Across The Waters: Thomasson Takes Road Lesser Traveled, Wins Another Title

 Here's our weekly segment titled, "Across The Waters" where the top athletes from Dayton area and beyond will be featured on their sports journeys across the world in different sports.

THOMASSON TAKES ROAD LESSER TRAVELED, WINS ANOTHER TITLE IN RUSSIA

By Deon Cash 

Joe Thomasson, one of the top players to wear a Thurgood Marshall uniform, had a banner year last season in Spain in his 5th season as a professional basketball player. 

When the season was over, Thomasson would spend time with his family, then come back home to play with the Red Scare in the TBT Championship.

 

He also would win a title in the Kingdom Summer League, which featured the likes of Trey Burke (Houston), Xavier Simpson (Orlando) Jared Sullinger (Toronto) and other known ballers in the NBA. 

Thomasson name was a hot topic in the basketball world. So much so, that he would have a talk to a reputable NBA Agency as he looked at all his options. And when we say reputable, we mean a big time agency.

And yes, Thomasson did have NBA options after his last season in Spain.

However, Thomasson knew he had unfinished business before testing the NBA waters, as he has said he will try to do, "When the time is right and if the situation is right."

While Thomasson was white hot as far as having opportunities at this stage of his career (28 years old), he also really enjoyed the overseas life, as he has taken his wife and kids with him on the journey the last couple of seasons. 

Last season was magical for Thomasson, and with it came the real possibility of getting to the NBA. 

But for Thomasson, heading back overseas felt like the best play - for now. 

"At this point in my career, I want to make sure I take care of my family for the rest of our lives. I know the NBA is a possibility, but Zenith showed me that they really wanted me to be a part of their family and to help them win championships and were here for that. I'm very grateful and blessed to be here and I'm excited for what the season holds." Thomasson stated.

While some people feel like Russia is not a smart place to go for athletes with the Brittany Griner situation (finally resolved), Thomasson shrugged that off. 

"They (Zenith) are taking care of me and my family. We are being treated well. We understand the assignment, and I'm focused on one thing: winning championships and enjoying life with my family."

Earlier in the season Thomasson and his team won a Cup championship, and with it came another title. 

He has racked up title after title on 5 of the 6 teams he has been with. Last year his Spanish team was one win away from the Champions League title. They would win a cup title as well.

Once the season is over Thomasson will be a hot commodity again, and the NBA will look enticing once again. No matter what, Thomasson is in complete control and has continued to level up and win titles, doing it in a way that most wouldn't be able to do. And as far as the NBA?

The NBA is still watching. Believe that. 

Up NEXT ON ACROSS THE WATERS: 

Teddy Hawkins

A.J. Harris 

D'Mitrik Trice

Travis Trice 

Nate Sheppard

Dayton Weekly Top 100 (Miami Valley Leage) Top 30 (Boys Basketball)

 Here are the Dayton Weekly Top 30 Players in the Miami Valley League   

1. Dre'Sean Roberts, G Piqua Sr - Roberts, a combo guard, has kept Piqua in the thick of the MVL title chase. His 34 point, 14 rebound performance in the comeback vs Xenia was big. He's the leading scorer, 2nd in rebounds (8.7), and 2nd in steals (2.8) in the MVL. 

2. Sam Reynolds, G-F Sidney Sr - Reynolds is a stat sheet stuffer who has left off from last season; averaging 12ppg and Top 5 in rebounds (8rpg) and steals (2spg). He hasn't shot the ball particularly well, but expect that to rise as season progresses.

3. Tristen Vandevort, G Butler Sr - Vandevort has been a dog for the 5-2 Aviators, as he is 2nd in scoring, 5th in steals and 1st in 3-ptrs made. A strong case for Player of the Year early. If Butler stays relevant, watch out. 

4. Isaac Phillips, G Troy Sr - Phillips has been as consistent as the Trojans need, and that has catapulted them to the top of the MVL (6-0). Phillips is top 15 in scoring (12.2) Top 5 in steals (2.3) and Top 15 in FG (47%) while scoring double figures in all 6 games. 

