Dayton’s Top Teams in 2020

Although the boys high school season ended three days ago, it is never too late to take a look at 2020 and our teams to watch. Several of the teams in the below list were contenders that feel short in the postseason. Between all of them, there are plenty of players that will have an opportunity to increase their stock in 2020, and should become leaders for their respective teams. Here are the teams to watch in 2020. Thurgood Marshall The Cougars will come back in November as District Runner-Ups after falling to Trotwood-Madison in the District Final. Mekhi Elmore (2022) had an incredible freshman campaign and made himself known as one of the premier players in the Dayton City League for the future. Elmore accompanied by Anthony McComb (2021) will form one of the best duos in Southwest Ohio and could see the Cougars winning a District title next year. If Chanze Amerson (2021) can stay healthy, he will only add to Thurgood’s chances. Chaminade-Julienne C-J took an early exit from the tournament this season, but 2020 should be a different outcome. Although they will be without coach Joe Staley, the Eagles return plenty of talent. Dan Nauseef (2021) leads the way as the top rebounder while Brandon Gibson (2020) is the top returning scorer from last year. A.J. Solomon (2021) is the top backcourt player and will take over the PG duties after C-J graduates their entire starting backcourt. Playing in the tough GCL will prepare the Eagles for the postseason. Stivers The Tigers return so much talent from their Regional qualifier. It starts with their backcourt Trevon Ellis (2020) and Allan Latimore (2021). Ellis orchestrates the offense so well while Latimore gives Stivers a consistent sharpshooting option. Doug Spear (2020) and Da’Juan Allen (2020) are athletic defensive options that play tough every night. Although the Tigers fell short of a Regional title, they should return in 2020 as the favorites out of Dayton in Division III. Wayne The Warriors had an unorthodox finish to last season, going 14-10 and being eliminated in the Sectional Tournament. 2020 should be a new look for Wayne as they look to improve vastly from then. Cam Fancher (2021) returns after providing support off the bench a year ago. 2020 will see his role vastly change as well as Malcolm Curry (2021). Both guards are great defenders and should see themselves as some of the leaders in steals in the GWOC. 2020 should also allow us to see Jalen Orwig (2020) step up after only appearing in 2 games in 2019. Legacy Christian 2019 was a year to remember for the Knights, but will also be remembered for what could have been. Legacy Christian won their first MBC title in basketball and received the #1 seed in Dayton for the D4 tournament. Instead of a deep postseason run, the Knights fell to Newton in the Sectional round. Fortunately, Legacy returns plenty of talent to continue their success into next season. It starts with Mike Sharavjamts (2022) and Roman Newsome (2021) running the show. Newsome is the leading returning scorer from last season while Sharavjamts led in assists and is definitely the top prospect to watch for the Knights. Jonathan Riddle (2021) also comes back and gives Legacy another outside shooting weapon.