McMahon Enjoying Great Success at Ohio State as a Freshman; #3 Lady Buckeyes Look To Set A Record in Next Game

 While the boys high school basketball teams always produce great talent who go on to play for D-1 schools, the women have been paving the way lately on the highest level in Southwest Ohio in the college hoop game.  

The local girls ballers from the Dayton area have been more prevalent in being key players, and are becoming stars in their own right, on their college teams as well.

A couple years ago there was a kid from Centerville, who was a "Can't Miss" prospect. Cotie McMahon, then only a HS junior, was going toe to toe with the likes of McDonalds All-American senior Bree Hall (Who is a key player for South Carolina) and other top players in the Dayton area.

McMahon and the Elks were very good, and with her coming back for her senior year it looked as if the Lady Elks would have their first McDonalds All-American and be reaching a State Semifinal. 

Well, McMahon had other plans, and decided to graduate early, which would end her HS career.

While McMahon and her family talked about it, the Buckeyes were locked in on her after seeing her in her sophomore and junior campaign at Centerville.

She would decide to graduate early, and she would go to Ohio State to play with the Lady Buckeyes.

But before she would step one minute on the court with Ohio State, McMahon was selected to represent the USA Under-18 team at the World Championships.

And represent she did, leading the team in scoring en route to the gold medal, and showing that she could, in fact, possibly be one of the next wave of stars of womens' basketball.

Now fast forward to her first season at OSU.

McMahon has fit in flawlessly with a Lady Buckeyes team that has all the firepower to reach a Final Four. Adding McMahon, who is now averaging 11 ppg to go with her rebounding, playmaking, fiery mentality, and all around play, and you got a recipe for a NCAA Title contender.

But make no mistake: it is her intensity and physicality which seperate her from the rest.

McMahon plays with a spark, an grittiness, that is unmatched.  Her ability to drive and create is one that feels like Lebron on a fast break. 

Get in the way at your own risk. 

And as far as her defense? It is elite already, but still needs polish, which she is doing every day.

McMahon was plugged as a starter from day one, and its easy to see after a big win over Michigan, which runs the #3 ranked Lady Buckeyes record to 15-0. She can defend guards and post players with ease. And when she gets going offensively? Watch out. 

The next win will set the record for the most wins to start a season for the Lady Buckeyes.  

While she had been on a offensive scoring tear, dropping 20+ points in 4 or her last 5 games, this game was about heart, and who had it the most.

Ohio State would pull away late, after Michigan had cut it to a 4-point game, after being down 15 early in the 3rd quarter. 

Michigan, ranked #14 in the country, also has some local talent with Jordan Hobbs, a Springboro grad, and Laila Phelia, a 2-Time State Champion from Mount Notre Dame in Cincinnati.  

In trying to talk with McMahon after the game, you see the makings of a star: Kids and adults all over the place wanting autographs and pictures. Running from one autograph and picture to the next.  

Even some former Buckeye legends having their kids pictures taken with her. 

When around her, you feel a budding superstar vibe, but her humility, family core values and awesome smile and energy brings the vibe down to make you feel welcoming.  You also feel it in her conversation. 

In asking her about her game it was simple:

"Today I was needed to do a job defensively, and provide whatever my team needed me to do today. I was just worried about doing what is needed to get a win against a tough Michigan team. Today wasn't my day to score."  McMahon said.

Congrats to a young girl who took the road lesser taken. Its very rare to see a successful African-American student-athlete graduate school early to play sports at the next level - and be really good at it at in the early stages, despite all the obstacles. 

And another final point. This is becoming a special Ohio State team we are watching. 

Congrats to McMahon for her early success for her and the Lady Buckeyes team.

Follow us on the Journey!

@SELive365  

www.SELive365.com 

 

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 

Thurgood Marshall, Coach Wolfy, Look For Breakout Season This Year

 Thurgood Marshall, Coach Wolfy, Look For Breakout Year & Back To Back Titles This Season

By Deon Cash 

The Thurgood Marshall Lady Cougars enjoyed success last season after winning the Dayton Public Schools Championship last year, as the young team coached by Dwayne "Wolf" Hutchinson provided instant results. Although the results were solid, they were not the results that Coach Hutchinson desires in the long run on the bigger stage. 

