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MVP Boys Basketball Preview 2010
By Kurt Stubbs (ohiohshoops.com)
Last year Dunbar (D-II), Lima Central Catholic (D-III) and Jefferson (d-IV) delivered the Miami Valley state basketball titles. Who follows with an encore this winter?
Here’s a quick look at the area basketball scene complete with preseason All-Miami Valley teams, a preseason Top 10 regardless of division and a quick look at every team in the Miami Valley. It’s tip-off time…
MVP’S PRESEASON ALL-MIAMI VALLEY TEAMS
First Team All-MVP Preseason
Travis Trice Jr. (6’0/Sr.), PG, Wayne (Michigan State)
Markus Crider (6’6/Sr.), SF, Wayne (Providence)
Kendrick Williams (6’0/Jr.), PG, Fairborn
Deontae Hawkins (6’7/Jr.), Dunbar
Cody Latimer (6’3/Sr.), Jefferson
Second Team All-MVP Preseason
Ty O’Conner (6’3/Jr.), F, Lima Central Catholic
Ronnie Drinnon (6’7/Jr.), PF, Greeneview
Evan Bradds (6’6/So.), SF, Greeneview
Cole French (6’5/Jr.), SF, Eaton
Jaaron Simmons (6’0/So.), PG, Alter
Third Team All-MVP Preseason
Matt Houser (6’4/Sr.), F, Middletown Madison
Joby Jackson (6’3/Sr.), G, Jefferson
Gary Akbar (6’5/Jr.), SF, Dayton Dunbar
Andre Yates (6’1/Jr.), G, Trotwood-Madison
Reggie McAdams (6’5/Jr.), SF, Elida
Also Keep An Eye On:
Juan Gay (6’0, Sr.), Jefferson; Adam Westbeld (6’7/Sr.), Fairmont; Isiah Boddie (6’2/Sr.), Wayne; James Brown Jr. (6’1/Jr.), Trotwood-Madison; Taylor Decker (6’9/Jr.), Vandalia-Butler; Brent Langhorne (5’7/Sr.), Fenwick; Joe Thomasson (6’3/Jr.), Thurgood Marshall; Jordan Watson (5’9/Sr.), Thurgood Marshall; Max Zukowitz (6’0/Sr.), Alter; Anthony Marino (6’0/Sr.), Urbana.
MVP’S “PRESEASON” TOP 10 TEAMS (Regardless of Division)
1. Wayne (20-3 last season, D-I district finalist)
Returning Starters: Travis Trice (6’0/Sr.), Markus Crider (6’6/Sr.), Keith Clements (5’9/Jr.), Isiah Boddie (6’2/Sr.), and Jason Bitsko (6’4/Sr.)
Other Returnees: Justen Hollins (6’3/Sr.), Malcolm Pittman (6’6/Jr.), and Marcus Bonner (6’2/Jr.)
Newcomers: Ryan Gabbard (6’4/Jr.), Crisshawn Clark (6’0/So.), and Juan Ford (6’0/Fr.)
OHSH on Wayne: Wayne’s season ended a year ago with more controversy than a week in the National Football League. Two of Wayne’s main players were suspended during the tournament due to ineligibility issues, and the team consequently fell apart in its game against Cincinnati St. Xavier in the district final.
Without question, Wayne was one of the more talented teams in Ohio last year. It was the last team to beat eventual state champion Massillon Jackson, and it did so inside the Schottenstein Center at the Play-by-Play Classic in January.
The Warriors welcome back Trice Jr. (22.0 ppg./4.3 apg.), a Michigan State recruit, and Crider (14.1 ppg./8.1 rpg.), a Providence commit.
Expectations are high.
2. Dunbar (25-3, D-II state champions)
Returning Starters: Deontae Hawkins (6’7/Jr.) and Gary Akbar (6’5/Jr.)
Other Returnees: Javon Rice (5’9/Sr.), Damarion Geter (6’6/So.), RJ Williamson (6’2/Sr.)
Newcomers: Jacquan Sims (5’7/Jr.), Davion Young (5’8/Sr.), Breilun McCole (6’0/Sr.), Laquan Archie (5’9/Jr.), Tayvonne Hunt (5’10/Jr.), and Keontae Brown (6’4/Sr.)
