Way too Early Favorites SW Ohio Division II
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2020-21 saw a local team make a run to the State Tournament but some may argue it was not the team expected, Regardless, Division II had quite a few teams that were competitive and this upcoming season could see some…
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Continue Reading2020-21 saw a local team make a run to the State Tournament but some may argue it was not the team expected, Regardless, Division II had quite a few teams that were competitive and this upcoming season could see some great matchups between some of these teams. Here are the very early favorites in DIvision II in Southwest Ohio. Note: Subject to change due to transfers, AAU, injuries, etc.
Alter– The Knights took an exit in the Sectional Finals last year to GCL Coed Rival Chaminade-Julienne. Some believe had the Knights faced another team then the Eagles, they could have possibly won a District title. Now, the Knights look ahead to 2021-22 with 4 starters returning and a plethora of youth ready to grow. Jacob Conner Jacob Conner 6'7" | PF Alter | 2022 State OH (2022) has become one of the highly recruited players in the Dayton area and has already attracted the attention of multiple D1 programs. Conner is one of the most unselfish playmakers you’ll find. The junior trio of Anthony Ruffalo, AJ Leen, and Gavin Geisel Gavin Geisel 6'0" | SG Alter | 2023 State OH have really stepped into their roles and forced defenses to account for all 3 on every given night. Winning a GCL title is quite obtainable the next 2 seasons with the group they have.
Dunbar– Tony Dixon’s squad fell short of a deep postseason run as they ran into a Carroll team that used a slower paced and methodical style of play to defeat the Wolverines early in the tournament. While Dunbar loses some guys that transferred in a year ago, there’s still a lot to optimistic about, especially in the junior class. Twins Antaune and Antone Allen Antone Allen 6'4" | SF Dunbar | 2023 State OH really stepped into increased roles as the season progressed, with Antaune arguably being one of the Wolverines best scoring options as the season advanced. Fellow junior Randy Latham showed a lot of bounce and athleticism throughout the season and will take over PG responsibilities. Senior Darian Leslie had moments throughout the year of being a special player, but will need to translate this to every night. Defending their City League title shouldn’t be out of reach, but avoiding another upset in the tournament will come down to can they keep composure when slowed down.
Oakwood– I may be in the minority here, but I think Oakwood could sneak up on teams this year and potentially have a squad capable of competing in the SWBL Southwestern Division. 4 starters are back and arguably one of the best duos in Dayton returns. Senior Keon Wright Keon Wright 6'0" | PG Oakwood | 2022 State OH showed his scoring capabilities in the SWBL after transferring over from Fairmont. His explosiveness off the bounce and shot creation in the midrange makes him difficult to defend. He combined with Will Maxwell Will Maxwell 6'5" | SF Oakwood | 2023 State OH (2023) have a good chance to be the best in the SWBL. Maxwell has great size for a guard and excelled playing his natural position after playing in the frontcourt his freshman campaign. Seniors Jack Epley and Jason Hu played well at times and have the experience to be role guys around Maxwell and Wright. This Lumberjacks team found themselves competing with Trotwood last tournament and showed grit and toughness playing with them. The experience returning is enough to make things difficult for the likes of Franklin in the SWBL.
Taylor– The Jackets were in a similar boat as Dunbar as they ran into a upset-minded Monroe team early in the tournament and fell by 1. Their best player from a season ago is back and has a nice supporting cast capable of competing in Cincinnati and within the CHL. Danny Austing Danny Austing 6'0" | SG Taylor | 2022 State OH (2022) first impressed me with his scoring abilities last AAU season and only continued this trend in 2020-21 averaging 18 points per game. His ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor makes him such a tough backcourt player to prepare for. Harry Hilvert (2022) will also be back along with Johnny Kearns(2022) to lead an experienced group back into the postseason. This team beat the likes of Aiken and Wyoming during the season and showed success against most of the CHL. Hard to pick against them again with the experience back.
Woodward– This upcoming year has to be “The Season” for Woodward as they fell short again, this time in OT to Wyoming in the Sectional Finals. On paper, there might not be many other teams coming into the 2021-22 season at this point in time that can compete with the Bulldogs. Paul McMillan IV Paul McMillan IV 6'2" | PG Woodward | 2022 State #229 Nation OH (2022) is one of the best pure scorers you will find in the State. The 6’2 PG has such a quick first step and is so shifty around the rim forcing defenses to double and triple team him on the drive. Kanye Moreland Kanye Moreland 5'11" | CG Cincinnati Woodward | 2023 State OH (2023) looked great along with McMillan and showed he could run the offense the few times McMillan was not. Moreland already had good size as an underclassman and will only continue to impress as he grows. Keliese Frye (2022) didn’t jump off the page offensively, but his size at 6’6 and athleticism protecting the rim made him an intriguing prospect to watch during the Bulldogs Sectional Final game against Wyoming. Winning in the CMAC is going to be hard when teams like Taft and Aiken are returning so much of their talent, but having a guy like McMillan makes it hard to see Woodward not competing again and possibly making a District Title for the first time since 2018.
Others- C-J, Hughes, Trotwood, Wyoming