"We were happy with winning the City League title, and we want to run it back to show we are better and more ready for the OHSAA Tournament to try to make a deeper run with our girls." Coach Wolf stated at Media Day a while back.

While they didn't make a deep run, they did began to build a bond which seems to be very strong, as most of the players believe wholeheartedly in Coach Wolf. 

Morganne Postell, Ma'Kayla Williams and Samara Gibson are the three stars and leaders of the team. Postell, the leading scorer of the team, spoke about how passionate their coach is and how he has some interesting tactics, but they love them nonetheless. 

"He keeps us prepared and we know he will make us work hard and stay disciplined." Postell said in an interview during media day. 

"We won the City League, so he knows what he is doing." 

Postell is one of the top players in the area and is the Jim Dabbelt Top 60 players this season. Williams and Gibson are big time prospects as well and all 3 ladies come back next year.

The Cougars will have some competition in the City League, as Meadowdale and Ponitz could pose some problems as the season progresses. Stivers has already shown flashes this season, so watch out for them as well. 

However, this Lady Cougar team has some special talent on the squad, and with that, takes a special guy to lead these troops. Coach Wolfy is just that, taking them to church, community engagements, and family gatherings, to show that it's much more than just a game. 

"They have to see that you genuinely care for them. We want to win on the court but also in life more than on the court. They see that I want that for all of them."

"We won last season, so this season is about running it back and trying to be the City League champions along with a solid tournament run. We have a great coaching staff and organization, so we are ready for the next step." Coach Wolf stated.

 Take a look at the Promo Video done for the Lady Cougars as they ready for their season opener tonight against the Lady Cougars. 

With most of the pieces from that breakthrough season still in tow, expect a banner year from Coach Hutchinson and his Lady Cougars. 

With a win tonight, the Lady Cougars will win at least a share of the City League championship for a second consecutive season.  

Trice Duo Looks To Grab European Championship Together

Trice Brothers Looks To Grab European Championship This Weekend

By Deon Cash 

Travis Trice II and D'Mitrik Trice have played ball all their lives together and have dreamed about winning championships together one day. The bros shined at Wayne HS before hitting the Big Ten ranks respectively for Michigan State and Wisconsin.  

Both ended up being very important players on very good teams and having All Big Ten careers as well, as Travis II played with that Final Four team along with recently deceased and Jefferson legend Adreain Payne.  

Their father, Travis, was a star himself at Butler and groomed them, along with Isaiah and Olivia (currently at FIU) to be ballers. 

Well, lo and behold, they will get their chance as the dynamic duo have led their professional organization (Slask Wroclaw) to the cusp of a championship in Poland. 

Travis II (nicknamed "Trav") who is the older bro (29), has been the catalyst of the team, showing that, he is, indeed, ready for a stint in the NBA, if called upon. He was the MVP of the League and has been unstoppable all season. 

D'Mitrik, who is 26, (nicknamed "Meech"), came mid-season and has given the team exactly what they needed: a boost, especially late in the games when the defense is keying on Travis.

That was no more evident then in the last game of  Polish Championship Series (Game 4), when D'Mitrik scored 10 straight points in the 4th quarter to help solidify a huge win in their quest to grab a championship.  

The win puts them up 3-1 with a chance to win the Championship this weekend.

Travis, who is now a assistant coach for Wright State, had made a trip to watch his boys play for one of the best teams in Europe in Slaks Wroclaw.

Once they reached the Finals, Trice was the sideline reporter for his boys, bringing a awesome element to the event that most dads dream about: watching their kids succeed at the highest levels.

While Travis is back home now, he and the family is clearly focused on seeing Trav and Meech bring home the chip, which game 5 will take place this weekend.

You can go to Slaska Wroclaw webpage or Eurobasket on Youtube to try to find the Championship series.

  

Follow the Trice Family and their Journey with us!

@DaytonWeekly