OHSH on Dunbar: Dunbar has been the measuring stick of success in D-II over the last six years, and rightfully so. The Wolverines have claimed three state championships (’06, ’07, and ’10) in the past five seasons. Dunbar is coming off a state championship, but a lot of stars are gone. This is nothing new to Dunbar. There is no easy way to ease guards into the action, but Dunbar will have two solid, experienced bigs in Hawkins (10.2 ppg.) and Akbar (6.5 ppg.). Both started as sophomores. Repeating is tough to do, but Dunbar has proven just within the last five years it is capable of handling the task. Last year’s team was one of the best in the state regardless of division, though this team won’t be as heralded, it certainly has the talent to get the job done once again.
3. Alter (12-11, D-II sectional finalist)
Returning Starters: Max Zukowitz (6’0/Sr.), Joe Thuney (6’5/Sr.), Jaaron Simmons (6’0/So.)
Other Returnees: Trey Freshwater (6’1/Sr.), John LeComte (6’4/Sr.)
Newcomers:Jake Laravie (6’0/Jr.), Greg Heine (6’7/Jr.), Allen Jemison (6’2/Jr.), Joe Penno (6’0/Jr.), Jason Reboulet (6’3/Jr.), Malik Zaire (6’2/So.)
OHSH on Alter: The Knights started 4-7 last season before inserting Simmons into the line up. The Knights went 8-4 after that, which is a big reason for the optimism surrounding this year’s squad. Simmons (10.7 ppg.), who is a D-I recruit, returns as does deadly 3-point shooter Zukowitz (11.8) and big man Thuney (6.5 ppg./11.7 rpg.).
Also, returning is 3-point threat Freshwater (5.1 ppg.) and LeComte (2.6 ppg.). The Knight will welcome in a stellar junior class, which was part of an (18-2) jayvee squad. Zaire is another name to keep an eye on.
4. Lima Central Catholic (23-4, D-III state champions)
Returning Starters: Bubba Krieg (5’10/Sr.), Jon Steiger (6’4/Sr.), Tyler O’Connor (6’3/Jr.)
Other Returnees: Austin Stolly (6’0/Sr.), Billy Taflinger (6’0/Jr.), Derek Allen (6’4/Sr.), John Kidd (6’3/Jr.)
Newcomers: Tre’on Johnson (5’8/So.)
OHSH on Lima CC: Lima CC was just 3-4 at one point last season, but ended with a 20-game win streak, which provided longtime head coach Bob Seggerson his first state title in 32 years. Seggerson promptly retired after the game. Enter longtime assistant Frank Kill. Kill inherits a team that returns a ton of talent and three starters Krieg (9.0 ppg.), Steiger (6.0 ppg.) and O’Connor (10.5 ppg.). Stolly (7.3 ppg.) also returns after serving as a terrific sixth man last season. LCC doesn’t have a bona fide superstar, but they have nails tough kids who will compete to the bitter end. They are certainly talented enough to get back to Columbus, but repeating is obviously not easy to do.
5. Jefferson (17-10, D-IV state champions)
Returning Starters: Cody Latimer (6’3/Sr.), Joby Jackson (6’3/Sr.), Dwight Johnson (6’1/Sr.)
Other Returnees: Juan Gay (6’0/Sr.), Deontay Roberson (6’4/Jr.), David Prichett (6’4/Sr.)
Newcomers: Larry Harris (6’0/Sr.), Jalen Ware (6’2/Jr.), Davion Colter (6’0/Sr.)
OHSH on Jefferson: The Broncos have plenty of pieces to replace after winning the program’s third state title last season. Gone is standout prospect Adreian Payne (Michigan) and up-and-soming junior Devin Foster (moved to Louisiana). Still, Jefferson has enough talent left to make a run at another state championship. The Broncos are that deep. Latimer is the best small school front court player in Ohio and a force. Jackson will certainly help after averaging 12 points per contest as a junior. Gay will likely be another starter after providing a spark off the bench last year. A transfer from Thurgood Marshall, he scored 18 points against Bedford Chanel in the state semis. Look for Gay to really breakout this year.
6. Thurgood Marshall (20-5, D-II regional finalist)
Returning Starters: Jordan Watson (5’9/Sr.)
