and last place finish in the Dayton City League, however they only lose 3 players from their squad. The guys coming back give Stivers hope for the future. Trevon Ellis (2020) is one of the top young point guards in Dayton. Averaging 6 assists per game, Ellis sets up teammates to score while also scoring himself. Allan Latimore (2021) also returns to give Stivers one of the most dominant backcourts. His ability to knock down 3PT shots makes him dangerous to opponents. Keep an eye on Doug Spear (2020) as another backcourt option.
3. Anna- The Rockets lose SCAL Player of the Year Wyatt Bensman but have several juniors returning to give them a chance at defending a SCAL title. Bart Bixler (2020) and Riley Huelskamp (2020) return as well as Griffin Doseck (2019). The biggest issue will be replacing Bensman’s athleticism and talent, but if the three guys above can step up and match his intensity they will definitely be competitive in the Dayton area yet again.
4. Brookville- The Blue Devils were not expected to be as strong of a team in 2017-18 as they lost so much talent the year before. Instead, a 15-9 record is where they finished and they will be expected to have another strong season in 2018-19. It starts with Jacob Gudorf (2019), one of the best pass first point guards in the Dayton area. In addition, Wade Turner (2019) stepped up and became the top scorer for the Blue Devils last season. The two combined form one of the top backcourts in the SWBL. Wes Turner (2019) gives Brookville a strong inside presence, especially on the defensive end as he blocked 2 shots per game.
5. Carlisle- Losing Justin Flor will be a hard pill to swallow for an Indians team that was led by him the past 3 seasons. However, the youth returning give Carlisle a legitimate chance to be competitive team next season. Johnathan Shepherd (2020) showed moments of being a future Flor-caliber scorer as he hit double digit scoring in over half the games this season. Nolan Burney (2021) had a strong showing, playing well as a role player for the Indians. The backcourt has plenty of options however the frontcourt will need someone to step up as Burney and Logan Gross (2019) are the only returning forwards.