Dayton Updated Power Rankings
Take a look at the updated Power Rankings in Dayton as several teams moved around after an active weekend. Division I Springfield has won their last two games since losing to national power Prolific Prep at Flyin to the Hoop.…
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Continue ReadingTake a look at the updated Power Rankings in Dayton as several teams moved around after an active weekend.
Division I
Springfield has won their last two games since losing to national power Prolific Prep at Flyin to the Hoop. When you look at the Wildcats record and resume, all 4 losses are against teams outside of the Southwest Ohio District. Besides those losses they have been quite impressive against Dayton teams. Wins against Centerville, Fairmont, and Wayne have shown Springfield is one of the top teams in the GWOC East. Fairmont moves up a spot to #2 after Sidney lost to Trotwood, but the Firebirds definitely deserve to move up. Winners of their three games, the Firebirds have a buzzer beater victory over Fairborn and also definitely one of the top Canadian teams in Crestwood Prep. It will be difficult for the Firebirds to jump Springfield for the top spot, especially considering Springfield defeated them 67-44 in early January. Butler and Sidney come in at #3 and #4. Although Sidney has the head-to-head win against the Aviators, I think Butler gets the higher spot because of their losses compared to Sidney. The Yellow Jackets have double digit losses against Trotwood-Madison (18) and Mason (19), but also have a two point loss against Fairborn. Although the Skyhawks have been one of the better teams in Dayton this season, Butler defeated this same Fairborn team by 15. When you look at the remaining schedules, both teams have good chances of winning out until their much anticipated rematch on February 12th. Centerville returns to the Top 5, but they are on a short leash with Wayne right behind them. After a 4-5 start, Centerville has 6 straight games, including wins against Miamisburg, St. Xavier, and nationally ranked Oak Ridge out of Florida. The slow paced offense the Elks run allows them to stay competitive with more fast paced, athletic teams, but make no mistake, Wayne has played a very tough schedule and although they sit at 8-7, there is no reason to count the Warriors out yet.
1. Springfield (10-4)
2. Fairmont (12-4)
3. Butler (14-2)
4. Sidney (11-3)
5. Centerville (10-5)
Division II
When you look at the Trotwood Rams, it is very difficult to argue any other team as the #1 Division II team in Dayton. For starters, they have dominated against almost every team they have faced this season. Take away Wayne and Pickerington Central losses, and the Rams have won almost every game by double digits. They have defeated 3 of the 5 ranked Division I teams in Dayton, Sidney by 21 points, Centerville by 10, and Butler by 18. Chaminade-Julienne sits at #2 and have already clinched the GCL North title and we are not even into February yet. We didn’t expect the Eagles to be as dominant as they’ve been, but there is no questioning this team is clearly a top Division II team. SO why #2 and not jumping the Rams? Although their record is better than Trotwood’s, it is very difficult for us to see this Eagles team matching up with the Rams. The backcourts for both teams are very strong, but I think Trotwood edges C-J in overall athleticism and frontcourt. Nonetheless, both teams are #1 and #2 with very little competition in the way. Ben Logan holds their spot at #3 with another win against Graham, but also had a loss against Kenton Ridge by 12. When you look at the Raiders resume, I am concerned with losses against Bellefontaine by 6 and the tough loss against Kenton where they only scored 29 points in the loss. Even with these losses, they have two wins against Graham and quality wins against Urbana and West Liberty-Salem. Kenton Ridge moves up a spot with a victory against Ben Logan. Although the victory is not enough to jump the Raiders yet, it’s a step in the right direction. Fenwick has been slumping a bit in January, as they have been 3-3 in January. To be frank, I am not impressed with the Falcons schedule thus far, as they have very few quality wins, with their best games being wins against Lebanon (1) and Badin (11). They have several key games upcoming against Miamisburg. St. Xavier, and Chaminade-Julienne that will give them opportunities for quality wins if they can finish. I still believe the Falcons are a top 5 team, but a lack of quality wins will reflect when Fenwick gets to postseason play.
1. Trotwood-Madison (11-2)
2. Chaminade-Julienne (15-1)
3. Benjamin Logan (11-5)
4. Kenton Ridge (10-5)
5. Fenwick (9-5)
Division III
The Rockets have been absolutely dominating this season and have erased any conversation for the #1 spot thus far in Division III. They have double digit wins against Jackson Center, Bethel, and St. Henry, and also have a one point win against Marion Local. There is no doubt the teams ranked #2-5 are quality teams, but it is extremely difficult to compare any of these teams to Anna with the undefeated record and good wins. Brookville lost to Oakwood by 10 points on Friday night which is why they dropped one spot to #3. Stivers was already jumping Madison in the rankings, but this Blue Devil loss propels the Tigers into the #2 spot. Brookville has two losses that aren’t necessarily “bad losses”, but when you compare them to Madison and Stivers losses they aren’t as strong. Stivers has one loss against a talented Cincinnati Christian team in Division IV and gave Taft out of Division II a tough game as well. The loss against Belmont last week was unexpected but isn’t a terrible loss since the Bison have been playing well. Madison was outplayed in all aspects against Harvest Prep at Flyin’ to the Hoop, but this is another case of a team that does not have a ton of quality wins. Their best wins are against Waynesville by 12 points and Northridge by 11. It doesn’t hurt as well that the Mohawks have a loss against Edgewood early in the season, but were missing their two best players. National Trail will hold the #5 spot for another week, but again the strength of schedule for the Blazers is concerning.
1. Anna (14-0)
2. Stivers (12-3)
3. Brookville (12-2)
4. Madison (14-2)
5. National Trail (10-2)
Division IV
The Knights of Legacy Christian continue their dominance in the MBC and in Division IV. Since the turn of 2019, they have won all 6 games by double digits, including victories against Troy Christian and Emmanuel Christian along the way. A favorable schedule the rest of the way allows the Knights a chance to continue to hold the #1 spot for some time. Ever since losing back-to-back games end of December-early January, Catholic Central has been on a roll, including a nice victory against West Jefferson by 12. In the grand scheme of things, the strength of schedule is a concern for the Irish, but upcoming non conference matchups against Emmanuel Christian and Shawnee will show us if the Irish really do deserve the #2 spot.
1. Legacy Christian (14-2)
2. Springfield Catholic Central (12-2)
3. St. Henry (11-3)
4. Fairbanks (12-2)
5. Jackson Center (11-3)