Miami Valley Top 10

Dayton Insider is taking the time to give you the top ten High School basketball teams in the Miami Valley. As most of you know 2 of the top teams will be going head to head next weekend when future recruits Chris Wright and Josh Benson will battle at UD Arena. Dayton Insider feels that there are a few teams besides Trotwood and Dunbar who can make a legit claim as a top team in the Dayton area.

1. Trotwood Madison Rams (10 – 1)
This team is lead by future UD standout Chris Wright but he is not the only weapon on this team. They have a loaded squad again this year and they are even getting good contribution from super sophomore Aaron Robinson. Chris is leading the team in points (19.7) and rebounds (13.4) but this team can hit you from a number of positions. Little but feisty PG Duane Morgan (17.4) is the spark plug with Armand Darby (13.0) and Dwayne Simms (12.8) also putting up quality points. Trotwood took there first loss of the season but it just happened to be to National Power House Oak Hill.

2. Dunbar Wolverines (10 – 1)
The Wolverines are on the right track as they try to repeat as the Division 2 Ohio State Champs. You will not find a bigger team in the state let alone in the Miami Valley as they go 6’5 or bigger across the front line. Aaron Pogue leads the Dayton area in rebounding with an average of 16.4 a game. He also contributes just over 15 points a game for the Wolverines. This team however is lead by Norris Cole. Norris is a true team leader and has stepped up to pick up the slack from last years dominating team and has come up big to win games for Dunbar in the closing minutes. Dayton recruit Josh Benson is also a big contributor while trying to fit in with Norris and Aaron.

3. Tippecanoe Red Devils (10-0)
This may be the surprise team of the year when it is all said and done. We feel that Tipp City will end up playing Dunbar for the right to go to Columbus and would not be at all shocked if this team was playing for a State Title in March. Everyone knows about gritty point guard Robert Goldsberry and work horse Kellen Zawadzki but they have since added Junior Kyle Corbin who has added instant scoring since his transfer from Lehman Catholic over the summer. All three players are blue collar workers who will fight till the end and will be hard to beat by anyone in the Miami Valley.

4. Centerville Elks (9 – 2)
Coach Staley has once again made his team one of the finest in the Dayton area. He does so with the philosophy of having a great system and having kids who truly believe in his system. Coach Staley is the best coach in the area as far as we are concerned and he continues to get it done. It does not hurt when you have 6-8 Matt Kavanaugh and his 11 rebounds a game. Look for this team to make a run at a share of the GWOC crown and also run deep in the State Tournament.

5. Alter Knights (10 – 1)
Coach Petrocelli is also a great coach and some could very well make the argument that he is the top coach in the area. One thing you cannot argue however is his success on the court. He continues to bring teams through the GCL that always improve through ought the season. Alter has run off 8 straight victories and they should have no problem taking home the crown of the North Division of the Greater Catholic League.

6. Beavercreek Beavers (9 – 3)
The Beavers are lead by Point Guard Alex Marolo (13.4) and Power Forward Justin Tillman (13.3). They are coming off a big victory over Brian Scott and the Chaminade Eagles this past week and will also be a strong contender in the GWOC. Beavercreek had run off 7 straight victories before losing a heart breaker to Centerville 39 – 36.

7. Oakwood Lumberjacks (12 -1)
This team would be ranked higher if they played in a bigger division because they have the size and talent to play with the big boys. Chris Hardy (9.6) and Jake Mays (8.8) could start for any team in the Miami Valley and are wrecking machines in the SWBL. The Lumberjacks have reeled off 7 straight victories and look for them to make a huge push to represent the area in the State Tournament.

8. Wayne Warriors (9 – 4)
This team may be the most disappointing team so far in the Miami Valley. They have the most talented Junior class in the area by far and most expected them to make a big splash as Sophomores last year. Charles Winkfield (14.4), Tyler Milligan (11.2), Troy Gilmer (5.5), and DJ Lenoir (8.1) have great chemistry since they have played together since youth basketball. If some how coach Steve Jutras can get them to play hard all the time they should be a top 3 team in the area. Coach Jutras however has been the most disappointing coach so far this season. He needs to rebound as most people expect more out of his Warriors.

9. Fairmont Firebirds (7 – 4)
Fairmont is a hard team to figure out. Coach Bias had these guys over achieve last year and so most would expect them to do the same especially since they added Junior Andrew Sawyer who had 21 in his last outing. Then add point leader Lamar Skeeter who is one of the top players in the whole Miami Valley and you would think this team would have a much better record. I would not count this team out as they go down the last part of the regular season.

10. Jefferson Broncos (9-2)
The Broncos have been causing havoc all through the Miami Valley as they have dominated the Division 3 teams from around the area. Most did not think they would be a threat but pushed the Dunbar Wolverines to the brink before Norris Cole hit a last second shot to put them over the edge. If this young Bronco team can continue to improve they can also get far in the State Tournament.