Other Returnees: Joe Thomasson (6’3/Jr.), Joe Ballard (6’5/Jr.), Mark Alstork (6’4/So.), Edmund Early (6’1/So.), Gary Green (6’4/So.), Sam Sanders (5’8/Sr.)
Newcomers: Eugene Whatley (6’7/Sr.)
OHSH on Thurgood Marshall: Marshall will be ushering in a new era with first-year head coach Darnell Hoskins. The former Springfield coach takes over for John Ralph who departed for Edison junior college. Hoskins, who played at CJ and then at the University of Dayton, will inherit a squad with just one returning starter. Most will think Marshall doesn’t deserve a Top 10 spot with just one returning starter, but we can’t look past Marshall’s recent history and the talent of the underclassmen. This ranking may be based on potential, but we will stand by it.
7. Trotwood-Madison (19-5, D-I District finalist)
Returning Starters: Marcus Graham (6’2/Sr.), 8.0 ppg., Andre Yates (6’1/Jr.), 6.2 ppg., and James Brown Jr. (6’1/Jr.), 4.7 ppg.
Other Returnees:Michael Booze (6’0/Sr.), Warren Wilson (5’11/Sr.), and Kevin Steward (6’6/So.)
Newcomers:Ja’Mar Hammonds (6’4/So.), Anthony Payton (6’6/Sr.), Jarrod Calhoun (6’3/Sr.), and Dazhonetae Bennett (6’4/Fr.)
OHSH on Trotwood: The Rams have established themselves as one of Dayton’s top programs and this year will be no different. Fourth-year head coach Mark Baker returns a solid cast. It may take the Rams a while to get their basketball legs though, since the football team advanced to the D-II state championship game.
8. Greeneview (18-4, D-III district finalist)
Returning Starters: Ronnie Drinnon (6’7/Jr.), Evan Bradds (6’6/So.), Eric Green (5’11/Jr.), Zach Raynor (6’2/Sr.)
Other Returnees: Kenny Lawson (6’2/Jr.), Garrett Hudson (6’1/Jr.)
Newcomers: Adam Elzey (6’2/Jr.), Alex Vanderwissell (5’11/Jr.), Jason Bradds (5’11/Sr.)
OHSH on Greeneview: The Rams return four starters including inside powerhouses Drinnon and Bradds. Together they may be the best duo in the post in D- III. Bradds averaged around 15 points per game as frosh and Drinnon was good for 14. Their games are a bit different as Bradds likes to work from the outside-in and is more of a face-up big, while Drinnon does most of his damage in the paint. Green and Raynor also return to the starting line up. With three underclassmen returning to the starting line up and five of the next seven being juniors it’s clear the Rams are set for at least a two-year run.
9. Urbana (13-8, D-II sectional)
Returning Starters: Anthony Marino, (6’0/Sr.), 16.1 ppg., Brad Massie (5’10/Sr.), 10.7 ppg., Cole Winner (5’10/Sr.), Clark Henson (6’2/Sr.), Zach Stillings (6’5/Jr.), 14.1 ppg./8.5 rpg.
Other Returnees:Bret Buchanan (5’8/Sr.), 4.3 ppg., Shane Underwood (6’2/Sr.), Jake Woodruff (6’1/Sr.), and Karl Singer (6’0/Sr.)
Newcomers:Royce Lucas-Taylor (6’5/Jr.) and Kyle Robb (6’0/Sr.)
OHSH on Urbana: Looking for the area’s surprise team this year – the Hillclimbers might be it. Urbana returns its top three scorers from a year ago and all five starters.
10. Fenwick (16-5, D-II sectional)
Returning Starters: Brent Langhorne (5’10/Sr.), 12.0 ppg./5.3 apg., Evan Ludwig (6’2/Sr.), 13.4 ppg., and Keith Brinkman (6’5/Sr.), 5.5 ppg./5.8 rpg.
Other Returnees: Johnny Plump (6’0/Jr.), 4.5 ppg. and Connor Ridge (6’2/Jr.), 3.0 ppg.
Newcomers: None
OHSH on Fenwick: The Falcons are looking to remove the bad taste of last season’s early tournament exit (lost to Oakwood in the first round). Fenwick returns four of its top five scorers including Langhorne and Ludwig. That duo was first team Greater Catholic League North Division last year.
