Dayton’s Best: 2021 Edition

<p>Photo Credit: Eric Hickey</p> <p>As part of the 4 part series on under-the-radar performers this season, I take a look at the most impressive names so far in the 2021 class. Similar to the 2020 piece, many of the names will be new to viewers, but with them only be juniors these could be names that blow up as we enter the next year after this.</p> <p>Dan Nauseef (Chaminade-Julienne)- 11 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks</p> <p>Nauseef has been one of the most impressive players so far this early in the season and he arguably has been one of the biggest stock risers as well. While he isn’t known to be one of the more explosive scorers, he does his job on the glass. The 6’6 junior center did just this against a very good Thurgood Marshall team, pulling down 15 rebounds in an OT win. A much improved interior player, he has become a target for NAIA and D3 schools looking for a true post player</p> <p>Sam Severt (Carroll)- 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists</p> <p>Severt was not thought to be a high scoring option for the Patriots, but has instead emerged as one of Carroll’s best backcourt scoring options. This was shown in a loss against Purcell Marian where Severt went off for 22 points. It will be interesting to see how he plays against Alter and Chaminade-Julienne who have much deeper backcourts than some of the teams Carroll has faced so far this season.</p> <p>Jakob Reed (Stebbins)- 16 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists</p> <p>Reed has shown he can be an alternative option for the Indians anywhere on the floor. With the Indians having a deep backcourt, he gives depth and overall talent to this Stebbins team that is playing quite well to start the year off. He has shown this in games against Tippecanoe and Greenville what he has potential to do.</p> <p>Jonathan Riddle (Legacy Christian)- 15 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists</p> <p>The Knights have struggled this season after losing all of their starters from the year prior. Riddle was forced to step into a leadership role and now has proven he can step into the role with no issues. Currently 4th in the MBC in rebounds and 2nd in assists, the 6’5 forward has transitioned into his new role with flying colors. He must continue to keep a positive outlook for the Knights as they try and continue to stay competitive.</p> <p>Trent Koning (Cedarville)- 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals</p> <p>You know you are a special player when you put up Trent’s stats and realize he isn’t even the leading scorer for the Indians. Cedarville is off to a 7-1 start and Koning has been a huge factor complimented with senior guard Colby Cross. While Cross has been the offensive star so far, Koning has been a stellar defensive player, leading the OHC in steals currently.</p> <p>Rhett Burtch (Greeneview)- 15 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists</p> <p>The 6’2 Burtch is currently 5th in the OHC in scoring and 2nd in assists to start the season. A main contributor for the Rams so far this season, he has been a dark horse that has now become a prospect worth watching with his skillset. He is a huge reason why Greenview is 2nd in the OHC behind red hot Cedarville.</p>