Dayton Sectional Names to Watch: D1 Edition
When it comes to Division I basketball, we tend to see the bigger names and definitely bigger schools come out and compete. While the basketball is great to watch, this season in Dayton has been a circus with upwards of…
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Continue ReadingWhen it comes to Division I basketball, we tend to see the bigger names and definitely bigger schools come out and compete. While the basketball is great to watch, this season in Dayton has been a circus with upwards of 8 teams at one point truly being deserving as one of Dayton’s Top 5 teams. Ultimately, it’s the names no one expects that step up in these matchups as well as the household guys looking to continue their journey. Look for big performances from these 5 prospects as they are the names to watch in the Sectional tournament in Dayton.
Shaeden Olden (2021) Troy- When it comes to guys that have been under the radar most of the season, Olden leads the pack. Troy has silently been one of the better teams in the MVL this season and has a lot to thank Olden for. He finished Top 5 in the league in both scoring and rebounds this past season and was arguably one of Troy’s best players throughout the year. In a sectional opener against Carroll, Olden will likely see the Patriots bring a zone defense to try and contain him. Watch if Troy can find a way to win this game, he could have an even bigger showing in a potential matchup with Wayne.
Zack Minton (2020) Franklin- The Wildcats were just unlucky that they have to go through Division I for sectional play. Playing in the SWBL does not prepare them for the competition they face and unfortunately have a mountain of a sectional journey. Minton has been the team’s leading scorer and one of the more underrated shooters in the area with a 45% outside shot. Minton has shown when he can get hot, he can go off for big games however he cannot afford to struggle in a sectional game with Stebbins. If the Wildcats can get by the Indians, they would then face either Sidney or Fairmont who could potentially hold into half-court settings. This would hurt Franklin as they do better in transition, but regardless Minton is part of a senior backcourt that will be hungry in this bracket.
Shawn Phillips (2022) Belmont- The 6’10 Center is the biggest name in his bracket, but Belmont comes in not the strongest looking group. In a sectional opener against Miamisburg, Phillips will be the biggest body on the floor and with his size and build, will be a problem for Miamisburg on the defensive end. To win this, Phillips must stay out of foul trouble and have at least a double-double. Assuming the Bison can get past the 4 seeded Miamisburg Vikings, they would then face a favorable matchup with Springboro who would play similar to Miamisburg. This could potentially be a breakout performance for Shawn if he can get through this first matchup.
Kalan McKinney (2020) West Carrollton- The MVL’s leading scorer has shown he can score from anywhere on the floor. He will be heavily leaned on in the Pirates opener against Piqua. While the Indians don’t have much of an offensive game as a team, they will bring physicality and no doubt will bully McKinney and not allow open shots for the 6’4 senior. While I think McKinney’s team will ultimately get past this squad, it’s their potential sectional semifinal game with 2 seeded Beavercreek that could give McKinney a stage to shine. This West Carrollton team has made a massive turnaround and is hungry to show they are a serious contender.
Adam Duvall (2022) Beavercreek- With the leadership and seniors on this Beavers squad, you may be wondering why I have Duvall as a player to watch. He brings something to the table Beavercreek hasn’t had since Jon Alessandro in 2018. A player with size that can make life difficult for opponents to defend. IN a sectional opener, Beavercreek will face a Lebanon squad that is going to try and force this game in the half court and hold the Beavers to under 40 points. Duvall has shown he can be a force on the low block and especially a high-level rebounder. With a path that could include games against West Carrollton (best rebounding group in the bracket) and Springfield (team that knows them best), Duvall is going to have to play his best basketball if Beavercreek is going to advance.