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BEST OF THE REST
DIVISION I
Centerville: Returns Stefan Rivera-Clack (5’7/Sr.), Michael Clark (6’0/Sr.), 4.3 ppg., Mike Replogle (6’2/Sr.), 4.1 ppg., Jimmy Staley (5’11/Sr.), and Jake Campbell (6’11/Jr.).
Northmont: Returns Jamal Trammell (6’3/Jr.), 9.2 ppg./6.9 rpg., Solomon King-White (5’8/Jr.), 8.1 ppg./3.7 rpg./3.8 apg., Devon Carter (5’7/Jr.), 6.1 ppg./3 rpg./4.9 rpg.Jaron Isaac (6’1/Sr.) and Keith Richardson (5’9/So.). Watch out for Cam Taylor (6’2/Fr.).
Fairborn: Returns all five starters in Kendrick Williams (6’0/Jr.), 22.1 ppg., Bronson Marlett (5’11/Sr.), 5.1 ppg., Brad Hall (6’4/Jr.), 10.0 ppg, Tyler Wiazlo (6’1/Jr.), and Jamil Huffman (6’3/Sr.), 9.9 ppg.
Meadowdale: Returns Richard Weaver (6’5/Sr.), 14.6 ppg., Jaquill King (6’3/Sr.), 12.4 ppg., Kenyon Lowe (6’5/Sr.), 7.6 ppg., Nick Thornton (5’8/Jr.), 6.8 ppg., and Odis Shine (6’2/Jr.), 7.3 ppg.
Sidney: Returns Danile Ocke (6’6/Sr.), 15.0 ppg./8.0 rpg., Zach Yinger (6’4/Sr.), 15.5 ppg./6.2 rpg., T.J. Golden (6’0/Sr.), Jarad Sowders (5’10/Sr.) and R.J. Heins (5’10/Sr.).
Springboro: Returns two starters in Josh Davis (5’10/Sr.), 6.1 ppg. and Max Webb (6’2/Sr.), 9.7 ppg./4.2 rpg. Newcomers include Maverick Morgan (6’9/So.) and Jack Mapes (6’0/Jr.).
Springfield: Returns George Walker (5’10/Jr.), 5.9 ppg., Akeem Freeman (6’3/Sr.), 12.9 ppg/3.4 rpg., Antonio Ferrell (6’6/Sr.), 5.5 ppg., and Byron Thompson (6’3/Sr.)
Troy: Returns two starters in Lance Carter (6’3/Sr.), 9.4 ppg./4.2 rpg. and Marcus Foster (5’11/Jr.), 9.1 ppg. Also back are Cody May (6’2/Jr.), 6.1 ppg., Zack Martinez (6’0/Jr.), 5.6 ppg., and Seth Lucas (5’8/Jr.). Newcomers are Zack Rohr (6’5/Jr.) and Tyler Miller (6’5/So.).
Vandalia Butler: Returns Taylor Decker (6’9/Jr.), 12.0 ppg./4.8 rpg., Ryne Pugh (6’1/Jr.), 7.2 ppg., Sam Hershberger (5’11/Jr.), 4.1 ppg., and Chris Mayhill (6’2/Sr.).
Xenia: Returns Andrew Bolka (6’5/Sr.), 9.9 ppg./7.6 rpg., Marques Green (6’1/Jr.), 6.0 ppg., Nick Cain (6’2/Sr.), and Rayshawn Holliman (5’7/Sr.).
DIVISION II
Chaminade Julienne: Returns just one starter in Tim Szabo (6’1/Sr.), 3.1 ppg./4.7 apg., but other key returnees are John Staley (6’4/Jr.), 4.5 ppg. and Logan Daugherty (6’3/Sr.). A slew of talented newcomers will make a difference as well. That list includes Michael Russell (6’1/Sr.), Andy Bole (6’6/Jr.), Chris McGuire (6’2/So.), Austin Piatt (6’0/So./transfer from Miami Valley School), Phillip Kidd (5’9/Jr.), Aaron Lassalle (6’1/Jr.) and Justin Bibbs (6’3/Fr.).