5. Stanley Clyne, F Tippecanoe, Sr - The 6'4 Clyne is a wild card, as he is coming off a big football season. But make no mistake, the 6'5 Cline is a candidate for Player of the Year. He's in the Top 10 in scoring (13.3) Top 15 in rebounding (4.3), Top 10 in assists (3.3) and Top 10 in steals (2.0). And he will dunk on you as well. 

6. Javen Vaughn, G West Carrollton Jr  - Vaughn was having a banner season, until a injury sidelined him for the last few games, all losses by West Carrollton. Vaughn is 3rd in scoring (15.3), Top 15 in rebounding (4.0) Top 5 in steals (2.3) and Top 15 in assists (3.0). 

7. Ray'vonn Harris, G Stebbins - Harris has been the leader of the Indians, as he is 3rd in scoring (15.8ppg) Top 15 in rebounding (4.6rpg), Top 10 in steals (2.0) and Top 3 in assists (4.0). 

8. Chylan Ingram, C West Carrollton Soph -The 6'6 um Ingram has come out of nowhere, and is the leading rebounder in the Miami Valley League (15.3). Ingram is also in the Top 10 in scoring (15ppg) Top 3 in blocks (3.5) and is the leading FG Shooter in the MVL (71%). Only a sophomore. 

9. Ty Williams, G Fairborn Jr - Williams has been another breakout performer in the MVL, as Williams is Top 10 in scoring (14ppg), top 10 in rebounds (4.7) and is Top 5 in FT% (84%). Is averaging 23.5 ppg in last 2 games, including a 28 point outburst in a win over Stebbins. 

10. Damien Weaver, G-F Xenia Sr  - Weaver is the leader scorer for the Bucs, averaging 14.8 ppg this season, good for Top 10. Weaver is also in the Top 5 in rebounds (7.6), Top 3 in Assists (4.4) and Top 20 in steals (1.6). 

 11. Haiden Livingston, G Greenville Sr  - Livingston has had a good start, averaging 15ppg, good for top 5 in the MVL. Livingston is also averaging 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and is the 2nd leading 3-point maker in the MVL (14). 

12.Kellen Miller, F Troy Jr  - Miller is a top junior prospect, and is averaging 11ppg while being in the Top 10 in steals (1.8) and Top 5 in blocks (1.8). A solid anchor on the frontline for Troy, who is 6-0 on the season. He also is shooting 39% from 3-point range (9-23). 

13. Jaxson Roschi, C Fairborn Sr  - Roschi is a throwback old school type of big man. A banger who is in the top 10 in points (14.2), top 5 in rebounds (7.8) and Top 5 in FG Shooting (57%). Has had 5 straight double figure games in scoring. With his size, he's a perfect guy to have in the new "Shoot 3's" style of play. 

14.Antonio Robinson, G West Carrollton Sr - Robinson, a pesky guard, is one of the few guards who is in the top 5 in assists (4.5 apg) and steals (3.3) in the MVL. A team first guard, Robinson thrives on defense and intensity. has the best Assists to Turnover Ratio in the MVL (4.5/1.8).

15. Jackson Smith, C Tippecanoe Jr  - Smith is been super solid inside for the Red Devils, averaging 10ppg while being in the Top 5 in rebounds (7.0) and 2nd in the MVL at 65% FG. If he stays consistent, Red Devils will be a major contender this season. 

16. Anson Cox, C Piqua Sr - Cox, a football OL beast, now gets to work inside and he does that to the tune of 10ppg to go with 4 rebounds. Cox is a Top shooter at 52% and is averaging 17ppg in his last 2 games. Trending upward. 

17. Nick Prince, G Troy Sr - Prince is having a good year for the undefeated Trojans, sitting at 11.8ppg to go with 3.7 rpg and 2.5 dimes a game. Prince is Top 10 in 3ptrs made on season (8). 

