Josh Benson Update: AAU State Tournament

Future Dayton Flyer Josh Benson was in Cincinnati this weekend for the Ohio AAU State Championship. A good weekend for Josh ended in a disappointing semifinal overtime loss. Dayton Insider has been in appearance at all of 2008 commit Josh Benson's games this weekend at the Sports Plus in Cincinnati to provide first hand analysis of his performances.

Future Dayton Flyer Josh Benson, a 6’10’’ versatile, athletic forward had another good weekend. He showed tremendous improvement in his ability to score with his back to the basket which is a great compliment to his versatility and ability to face up and score off the dribble. Josh’s skill level is far more advanced than it was even a few months ago during the high school season. There is no doubt Josh has been working on his game this spring.

Josh’s activity is something which has been unmatched this weekend in Cincinnati. When fresh, especially early in games, Josh seems to control the flow of the game and make his presence know. Josh plays nearly every minute and carries the load for Dayton Metro which takes a toll on him but he has still found ways to dig in and make plays when the game is on the line.

The most impressive aspect of his game has been his timing on the offensive glass. His timing is exhibited in the fact he has caught 6-8 offensive rebounds off the rim and finished them forcefully.

The following is a quick summary/box score of each of Josh’s games from the weekend.

Game 1 – vs. Cincinnati Shining Stars (Carey) – 85-62
*12 points
*5 rebounds

Game 2 – vs. Ohio Basketball Club – 67-64
*12 points
*5 rebounds
**A great defensive performance against Scout’s #9 power forward
Yancy Gates. Benson held him to 6 total points.

Game 3 – vs. Cincinnati AAU Black – 72-70
*10 points
*3 rebounds
**Dayton Metro and Dayton Dunbar teammate Keith Rakestraw hit a free throw line jumper at the buzzer to give Dayton Metro the win.

Quarterfinals – vs. Cincinnati AAU Red – 57-55
*12 points
*5 rebounds

Semifinals – vs. Cincinnati Shining Stars (Callahan) – 62-68 (OT)
*14 points
*8 rebounds

FINAL AVERAGES: 12 points, 5.2 rebounds