5 Bold Predictions in the GWOC
Photo Credit: John Bombatch
The GWOC has always been one of the best leagues in the Dayton area, especially for basketball. With the majority of the teams partaking in the Division I tournament, usually the sectional finals consist of GWOC teams. Plenty of talented players have made it to the college ranks after playing high school basketball in the GWOC. After a big season last year where two GWOC teams made the Regional round in Division I and the state runner-up in Division II, the GWOC will try and send several teams again. Here are 5 predictions for the GWOC in 2018-19.
1. Sidney will struggle without the help of Andre Gordon
One person can’t make a team, but Andre Gordon (2019 PHO #7) definitely helped out. The point guard will be sorely missed but moves on to a talented Huntington Prep team for the Winter. In the meantime, Ratez Roberts (2019 PHO #123) and Josiah Hudgins (2019) will be tasked with taking over the scoring and be the leaders of the team. The Yellow Jackets have a legitimate chance of winning the GWOC North but it will be tough to compete in Division I come postseason play.
2. Springfield and Trotwood will be the top two teams in 2018-19
The Wildcats and Rams have plenty of talent coming back and will be the clear favorites in the GWOC in 2018-19. For Springfield, the backcourt is where they will dominate. RaHeim Moss (2019 PHO # 39), JaJuan Rodgers (2019 PHO # 89), and Sam Towns (2019 PHO # 63) make up the three man offense that will lead the Wildcats. The defensive end is where Trotwood will be the stars. Amari Davis (2019 PHO #4) is a great on the ball defender and disrupts passing lanes while Justin Stephens (2019 PHO #45) defends the basket as a big time shot blocker.
3. Miamisburg will defend their title in the GWOC West
The Vikings lost Jason Hubbard and with him leaving, lose his 17 points per game. They return 4 of 5 starters however and have the most talent returning compared to the rest of the division. Duncan Hall (2019) is the top returner and will provide the Vikings with a much needed boost on the defensive end of the floor. If Hall plus Brett Hensley (2019) can score the basketball as well as Hubbard did a year ago, Miamisburg can be a force to reckon with throughout the season in 2018-19.
4. Samari Curtis will be Player of the Year
Originally this would have been a toss-up between Curtis and Andre Gordon. With Gordon now heading to Huntington Prep, it makes Samari Curtis (2019 PHO #3) the top player and the favorite for POY in 2018-19. Samari has proven in the past he can score the basketball anywhere on the floor and there’s no reason to believe he won’t do it again in 2018. Previously commited to Xavier, Curtis is now decommited and opened up his recruitment again. It will be tough for teams to contain him as he can easily take over a game offensively with his midrange and dribble drive.
5. At least one GWOC team will be District champs
The clear favorites would be Springfield in Division I and Trotwood-Madison in Division II. Three teams that could surprise everyone with a deep tournament run is Miamisburg, Xenia, and Centerville. Miamisburg has the experience to help them, Xenia returns several pieces to assist Samari Curtis, and Centerville has one of the top rising prospects in Mo Njie (2020 PHO #49). The Rams seem more likely to make a run than Springfield due to the talent drop in DII.