18. Hollis Terrell, F Troy Sr - Terrell is another guy, who is playing well, averaging 11ppg to go with his Top 10 rebounding average (6.3) and Top 5 Steals average (2.5). Terrell has been a huge factor defensively on why the Trojans are 6-0 on the season.

19. Myles Vordemark, G-F Sidney Sr- Vordemark is one of those swiss army knife types; As evidenced by his stats: 10.2ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.7 apg, and 1.5 steals per game, good for Top 10. With his size (6'3) he gives Yellow Jackets another interior defender as well. 

20. Gabe Scales, G Stebbins, Sr - The 6'3 junior G-F is averaging 11.3 ppg to go with 3 rebounds per game. Scales is in the top 5 in steals per game (2.5) and is shooting 50% from the 3-point line, good for Top 5 in the MVL. 

21. Evan Manes, G Tippecanoe Sr - Manes is averaging 12ppg, good for top 15 in the MVL. He's also in the Top 10 in FG shooting (50%) and is shooting 42% from 3-point range for Red Devils.

22. Kellan Starks, F-C Xenia Sr - Starks. at 6'4, has been a anchor in the paint for the Bucs, as he is averaging 9.6 ppg to go with his 8.2 rpg, which is 3rd in the MVL. He's coming off a double-double in a win over Greenville. 

23. Evan Ables, F Butler - Ables is another stat sheet stuffer who has helped Butler shoot atop the MVL standings. While the shooting hasn't been ideal, the rebounding (6.3 per game), the playmaking (2.7 assists per game) and the intangibles have been crucial to Aviators success. 

24. Mitchell Davis, F-C Sidney Jr - Davis is a junior big who is providing interior presence for Sidney at 7ppg, 4.7 rebounds (Top 10), but is leading the League with 3.8 blocks a game. Add the fact that he shoots 63% from the field and you have upward trending player for sure. 

25. Remi Gilmore, F West Carrollton Sr - Gilmore is a stat sheet stuffer, averaging almost 10ppg while amassing 4 3 boards (Top 15) 1.8 steals (Top 10) and 2.0 bpg (Top 5). Throw in the 2 assists per game and the 1.5 3-pointers made per game, and you have a all around wing player. 

26. Liam Poronsky, G Tippecanoe  Sr - Poronsky, the star QB for Tipp, runs the show for the Red Devils. He's top 5 in dimes (3.7apg) to go with his 5 boards a game (Top 15). Add a steal a game and you have your leader with all types of weapons around him. 

27. Jarrod Damange, G Greenville Sr - Damange has been lethal from 3-point range, as he is 2nd in 3-pointers made on the season (15), top 5 in percentage (53.2 FG & 51.7 3-pt FG). Add 3 apg (Top 10), 1.6 spg (Top 10) and 3.1 rpg. Despite his height, he's a load of a player. 

28. Drew Hamilton, F Greenville Sr - Hamilton is having a solid Sophomore campaign, averaging 10ppg while hauling down 4 rebounds per game. Hamilton is shooting 46% from the field, good for Top 15. Bright future for the kid.

29. Julius Spradling,  G Sidney Soph - Spradling is one of the top dime droppers in the league (3.7apg) good for Top 5. He also rebounds at a incredible rate for his position (PG) to the tune of 5.8rpg which is Top 10. He's top 10 in steals (1.7) and is shooting 72% from the FT line. Spradling is averaging 8.7 ppg to go with his stat sheet stuffing line. 

30. Byron Freeman, F West Carrollton Jr - Freeman has been a rising Junior after being off the grid for a year or so. The 6'5 wing is averaging 6.5 ppg to go with his top 15 rebounding (6.3rpg), Top 10 FG shooting (55%) and his 1.0 steals per game (Top 20). Has great college size for a wing player, and defensively could be elite in the future. 

