Dayton’s Top Seniors This Season
While researching the Dayton area for this article, we concluded that the 937 is a hotbed for guards! Fifteen of the 19 prospects below play on the perimeter, led by several lead guards that have given GWOC coaching staffs headaches for the last several years.
Kellan Bochenek, 6’4” W, Fairmont
Bochenek possesses the type of versatility, size, and efficient scoring ability that should put him at a premium among college coaches. Averaging 16.4 points a night and shooting the 3-ball at better than 40 percent. Bochenek defends multiple positions and is uniquely qualified to block shots at the rim given his help-side instincts and length.
Ethan Conley, 6’3” W, Franklin Monroe
Conley’s physicality on the wing is a mismatch and his nightly averages of 28.7 points and 11.9 rebounds reflect said advantage. He can also score the ball with skill, especially in the mid-range. Strong frame allows him to defend taller defenders. The FM star will join one of the top Division II programs in the state next season in Ashland.
Jack Clement, 5’10” PG, Bellefontaine
The unsigned point guard has an impressive ability to see the floor while moving at a sprint’s pace towards the rim. Quick with the ball in his hands. Should make for a very nice point guard at a Division III college going forward. Clement leads the Central Buckeye Conference with his 20.2 points per game average.
Samari Curtis, 6’4” G, Xenia
The OHSAA’s version of James Harden, Curtis has scored 40 points in five of his last eight games. In the other three, he’s averaging a measly 32.7.
Curtis is a future Cincinnati Bearcat with unlimited shooting range off the dribble. He disgraces defenders with separation moves and is the definition of “shifty.” Curtis gets to the free throw line better than any guard I’ve seen since I’ve been doing this — averaging 12.2 attempts at the line through 16 games. Although Xenia is 10-7, he just might be 2019’s Mr. Basketball.
Amari Davis, 6’4” G, Trotwood
Davis is a mid-range savant who scores 27.3 points per game despite attempting less than 10 3-pointers all season. Terrific first step and rhythm on his one-dribble pull-up. The Green Bay commit also has elite finishing ability with his left-hand (dominant hand). Twitchy defensive instincts and uses his length to disrupt passing lanes. Davis, though, is likely most concerned with getting over the hump and winning a State Title after falling short in the final four the last two seasons.
Sabien Doolittle, 6’4” W/F, Springfield Catholic Central
Doolittle poses a mistmatch for small wings and slow-footed forwards. He’s a tweener prospect who shows an ability to make a play going to the rim off the bounce. At 13-2, Springfield CCHS has a chance to make noise in the Division IV postseason. Doolittle is capable of a double-double every night — averaging 15.5 points and 8.6 rebounds.
Milton Gage, 5’11” G, Chaminade-Julienne
Numbers don’t lie, right? 17.6 points a night. 4.9 rebounds at 5’11”. Most importantly, CJ is 16-1. Yes – we’d say Gage is having a pretty good season. Plays with inspiring hustle on the defensive end, whether it’s on-ball or taking a charge. Tough, athletic combo guard who has become increasingly dangerous as a mid-range scorer. Improving passer.
Andre Gordon, 6’2” G, Sidney
Gordon recently broke the all-time scoring record at Sidney. Future Virginia Tech Hokie is a dynamic shot-creator off the dribble. Uncanny ability to finish over the defense, whether that’s a high-flying finish or contested jumper. Gordon and the Jackets are 13-3 and a real threat to win a district. Averaging 23.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists.
Jacob Gudorf, 6’2” G, Brookville
Gudorf is filling up the stat sheet in gaudy fashion, especially in the last few weeks. Triple-doubles against Eaton and Covington stand-out, but the big lead guard has been posting impressive numbers all season. Gudorf plays with a good feel and uses his size to get into the lane. Brookville has been one of the state’s best in Division III this season at 14-2.
Ryan Hall, 6’4” G, Fairmont
Hall’s best showing of the season came in the 2019 Flyin’ to the Hoop opening game. He put a season-high 28 points up on Crestwood Prep out of Canada that night and drew notoriety from every scout in attendance. As we saw that night, the best version of Hall involves using his athleticism to attack the basket and rebound. Rather ambidextrous prospect that is able to hang in the air for finishes.
Ronnie Hampton, 5’10” G, Wayne
Hampton is an aggressive slashing guard who shows tremendous ball-handling talent in tight spots. Drives directly at defenders and is capable of scoring through the teeth of the defense. Gaudy assist-turnover ratio of 5.8-2.2, which speaks to Hampton’s feel and poise in the paint.
Kendal James, 5’9” PG, Tipp City Bethel
James ranks in the top four of the Cross County Conference in points (17.9), rebounds (8.6), and assists (4.6). Bethel graduated two tremendous guards last season and the rising senior entered the season prepared to fill the void. Quick kid with an ability to get to the basket.
Michael Kreill, 6’1” PG, Butler
Kreill is the leading scorer for the 15-2 Aviators. Their only two losses have come to Sidney and Trotwood. Our favorite piece of Kreill’s game, though, is his on-ball defensive ability. Able to sit down and slide his feet against quick ball-handlers.
Shaunn Monroe, 5’11”, Fairborn
Earning his first scholarship offer from Thomas More on Jan. 15, Monroe has established himself as 2019’s Dayton stock-riser. The 25-a-night scorer is crafty. Scores around the rim in creative ways and is able to change gears in an instance. Shooting 3-pointers at better than 40 percent. Adds 4.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 4.0 steals per night.
RaHeim Moss, 6’3” W, Springfield
Moss dazzles crowds with brilliant flashes of athleticism. The two-sport (football) Division I prospect uses elite strength to rebound and finish in traffic. Moss is best when the game speeds up and he can make plays in transition. Springfield is 11-5 with losses to Moeller, Prolific Prep (CA), Bradley, Upper Arlington, and Pickerington Central.
CJ Napier, 6’4” W/F, Fenwick
Napier is one of the most underrated Division II prospects available in the class. Plays the right way and is a tremendous passer for a small forward. Thrives when the game slows down and finishes from tough angles. Strong frame to go along with a capable 3-point jumper.
Garett Powell, 6’6” F, Springboro
Powell combines power and skill better than almost any Ohio prospect 6’6” or taller. A reliable face-up shooter and ball-handler, Powell can also punish defenders at 220 pounds. He is averaging 15.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.
Anton Webb, 6’7” F, Dayton Christian
Webb is an intriguing forward prospect who will spend a year on Spire’s post-grad team next year. Tremendous versatility at the power forward spot. Lengthy and athletic kid that can put the ball on the floor a little bit. He has also dominated the boards in his conference, corralling 9.3 a game to go with 15.6 points.
Erik Uszynski, 6’5” F, Legacy Christian
The Metro Buckeye Conference has had no answer for Uszynski and LCA this season. They’re 10-0 in the conference and their senior center has been dominant in the paint. Good ground game as a post scorer who looks to finish with power. Top three in the conference in both points (15.8) and rebounds (9.0).