Dayton’s Best: 2020 Performers edition

<p>Photo Credit: Michael Cooper</p> <p>With 2020 now upon us, I start a 4 part series looking at my top under-the-radar prospects so far from the season, breaking it down by class. In this first piece, I look at 6 seniors that have impressed so far with their play. Many of these names are new to readers as they generally don't attract a ton of attention.</p> <p>Danye Lewis (Fairmont)- 6 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks</p> <p>During a season where we expected the Firebirds to struggle with experience, Lewis has emerged as one of the better under-the-radar prospects available in this 2020 class. Only standing 6’0, Lewis has made his presence known against bigger teams on the glass. His season high so far has been 15 against a physical Wayne team. What is even more impressive is his ability to defend the rim as he currently is tied for 1st in the GWOC in blocks with Mo Njie (2020) from Centerville. With matchups still looming with Centerville and their height, we will see if Lewis can continue to impress with his interior play.</p> <p>Willieon Yates (Springboro)- 15 points, 4 assists, 2 steals</p> <p>Last season, Yates served in a complimentary role as he was more of a distributing guard vs. a scoring threat. It is obvious he worked a lot on his game this offseason as he leads the GWOC currently in scoring and assists. His season high is 32 points to start the season against Fairfield and also dished off 6 assists twice against Trotwood-Madison and Lebanon. The Panthers have rebounded well from losing their top 2 players from last season and Yates has definitely emerged as the top player on the roster now. With his unselfishness and athleticism, he could be a target for a small school looking for a PG for next season.</p> <p>Ray Cole (Springfield)- 8 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks (Top 5 in all defensive categories)</p> <p>Cole may not be the highest scorer as he has scored less than 10 points in 4 of the Wildcats 5 recorded games, but he has made an impact in the paint as an elite shot blocker and rebounder. At 6’5, Cole has the size to be a dangerous defensive weapon and has shown what he can do with a season high 14 rebounds in a win against Wayne. The Wildcats have played a tough schedule which has tested not just Cole but this entire Springfield team. It will be interesting to see Cole battle it out against Njie from Centerville or Lewis from Fairmont.</p> <p>Kalen McKinney (West Carrollton)- 18 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists</p> <p>McKinney has made a huge leap from last season as he is now the top scoring threat on a West Carrollton team that has vastly improved from last season. McKinney has a strong build at 6’4 and 215 lbs. He uses his size and scoring touch to lead the MVL in scoring and has scored in double digits in all but one game so far. His season high is 28 points against a very good Troy team that is also in Division 1. He is worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses.</p> <p>Darryl Story (Northridge)- 19 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals (2nd in scoring and steals)</p> <p>Story has become the new lead guard for the Polar Bears and has helped alleviate the loss of former star Twon Hines. Story has made his name known on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he is shooting an astonishing 46% from beyond the arc and has put up 20+ points in 4 games. His ability to score from multiple levels is what makes him most difficult to defend against. Defensively he is a nightmare as well, creating turnovers at a high level, including a season high 7 against both Benjamin Logan and Dixie. His continued strong play will demand more defensive pressure from opposing teams, but his high motor should allow him to continue to be a menace on the floor.</p> <p>Austin Parker (Indian Lake)- 19 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks</p> <p>The Lakers are looking much better than they did a year ago much of it thanks to Parker. One of the CBC’s top scorers, Parker has blown up for 20+ points in 4 of Indian Lake’s games. His only single digit outing was against one of the best defensive teams in Jackson Center. At 6’5, Parker has been a defensive nightmare for many in the CBC and will continue to do so as Indian Lake tries to keep in contention within the conference. Surely he will continue to turn heads and could even attract some college attention as well.</p>