Dayton Weekly Basketball Rankings (GWOC Top 30)

Here are the Top 30 Players of the GWOC 

GWOC TOP 30

  (NOTE: SPRINGFIELD DUE TO LACK OF GAMES, IS NOT INCLUDED IN RANKING) 

1. Lawrent Rice, G Wayne Sr -  Has been the best player in Ohio arguably, averaging 31 ppg, 10 rbg, 5 dimes, tops in steals (3.5) and providing some highlight reels in the process. He also hit a half-court shot to defeat a team. (COMMITTED TO MURRAY STATE) 

2. Gabe Cupps, G Centerville Sr - Cupps is top 5 in the GWOC in scoring and is the ultimate general in the high school ranks. He leads the league in assists and assists/ turnover ratio. He has lifted the Elks to unseen heights in the programs rich history. (COMMITTED TO INDIANA) 

3. Johnathan Powell Jr, G-F Centerville, Jr - Powell has looked every bit like the breakout player like we envisioned, and the Elks haven't missed a beat despite losing 2 elite HS scorers (Tom House & Richie Rolf) to D-1 programs. 2nd in league in scoring and Top 5 in 3-ptrs made. A elite sniper and power finisher as well. (UNDECIDED)

4. Aden Marrero, G Fairmont, Sr - Marrero is Top 5 in the league in scoring, and is top 10 in assists and FG%. A combo guard with explosiveness, Marrero gets to lead this season for Fairmont. Great combo guard size for college (6'3). (UNDECIDED) 

5. Isaiah Williams, G Beavercreek, Jr - Williams is the suprise to the top 5 but his numbers and impact has been major so far for the Creek. He is Top 5 in scoring (16.4)  and Top 10 in assists. 

6. Will Yates, G Springboro, Sr - Yates has been the most consistent player on a team loaded with talent and high hopes. Yates is Top 10 in scoring (12.8) and Top 3 in assists (4.6)  for the Boro'. 

7. Juan Cranford, G-F Wayne Jr - Cranford has picked up where he left off (11.3ppg) , and has added some playmaking as well, as he is Top 5 in assists to go with the deadly jumper he posseses. He is Top 10 in scoring as well.  

8. Liam Gluck, F Beavercreek, Jr - Gluck has been a beast, scoring all types of ways to be in the Top 5 so far (16.6). He can also rebound (5.0) and is Top 5 in Steals (2.6). He brings a lot to the table for the rising Beavers. 

9. R.J. Greer, F Springboro, Soph - Greer has started slowly but is in the Top 5 in Rebounds (5.8) and is averaging double figures in points (11.0) as well. 

10. Andrew Hoerner, C Miamisburg, Sr - Hoerner is the anchor of the Vikings defense and is in the Top   FG guy (69%) and is Top 2 in rebounding (7.0).

11. Dalin Wilkins, F Northmont, Jr - Wilkins has been the most consistent player on Northmont team, averaging 9 ppg and 6 rpg and is in the Top 10 in blocks (1.2) despite the tough start for Bolts. 

12. Kaden Ellerbe, F Beavercreek Soph - Ellerbe is having quite a season, as he's a top 15 scorer (10.8) to go with his Top 3 rebounding stats (6.4). Standing at 6'4, Ellerbe will be a hot topic by next season. 

13. Maxim Butler, G Springboro, Jr - Butler is the sniper of the Boro team, shooting 41% from 3 (Top 15). Butler is also 2nd in 3's made, 7th in FT (80%) and Top 10 in rebounds as well (4.4). 

14. Eli Sherwood, G Fairmont, Sr  - Sherwood has been a cog in the machine this year, providing leadership, key scoring, and is in the Top 5 in FG (60%) & 3-pt shooting (56%) for Firebirds. 

15. Collin O'Connor, G-F Centerville, Sr - O'Conner has been a great glue guy but can put the ball in the hoop (8.5ppg), pass (2.5 apg) and play defense (1.5 spg). Standing at 6'3, O'Conner gives them size as well and can play and guard multiple positions. Top FT Shooter in GWOC (88.9%).

