Drive to Dayton Episode 12 is posted!
In this article:
The 12th episode of the Drive to Dayton podcast co-hosted by Prep Hoops Ohio’s Michael Roth is now posted. The trio discussed the playoff expansion to seven Divisions, gave our player and team of the week picks and made district title predictions for Division’s III and IV.
Player of the week
Mike: Juan Cranford Jr Juan Cranford Jr 6'4" | SG Huber Heights Wayne | 2024 State OH , Huber Heights Wayne, Cranford Jr scored 31 points in win over Centerville and was 5 for 7 from 3-point range. Wayne started the year slow but have won 6 out of 7, playing their best basketball heading into the tournament.
Tj: Hayden Nigro Hayden Nigro 6'4" | SG Louisville | 2024 State OH (Louisville), 12/16 FG, 2/3 3FG en route to 31 points over Lutheran East, picked up an offer from Concord over the weekend.
Kurt: J’Allen Barrino J’Allen Barrino 6'2" | SG Malvern | 2024 State OH (Malvern)- 20 points in 56-49 win over Garaway and 22 points in 59-52 win over Indian Valley for outright IVC Championship. Malvern is the only unbeaten team left in Ohio.
Team of the week
Mike: Massillon Jackson, haven’t lost in over a month, split federal league title with Uniontown Green, the last team to beat them. 2025 duo of Kyle Monterrubio Kyle Monterrubio 6'3" | SF Massillon Jackson | 2025 State OH and Mitch Finefrock Mitch Finefrock 6'1" | SG Massillon Jackson | 2025 State OH have been crucial this season. Got a nice win over Wadsworth this week and blew out conference foe Canton McKinley.
Tj: New Albany, 15 consecutive wins and peaking heading into the playoffs. Their win streak includes games against Pick North(x2), Dover, Pick Central, Westerville Central (x2), & Grove City.
Kurt: Willard Flashes (17-3)- 77-39 win over Margaretta, their only game this week. Flashes hit 15 triples in the first 26 minutes. Max Dawson Max Dawson 6'3" | SG Willard | 2024 State OH scored 22 first half points.