Elida: Returns two starters in Reggie McAdams (6’5/Jr.), 17.4 ppg. and Alex McAdams (6’3/Sr.). Also back are Andrew Clevenger (6’0/Sr.), Kevin Kraft (6’1/Jr.), and Aric Thompson (6’1/So.).
Celina: Returns three starters in Nate Bihn (6’2/Sr.), John Homan (6’4/Sr.) and Scott Moeder (5’10/Jr.). Also back are Greg Riemesch (6’4/Sr.), Mitchell Ross (6’3/Sr.), Kahl Knapke (5’10/Sr.), Phillip Johnson (5’11/Sr.) and Nate Loughridge (6’0/Sr.).
Lima Bath: Return Brad Davis (Jr.), Johnny Simindinger (Sr.) and Nate Hefner (Jr.).
Lima Shawnee: Returns one starter in Trey Howard (6’2/Sr.), 19.1 ppg.. Also back are Clint Spencer (6’1/Sr.), Seth Rosenbauer (6’6/Jr.), Jamiil Williams (6’0/Sr.), Donell Irons (6’1/So.), Corey Royster (6’6/Jr.), and Eddie Kelley (6’0/Sr.).
Bellbrook: Returns Chris Hamilton (6’3/Sr.), 13.8 ppg. and Daveon Green (6’2/So.), 13.6 ppg.
Bellefontaine: Returns Michael Bean (6’7/Sr.), 8.8 ppg./6.1 rpg., Josh Jones (5’11/Sr.), 5.5 ppg., Matt Gump (6’3/So.), 4.6 ppg., Preaston Artis (6’2/Sr.), and Michael Stockton (5’10/Sr.).
Carroll: Returns Trez Jones (6’3/Sr.), 10.2 ppg./6.6 rpg., D.J. McCommons (5’10/Jr.), 9.1 ppg., Brian Hickey (5’11/Sr.), 6.6 ppg., Nick Castro (6’3/Sr.), 5.8 ppg, and Carl Petkoff (6’3/Sr.), 3.4 ppg.
Oakwood: Returns two starters in Ryan McFarland (6’2/Sr.) and Christian Wald (5’9/Sr.).
Eaton: Returns Cole French (6’5/Jr.), 18.4 ppg., T.J. Woods (6’2/Sr.), 4.4 ppg., and Jordan Bryant (6’6/Jr.), 4.0 ppg.
Valley View: Returns Kyle Pohl (6’4/Sr.), 14.8 ppg., Zach Denny (6’0/So.), 8.7 ppg, Brandon Fox (5’11/Sr.), 6.5 ppg, Ben Fannin (6’0/Jr.), 6.0 ppg., Ben Copher (6’8/Sr.), Jordan Crouse (6’0/Sr.), Brad Miller (5’10/Jr.), and Rob Skidmore (6’5/Sr.).
Kenton Ridge: Returns Luke Mamer (6’3/Sr.), 10.1 ppg./4.0 rpg. and Ben Bowman (6’5/Sr.), 6.0 ppg.
Springfield Northwestern: Returns Levi Burns (6’5/Sr.), 18.7 ppg./5.0 rpg., Seth Meldon (6’3/Sr.), 12.3 ppg./6.9 rpg., Devin Nicewaner (5’9/Sr.), 7.3 ppg./4.9 rpg., and Ethan Cox (5’9/Sr.), 6.3 ppg.
Springfield Shawnee: Returns Steven Sarven (6’2/Sr.), 10.9 ppg., Logan Naufahu (6’1/Sr.), 5.2 ppg., John Campbell (6’5/Sr.), 4.3 ppg., Jaylen Price (6’7/Sr.), and Mark McKee (6’3/Sr.), 3.9 ppg.
Graham: Returns Nick Van Hoose (6’1/Sr.), 16.8 ppg, Adam Zook (6’1/Sr.), 3.4 ppg, and Austin Hicks (5’10/Jr.).
Tippecanoe: Returns Jesse Davis (6’6/Sr.), 8.3 ppg./4.3 rpg., Zach Langdon (5’11/Sr.), 6.1 ppg., and Cody Gingerich (6’1/Sr.), 4.4 ppg.
Wilmington: Returns Brady Camp (6’1/Sr.), Deondre Pierce (6’3/Jr.), Adrien Brooks (6’0/Jr.), Zach McCormick (6’2/Fr.), Colt Briggs (6’1/So.), and Austin Mansfield (6’3/So.)
