Kettering District Stock Risers: Non-Seniors

Last night’s triple-header at the University of Dayton was thoroughly entertaining. We saw competitive basketball by guys who were truly battling to keep their State Championship hopes alive. What we saw was good basketball, in part because of the teams. But also, in large part to the premier individual performances. Let’s look at those individual players who exceeded expectations last night… Amari Davis (2019), 6’4” G, Trotwood Madison Davis is rightfully ranked as a top five prospect in the sophomore class. His hangtime on finishes is elite, making him exceptional in transition. We had questions about his jump shot, but Davis consistently converted from the mid-range. Anything within 15 feet is a great shot for Davis. Elite athlete.   Myles Belyeu (2018), 6’4” G, Trotwood Madison Belyeu looks like a Division I linebacker on the basketball court. He utilizes that strength when attacking the basket in the half-court. Belyeu also showed some finesse on those drives. He is not a liability to be called for the charge. He also fits the Trotwood prototype by playing with maximum effort defensively. Belyeu has been a personal favorite in the two games watched this season, and will be high on the radar this summer.   Levi Boettcher (2018), 6’5” F/W, Urbana Boettcher was one of the few Urbana players who looked comfortable in the loss. He usually caught the first pass in their offense, right around the elbow. From there, Boettcher attacked the rim with some athleticism. Boettcher also made some solid passes when a defender stepped in front of him. He led Urbana with 15 points, including going 7-7 from the free throw line. Interested to see which position he fits best at in the grassroots season. His perimeter skills were unexpected.   Eli Ramsey (2018), 6’3” G, Dayton Carroll Ramsey is terrific around the rim — physical finisher for his size who also can hang in the air. From outside, his jump shot seems to be the biggest question mark. On defense, he was tasked with guarding 6’6” Malek Green most of the night. He forced Green into frustration by hardly allowing him to catch in the post. Ramsey is an emerging Division II prospect.   Caleb McConnell (2018), 6’5” G, Dayton Dunbar When it was tight late in the fourth, nobody wanted the ball more than McConnell. A personal five-point scoring outburst sealed the game for Dunbar. He followed up that offensive production by diving for a loose-ball and forcing a turnover, via a jump ball. McConnell has a lot of moves he can go to off the dribble in the mid-range. He likened himself to Shaun Livingston when we spoke last summer, and it’s an apt comparison. With his height and dribbling ability, he can find his shot at any time. McConnell is a top ten player in a loaded 2018 class. Stat line: 19 points (8-9 on field goals, 3-3 on free throws), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, 1 turnover.   DeVon Baker (2018), 6’2” G, Dayton Dunbar It was a tale of two halves for Baker. In the first, he was 0-5 from the field. Baker still was able to defer to McConnell and Storm Cook however. In the second half, Baker scored 17 points. Baker can shoot off the dribble well, especially off the screen. Clearly not one who is going to shy away from the moment.   Evan Prater (2020), 6’4” W/G, Wyoming Prater isn’t asked to do much creating on offense. He showed some nice finishing ability in transition. Held his own defensively, guarding McConnell for large portions of the night. While McConnell got the better of him most times, Prater contested most shots. With some more experience, Prater could develop into a nice prospect. He has the physical tools.   Joey Edmonds (2019), 5’10” PG, Wyoming Edmonds is a stud. His confidence was off the charts, as he came out aggressive from all over the floor. Edmonds is a chippy player, not afraid to throw a little extra into the off-ball screen. He’s also very skilled though. Edmonds has a nice handle. Excellent off-ball as a cutter. Don’t be surprised if a low-major takes interest in Edmonds this coming summer.