Colonel White Hoop Legend Anthony Talley Leaves Lasting Legacy

 Colonel White Hoop Legend Anthony Talley Leaves Lasting Legacy; 

Most Underrated Player in DPS History? 

by Deon Cash 

Anthony Talley, one of the most talented guards in the 90's, was possibly the most underrated player in Dayton and OHSAA history.

Talley passed away last week due to health complications. He was 48. 

Nicknamed AMP, which he had on his jersey, Talley was a super smooth but extremely explosive guard who could legitimately play both guard positions at 6'2, and was a absolute dynamo during his time at Colonel White in the mid 90's.  

In his sophomore year, he dropped 36 on Patterson, which featured the likes of Allen Spears, Deon Patterson, and that elite team coached by Bradley. 

He went toe to toe with DPS all time leading scorer Richard "TuTu" Brown and "Boomer Bozeman," one of the top backcourts in Dayton Public Schools history.

Early in 1993, there were reports that Talley would be back for his senior season. But it wasn't until people seen him in school that they knew that Talley was back. 

And with that came one of the greatest seasons in Colonel White and Dayton Public Schools history.

The Cougars would end up 16-4 on the season, and would be ranked as high as #4 in the OHSAA State polls. The team would amass the highest scoring ppg in DPS, and Dayton HS history at 89.6 ppg, which was absolutely insane in that time. 

That 93-94' team was also ranked as high as #17 in the USA Today Basketball Poll, which was the highest ranking ever for a Dayton Public School. And still is. 

 The points per game still ranks as a Top 5 all-time average ppg in OHSAA history. 

Remember, this was a time where the game was transitioning into a full court fast pace type of game, where colleges such as Arkansas "40 Minutes of Hell" and Loyola Marymount high.scoring antics were just making its way onto the hoop scene. 

Colonel White coaches, Tom Clements and Billy Staten were the leaders of the new way of play.

We wanted to push the tempo because we had so many weapons, and we wanted to wear teams down." We did that very well and Talley was the leader of the pack." Staten said recently. 

"We had some great talent on that team. That team was arguably the most talented team Colonel White has ever had."

"While the Hoggie and Jervaughn Scales state led team was extremely talented as well, this team had all the pieces and was just as talented. We just couldn't finish the deal."  

Talley would miss his entire junior year from playing high school ball. 

However, in his senior season, he came back with a vengeance. He averaged 25ppg while dropping dimes, slamming on all types of players, hitting 3's with range, elite ball handling, and being a savvy leader, with his signature smile and swagger. 

And on a weekend in December, Talley also was the leading scorer in the highest scoring game in OHSAA history. 

Talley would drop 35 points in a scintillating thriller between Colonel White and Sidney that ended up being a instant classic as the Cougars beat Sidney 130-122. That game still sits as the highest scoring game in OHSAA history 30 years later.

The game will be honored by coach Clark in Sidney in December during the basketball season.

"Anthony Talley was one of the greatest players I ever seen in high school." Coach Clark, who was the head coach of Sidney at the time, stated. 

"Just a amazing ball player."

And don't forget to mention the clutch gene he seemed to have, which was Jordan-esqe. 

When the game was on the line, Talley was the guy. And he most always delivered in the clutch. Just ask any coach who witnessed it or player who played with or against him.

I had the honor of playing with Anthony Talley in my high school career. It was one of the greatest years of my life and truly a honor to play with the guy. He is the most naturally gifted guard I ever seen. Sometimes you would be watching him on the court, even though you were playing with him. 

He would go on to play in JUCO in California (Oxnard) and in Nevada, and in his only full season he led the entire California juco league in scoring. The Seattle Supersonics literally had Talley on their radar. 

He would come back to Ohio after his stints with the colleges out west. 

A great player, but a even better person. Was a family guy, and stayed close to his loved ones and friends.  

Rest in power Amp. 

Talleys' services will be held at Thomas Funeral Home today at 1pm.