DIVISION III
Ottawa-Glandorf: Returns starters Travis Schomaeker (6’1/Sr.), Andrew Trenkamp (6’0/Sr.) and Landon Pothast (6’4/Sr.). Additional key returners are Matt Peck (6’4/Sr.), Adam Hershberger (6’4/Sr.), Drew Ellerbrock (6’4/Sr.).
Middletown Madison: Returns starters Josh Foster (5’9/Sr.) and Matt Houser (6’4/Sr.) and also brings back contributors Billy McGuire (5’11/Sr.) and Joey Adleta (6’3/Jr.).
Miami East: Returns four starters in Evan Wolf (6’6/Sr.), Justin Hershberger (6’3/Sr.), Bradley Coomes (6’2/Jr.) and Josh Snyder (5’9/Jr.). Also back are Gunner Shirk (6’0/Jr.), Zach Denlinger (6’2/Sr.), Ray Vogel (6’1/Sr.), Connor Carey (6’3/Sr.).
Versailles: Returns junior Zach Niekamp (10.6 ppg.), senior Damion Winner, junior Mitchell Campbell (8.9 ppg.), and sophomore Chad Winner (5.6 ppg.).
Dixie: Returns juniors Garrett Moore, 7.7 ppg, John Isaacs (6’4) and seniors Tony Prater (6’5) and Adam Worley, 7.2 ppg.
Dayton Christian: Returns junior Mark Lieberman (6’1), 15.7 ppg, senior Julian Harris (6’4), 12.4, and Brandon Stein (Sr.).
Stivers: Returns seniors Brooklyn Bradley (6’3), 15.5 ppg, Evan Young, Ronald Frost Daryl Smith, and RaShawn Williams (6’5).
Northridge: Returns senior Shawn Fleming (6’2)-12.0 ppg, along with seniors Jacob Suhr, Tyrell Russell Dustin Dees, Toby Brown, and Mark Watson along with Ja’Mar Hammonds (6’4/So.).
Carlisle: Returns seniors Adam Emrick (16.0 ppg.), Josh Koogle (13.9 ppg.), and Jordan Jacobs (9.0 ppg.), along with juniors Michael Kruse (6.4 ppg.), Jon Back (5.5 ppg.), and Tyler Dean (6’5), 6.9 ppg.
Springfield Northeastern: Returns seniors Mark Schwitzgable (6’5), 11.6 ppg, Niles Tackett (6’3), 9.2 ppg, and Ethan Ford (6’2), 6.9 ppg.
St. Henry: Returns senior Cory Siefring (6’4) along with junior Craig Knapke (6’3) and sophomore Kyle Stahl (6’4).
DIVISION IV
Springfield Central Catholic: Returns six of top seven players including Hayden Hagerman (17.7 ppg.) and Brian Kelly (14.9 ppg.).
Franklin Monroe: Returns entire roster minus one. Key players back are Tyler Schrodi and Van Spitler.
Fort Loramie: Returns Cody Albers along with Nick Meyer, Chris Meyer, and Joe Poeppelman.
Arcanum: Returns nine of its top 11 players from last year including Austin Bruner and Ryan Burns.
Miami Valley School: Returns sophomore Austin Piatt (17.4 ppg.), senior Corey Roe (9.2 ppg.) and a solid supporting cast that includes a senior, four juniors and three sophomores.
Troy Christian: Returns four of its top five scorers and seven of its top 10 players, including Luke Chafin (13.5 ppg.).
South Charleston Southeastern: Returns Tyler Cooper and five others.
Yellow Springs: Returns juniors Greg Felder and A.J. Wagner.
Tri-Village: Returns Drew Moore (20 ppg.) and five others.
Sidney Lehman Catholic: Returns Nick Cordonnier and four others.
Russia: Returns Levis Francis (10.8 ppg.) along with Mitch Knight and Jacob Hoying.
Ponitz: Returns Craig Wallace (18.8 ppg.).
Newton: Returns Ryan Payne along with two other starters.
Jackson Center: Returns Andy Hoying and Jacob Mann.
Houston: Returns Josh Redd and Derek Estes.
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