5 Bold Predictions in the MBC
Photo Credit: John Bombatch
The Metro Buckeye Conference has been the home for several D3 and D4 teams in Dayton for several years. Last season we saw several schools show signs of being tough teams come 2018-19. Whether it be traditional power Dayton Christian, or new kids on the block Legacy Christian and Emmanuel Christian, there appears to be several teams capable of making some noise starting in November. Here are our 5 bold predictions for the MBC.
1. Legacy Christian will win the MBC title
The Knights had a great season last year after finishing 18-7 in route to a 3rd place finish in the MBC. This season the Knights will take the necessary steps to win the regular season title. Leading scorer Erik Uszynski (2019) returns as well as defensive speacialist Keano Hammerstrom (2019) in the backcourt. 4 of the top 5 scorers from one year ago return and give the Knights a legitimate chance of taking home a MBC title this year.
2. Emmanuel Christian’s postseason run last season will continue into 2018-19
The Lions were by far the Cinderella team in Dayton last season. With wins against Franklin-Monroe (70-54) and Tri-Village (61-48), Emmanuel Christian made it all the way to the District final before falling against Russia. This season will be an opportunity for the Lions to show those wins were no coincidence. Adonis Davis (2019) is the top returning player and gives the Lions a weapon offensively as well as on the glass. In the backcourt, Fred Shropshire (2020) comes back and gives Emmanuel a great guard capable of setting up teammates with ease.
3. If Legacy Christian stays healthy and can shoot the 3PT shot better, they could be District champs
Last season injuries hurt the Knights and was a reason why they struggled near the middle of the season. Uszynski and Hammerstrom specifically battled injuries which took them out of a game. If the Knights can stay healthy throughout the season, a postseason run in D4 is very possible. Another area that Legacy will need to improve is their outside shooting. Last season the team shot 30% from behind the arc, and their top shooter has since graduated. A new shooter will need to step up if they are going to be competitive in the MBC.
4. Anton Webb will win POY
This summer has been a breakout session for the Dayton Christian senior. Webb (2019) has been a defensive nightmare for opponents with his 6’7” stature. One of the top rebounders in the MBC last year, Anton is the top returning player and we predict he will win POY. Webb reminds me of recently graduated James Anderson from Troy Christian in that his height advantage makes him such a great player and a strong rebounder.
5. Troy Christian will not finish in the top 2
Since 2011, Troy Christian has finished as either runner-up or champions in the MBC. For the first time since then, we see the Eagles potentially finishing at the bottom of the conference. All-MBC players Ben Schenk and James Anderson graduate and leave big gaps for Troy Christian to fill. Coach Ray Zawadzki has shown he can rebuild and reload this team, but this season might be one of his toughest yet. Keep an eye on Jackson Kremer (2019) and Connor Case (2019) to try and fill these voids.