16. Myles Perkins, F Wayne - Perkins is one of the key cogs for the Wayne train, as his rebounding (4.5) and defense (2.0) steals have been big. Perkins is also the top 3-point shooter in the GWOC (64%) 

17. Cayden Hower, G Fairmont Sr - Hower is a stat sheet stuffer from the guard spot who is in the Top 20 in Rebounds (3.2), Top 15 in Assists (2.7), and Top 10 in Blocks (1.2). 

18. Jason Ball, F Miamisburg Sr - Ball has brought size and energy and is in the Top 10 in Steals, with a 6 steal 14-point effort against Northmont. 

19. Jared Furlow, G Wayne Sr  - Furlow has been a pest on defense and a sniper on offense, as he is Top 10 in steals (2.0) and Top 2 on 3-pt FG (63%) 

20. Boubacarr Nije, F-C Centerville Jr - Nije is a solid sub and brings size to the Elks, and the 6'6 F-C is one of the top blockers (1.0) and rebounders in the league (3.0). Also averages 5.3 ppg for Centerville.

21. Daniel Jefferson, F Beavercreek Sr - Jefferson has been a solid force inside, averaging almost 7ppg while being in the Top 10 in rebounding (4.4). 

22. Deuce Cortner, G Northmont Jr - Cortner, the starting QB for Northmont, is averaging 6.8 and is shooting 50% from the field. He is also grabbing almost 3 rebounds a game. 

23. Dylan Hitchcock, G-F Northmont - Hitchcock is nearing the double-digit mark and is trending upward after 3 consecutive double digit performances (15, 10, 13). Hitchcock is top 10 in FG  (52.5) and FT% (84.6). 

24. Josiah Howard Morrison, G Wayne Jr -  Howard Morrison has been trending upward and is averaging 10.5 ppg in last 2 games. He is also averaging 1.3 steals per game and is a 3-pt threat (50%). 

25. Jamison Roundtree, G-F Fairmont  Sr -  Roundtree is averaging 6.3ppg with almost 3 rebounds and shooting 50% from 3-point range (5-10). 

26. Gavin Morningstar, G Miamisburg Sr - Morningstar is averaging 7.4ppg with 3.4 rpg and is in the Top 10 in steals (1.6)

27. Chase Grevey, G Springboro Sr - Grevey is another utility guy, but he is averaging 10ppg in his last 3 games and is shooting 52% from the field and 46.7 from 3. He also is averaging 1.2 steals a game.

28. Evan Gentile, F Fairmont Soph - Gentile is another player who does the little things to win and is averaging 5.3 ppg to go with 2 assists and 2 rpg. He's in the Top 5 for FG (59%).

29. Carson Gutmann, C Springboro Soph - Gutmann is one of the top FG shooters in the GWOC.

30. Dulguun Gankyuhag, C Centerville Sr - Despite a limited role, Gankyuhag is a key piece for the Elks, standing at 6'8. 

NOTE: SPRINGFIELD DOES NOT HAVE STATS SO THEY WILL BE RANKED IN NEXT RANKINGS 

UP NEXT; MVL 

Dayton Weekly Top 100 HS Ballers (Dayton Public Schools)

 Here's the Dayton Weekly News Top 100 Players in the Southwest Ohio Area. 

(POWERED BY S.E.LIVE365)

Dayton Public Schools Top 25 

(AFTER WEEK 2) 

   Dayjuan Anderson hits 1,000 pt club for Ponitz

          

1. Antaune Allen, G Dunbar Sr -   Allen has been the top player on top team in City; 2nd in points, 5th in rebounds, 3rd in assists, and 3rd in FG (52%).

2. Dayjuan Anderson, G-F Ponitz Sr - Anderson has been dominant all season until last game; Raiders commit is the leading scorer in Dayton Public Schools (17 ppg), 2nd in assists, 3rd in rebounds (7.8 rpg) and 2nd in steals (2.5).

3.  Antwuan Hathcock, C Ponitz Sr - Suprise anchor leads City in blocks, top 5 in Rebounds and leads City in FG (54%).

4. Antone Allen, F Dunbar Sr - The 6'4 Allen has been most versatile player for talented Wolverines. he can defend all 5 positions and score as well and is Top 10 in rebounds and Top 5 in blocks (1.6). 

