Dayton’s Top 5 teams in 2018-19 in Division II
For the second straight season, Dunbar and Trotwood-Madison finished as the top 2 teams in Division II. Looking ahead to 2018-19, it appears both squads are poised to finish 1-2 again. Both teams return plenty of talent and have lots of potential. However, there are a few other teams that could sneak up on both the Rams and Wolverines next year. Here is a look at the top 5 Division II teams in Dayton for 2018-19.
1. Trotwood-Madison- The Rams lose only 2 seniors from a team that made it all the way to the Division II state championship before losing to St. Vincent-St. Mary 60-51. Trotwood can very easily find themselves back in Columbus come next March. The return of Amari Davis (2019) and Justin Stephens (2019) give the Rams one of the best defensive combos in the Dayton area. Carl Blanton (2020) is coming off a very improved season and will be looked upon to help fill the void Trotwood loses with the graduation of Myles Belyeu. Keep an eye on Sammy Anderson (2020) as well.
2. Dunbar- The top 2 scorers return for Dunbar after an 18-4 season. The Wolverines were not expected to have an extremely successful season last year, but instead, pulled off a City League championship and #1 seed in Dayton. Double-double machine Jonathan Allen (2019) returns along with Jamar Walker (2021) to lead the Wolverines. Martel Smith (2021) is another name to watch. The Wolverines are definitely my favorites to finish over Thurgood in the City League, but they are not in a position yet to challenge Trotwood at the top of the Division II.
3. Thurgood Marshall- 3 seniors graduate from a Cougars team that finished 9-14 last season. The good news is the returning players have lots of potential and give Thurgood a legitimate chance of competing near the top of the Division next season. Anthony McCombs (2021) leads the charge as he is considered one of the top prospects in the class of 2021. Chanze Amerson (2021) and Dareion Arnold (2019) also return giving the Cougars a very strong backcourt going into next season. Height may be an issue again as the lineup as of right now is mostly guards.
4. Chaminade-Julienne- The Eagles return 3 all-GCL players this season and all 3 happen to be the Eagles leading scorers from last season. Milton Gage (2019) and Jack Nauseef (2019) return in the backcourt to give the Eagles arguably the best 1-2 punch in the GCL North for next season. Dominic Wilcox (2019) returns as the top frontcourt player. Wilcox gives the Eagles an experienced inside presence which will be needed to hold off C.J. Napier (2019)) and the defending GCL North champ Fenwick Falcons.
5. Northridge- 4 of the top 5 scorers will be back next season for the Polar Bears as they take a chance at competing near the top of the SWBL Buckeye next season. Twon Hines (2019) and Charles Drewery (2019) are an under the radar 1-2 combo that will allow Northridge to attack from the perimeter and the post. Throw in guard Robbie Turner (2019) and you have another capable perimeter player able to attack. Turner showed glimpses of being a great player near the end of the season as he scored in double figures in 4 of the last 7 games. Northridge could see themselves competing at the top of the SWBL next year, but will need to get through a tough Madison squad to achieve the feat.