Dayton Early Top 10 Division II
Photo Credit: Sonny Fulks
The 2017-18 Division II rankings will look pretty similar to the 2016-17 postseason rankings, but several teams may surprise you next season. Today, I will preview the top 10 Division II teams in Dayton for 2017-18.
- Trotwood-Madison– Trotwood was one of the top teams in Ohio this past season, and guess what? They have several big pieces returning in 2017-18 and could be the best next season as well.
WHO IS BACK: Amari Davis (2019) is one of the top players in the Class of 2019 in Ohio. Davis is a slashing combo guard capable of taking over a game at any time. Justin Stephens (2019) and Myles Belyeu (2018) provide the Rams with a frontcourt strong enough to out-rebound any team they face. This team will continue to be a nightmare defensively.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Who will take Torrey Patton’s place as the leading scorer for the Rams next season?
WHO IS LEAVING: Amir Foster, Torrey Patton
- Dunbar- If it wasn’t for Trotwood’s presence in Division II, Dunbar would own the #1 spot in the division. This season was a great year for the Wolverines and although they lose a couple seniors next season, Dunbar could challenge Trotwood for the top team in Dayton.
WHO IS BACK: Devon Baker (2018) is an inside-out guard that can hurt any defense. His shooting touch makes it difficult for a zone defense to stop him, and his ability to beat his man one-on-one makes man to man defense a hard option as well. Caleb McConnell (2018) is another tall guard that uses his size advantage and length to dominate opponents in the paint. His 3 point shooting is another perk of his game.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Does Dunbar have the offensive firepower to overtake Trotwood?
WHO IS LEAVING: Storm Cook, Chris Jackson
- Franklin- The Wildcats took a rare early exit from the postseason this year, but they will rebound next season as one of Dayton’s top Division II teams.
WHO IS BACK: Payton Knott (2018) and Ryan Montgomery (2018) will lead the best backcourt in the entire SWBL. Knott is a sharpshooter for the Wildcats with great range while Montgomery can beat you inside and out and plays more like a small forward than a guard at times. Brian Bales has proven in years past he can compete with some of the other top teams in Dayton and I believe next season will be no different.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Where will the Wildcats find help in the low post and rebounding categories?
WHO IS LEAVING: Noah Kremer, Konnor Black
- Urbana- The Hillclimbers were the #1 seed out of Springfield this postseason. Although they took a rough loss against Trotwood in the district championship, Urbana showed promise that they will again be the top team next year.
WHO IS BACK: Shooters…and lots of them. In the backcourt, Jace Underwood (2018) and Reid Taylor (2019) will be the biggest returners. Underwood has the potential to score 20+ points in a game and did it several times throughout the season. Taylor can be one of the top shooters in the CBC next season, and has the size to be a dominant combo guard in the conference as well. Levi Boettcher (2018) is the leading frontcourt player for Urbana. Boettcher has great range for a forward and can take over a game on both sides of the floor.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Can Urbana compete with the other elite teams outside the CBC?
WHO IS LEAVING: 2 seniors
- Chaminade-Julienne- The Eagles were one quarter away from playing in the district title game, but unfortunately for them, were defeated by Dunbar. The Eagles will lose two big names next season, but with Joe Staley as a coach, there is no reason to panic.
WHO IS BACK: There is not a lot of returning players for the Eagles, however Milton Gage (2019) is one of the few that will make an impact for the Eagles. Only 5’11, Gage plays extremely physical and gives C-J an off the dribble attacking threat. The Eagles also have Riley Mason (2018) returning.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Can Chaminade-Julienne assert themselves as the best team in the GCL?
WHO IS LEAVING: Christian Montague, P’Hariz Watkins
- Carroll- The Patriots were the Cinderella team of Dayton this season and made a run all the way to the District title game before falling to Taft. Next season they will be one of the top teams in Dayton, and may contend for the GCL title with Chaminade-Julienne.
WHO IS BACK: Eli Ramsey (2018) is one of the best under the radar players in Dayton. Ramsey can shoot the 3 point shot, attack off the dribble, or post up and score. Defensively he can guard any position and has proven he is as tough as anyone in the league. T.K. Robinson (2018) is another guard returning. Robinson is built like a small forward and is a tough player. He and Ramsey can be the top duo in the GCL. Keep an eye on Matt Cogan (2019).
QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Who will be Carroll’s frontcourt scorer/contributor?
WHO IS LEAVING: Stafford Stevens, Jack Seltsam
- Indian Lake- Besides Northwestern, Indian Lake was the top team in the CBC this season. With several players returning next season, expect similar results.
WHO IS BACK: Kale Shaffner (2018) is one of the top defenders in the CBC and even in Dayton. He averaged 3 steals per game and also provided scoring for the Lakers. Collin Coburn (2018) was the leading scorer for Indian Lake and will be looked to fill big shoes as Parker Grothous graduates.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Can Shaffner or Coburn fill the void vacated by Parker Grothous as leading scorer and go-to guy?
WHO IS LEAVING: Parker Grothous
- Fenwick- The Falcons pulled the second biggest upset in Division II by defeating a very talented Franklin team in the first round. With several players returning plus this experience, the Falcons could be a dangerous team come December.
WHO IS BACK: Without a doubt, C.J. Napier (2019) is one of the top players in the GCL. A top 5 player in rebounds and points, Napier is a double-double machine and will be looked upon to be a leader in the next two seasons for the Falcons. David Luers (2018) made a name for himself this postseason and nearly gave Fenwick a second upset against Ponitz in the second round. Look for him to be a leader next year.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Will Fenwick’s slow style of play keep them in contests with more athletic league foes Chaminade-Julienne and Carroll?
WHO IS LEAVING: Paul Blodgett
- Shawnee- The Braves played well in the CBC this season and won a few postseason games before being defeated by Urbana in the sectional final. With only 8 players on the roster, Shawnee will look to improve next season and get back above .500.
WHO IS BACK: Billy Lord (2018) was one of the best players on this Shawnee team. Lord started the season very strong but slowed down his production as more teams began to scout and shut down him during games. Being a senior next season, Lord will be looked to guide the Braves in a tough CBC next year.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Can the Braves compete with anyone outside the CBC?
WHO IS LEAVING: 2 seniors
- Bellbrook- After a rough season and playing with a new coach, the Golden Eagles will rebound and regroup and be one of the top 10 teams in Division II next year.
WHO IS BACK: Donnie Crouch (2018) is a dual threat guard. He can score off the dribble as well as from beyond the arc. He showed signs of leadership as a junior and will carry that over to next season. Jack Campbell (2018) is another name to watch. Campbell has the skills and body strength to be an inside force for the Eagles. If he can work on consistently being a scoring threat in the paint, Campbell can be a 1st team SWBL player easily.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Can the Golden Eagles compete with Franklin as the best in SWBL?
WHO IS LEAVING: 4 seniors