5. Kalerrio Reaves, G Meadowdale Sr - Reaves has been sorely missed; his impact was immediate in the smackdown of Ponitz as he scored 15 points with 6 boards in the win. Most importantly, was his chemistry with Lee Benson III, who got on track. 

6. Denzel Ogle, G Belmont Jr - Ogle has skyrocketed up the rankings; he's Top 6 in scoring, #1 in rebounds and top 5 in steals for 2-2 Bison. 

7. Lee Benson, C-F Meadowdale Sr - Benson has started slowly on offense, but is top 10 in rebounds, and dominated Ponitz last week with a 17 and 12 effort. 

8. Kam Baxter, G Stivers Sr - Baxter has been consistent in providing scoring (16 ppg), but also is in top 5 in steals (2.5) on the season for the Tigers. 

9. Jakel Hill, G Dunbar, Soph - The Sophomore combo guard has run the Wolverines into the top tier team conversation this season and has been compared to Daequan Cook. Has been consistent all season and is 2nd in the city in 3-ptrs made. 

10. Amaury Hawes, F Stivers Jr - Hawes has been delivering, as the junior forward is in the Top 5 in scoring and Top 10 in steals.

11. Jayden Buchanan, G Ponitz Sr - Buchanan has been a reliable scorer all season and sits 3rd in the City League in 3-ptrs made.

12.Brandon Hatcher Jr, Dunbar Sr - Hatcher has been rock solid, and is in the Top 5 for assists for the talented Wolverines. 

13.Tyren Brown, Ponitz, Sr - Brown is trending upward, as he is the Top assist man and is Top 5 in steals for Ponitz. 

14. Cedric Dillard, C Thurgood Sr - Dillard is the top rebounder (8.0) in the City League, so watch for Dillard to trend upward. Has amassed 8 or more boards in every game he has played.

15. Eric Brewer Jr, F Dunbar Jr - Brewer is 2nd in the City at 57% FG and is in the Top 15 in Rebounds (4.0).

16, Chace Wells, F-C Belmont, Sr - Wells has been a anchor for the Bison, averaging 15.5 in the winning streak and sits in the top 10 in rebounding and top 5 in blocks.

17. Gavin Wright, G Stivers, Soph - Wright, who has been injured. is the steals leader in the City League (3.0) and is one of the best shooters in the league as a sophomore. 

18. Josiah Scates, G Meadowdale, Sr - Scates is providing almost 10 ppg, and is in the top 5 in assists for the Lions. 

19. Demarion Callahan, G Belmont Jr - Callahan is averaging double figures (10 ppg) for the Bison and has hit the boards lately to help Belmont start winning streak. 

20. Kelvin Cotton - Cash, G-F Stivers Jr - Cash is trending upward, after his recent play; Cash is in the Top 10 in Steals and rebounds and had a career high in last game (14 pts) for the Tigers.

21. Chassaun Little, F-C Thurgood, Jr - Little has been trending upward, as he is 2nd in the City League in blocks. If he works on his offensive game, watch out. 

22. Norman Spearman, G Thurgood, Sr - Spearman has struggled finding the range but expect a breakout game soon. Had 10 vs Meadowdale. 

23. Malik Thomas, F Meadowdale Sr - Thomas has been solid off the bench averaging 6 rebounds a game. The presence has been much needed for the Lions.

24. Terry Green Jr, G Belmont Sr - Green started slow, but has led the Bison to consecutive wins and is in the Top 5 in steals. Starting to gel into his role for Belmont.

25. Jecarious Reaves, G Meadowdale, Fr - Cari has had a few bumps as a fabulous freshman, but expect that to change for the better with his experience and development throughout the season. 

If you don't see your name, just keep grinding and we will find you. If we missed your kid, then send us some information and we will check and see and adjust for the next Rankings. 

 

UP NEXT: GWOC ,MVL, GCL, DAYTON AREA