Division I regional track finals
Fenwick graduation 2012
Ponitz graduation 2012
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December 2009
Dunbar beats one of Michigan’s best
Huron High School didn’t remember playing Dunbar at a team camp in June. It’s a good bet the River Rats will remember this time.
Dunbar hosted the school from Ann Arbor, Mich., on Tuesday, pressing and powering their way to a 90-68 win. Huron (3-2) entered ranked No. 11 in the Class A division and their only other loss was to top-ranked Romulus 57-41.
Geron Johnson scored 27 points and seven assists, Deon Stewart added 18 points and six assists and Deontae Hawkins finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds for Wolverines (7-0).
Dunbar coach Pete Pullen was impressed with his bench play, especially that of Derrick Benson (9 points, 2 steals, 3 assists) and Roger Willliamson (7 points, 3 steals, 5 rebounds).
“That run made it difficult for us,” Huron coach Waleed Samaha said on AnnArbor.com. “We competed, but when you play a team like that, the only way to neutralize them is to be tougher, smarter and play harder. You have to do all of those things to have a chance, and we didn’t do any of them.”
The Wolverines played the River Rats at a camp in Cleveland in June and Pullen said the Wolverines won by about 40 points.
“Lucky for us they went to the same camp in Cleveland we did and we beat them pretty bad up there,” Pullen said. “Their coach didn’t realize it was the same school (on their schedule).”
Dunbar, remembering Huron, prepped for them with a heavy dose of pressing. During practices Pullen put eight players on the court and told his starters to get the ball from baseline to baseline without dribbling.
While the Wolverines broke the River Rats press, the Rats had trouble doing the same. Pullen said Huron’s point guard was winded near halftime.
Still, Huron provided Dunbar with a great challenge.
“I’d put them on a level with Chaminade Julienne,” Pullen said. “(Huron) might have been the second beast team we’ve played.”
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TweetTake a lap: A challenge for Trotwood’s William Henry
The difference between running one lap or two around a 400-meter track doesn’t seem like much … unless you’re keeping track of time in fractions of seconds.
“It’s been a big thing ever since I’ve been in high school,” said Trotwood-Madison High School 400 sensation William Henry.
“I love both races.”
Henry has anchored the two fastest 1,600 relays ever run by Ohio prep boys teams the last two years. And he’ll take those fleet feet to Arizona State University this fall. He verbally committed to run for the Pac-10 Sun Devils this week.
A classic long strider, Henry has consistently clocked in the 48-49 second range throughout his career, and gets better as the season closes. His 400 PR is 47.21.
The few times he’s run the two-lapper have been impressive. This past summer he ran 1:53.53 for the Northwest Track Club despite never having trained for the distance. He’ll likely toggle between the distances at Tempe.
“They’d like me to contribute to the (1,600) relay and probably the 600 indoors.” he said.
He also possesses sprinter speed, having gone 21.70 in the 200 at the Tennessee Volunteer Classic last spring.
“I’m shooting for the low 46’s (in the 400),” Henry said of his senior season with the Rams.
“I’m a lot stronger and feeling more explosive.”
The 5-10, 153-pounder is carrying on a family running tradition. An uncle, Kevin White, was a standout hurdler at Dunbar.
Henry owns a 3.5 GPA and has scored a 23 on the ACT. He can sign a National Letter of Intent in February.
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TweetBeavercreek shoots for Mayor’s Cup title
Consider it a lesson learned for Beavercreek during the harsh winter months: Never let your guard down on ice.
For the Beavers, though, it was more a lesson in drive than it was in driving. After a record-setting 12-0 start, heated rivals Centerville and Springboro left a Beavercreek team admittedly not giving its all fish-tailing.
“Every time we kept winning guys kept getting bigger heads about it. We’re a good team but we need to show up and play as a team,” senior center Matt Green said. “We can’t just skate through every game because that’s not going to work.”
Some hard practices have followed those losses, giving the Beavers a boost of confidence heading into the Mayor’s Cup that starts today, Dec. 28, and runs through Wednesday at South Metro Sports in Centerville.
The Beavers — who have also won the Frozen Creek and Kilbourne tournaments this season — are shooting for their first Mayor’s Cup since the 2006-07 season.
Centerville certainly doesn’t want to relinquish its title.
That game — scheduled for 8 p.m. Wednesday at South Metro — could be the most entertaining.
“The games are rough and hard hitting. The game we played on (Dec. 18) had about 500 come out for that one,” Green said. “It’s a good rivalry and I love playing them. It’s definitely more of a physical game.”
Green, senior Mike Mazza and junior Pavi Kullar have accounted for most of the Beavers goals. That, along with strong net minding from senior Kyle McClure, will be key for the Beavers to win their third tournament this season.
“It’s a lot of pressure, but it’s always been a rivalry so you have to go in there knowing you have to win,” McClure said. “This game is completely different. It’s just like football and any other sport. Beavercreek and Centerville don’t get along.”
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TweetThe Sabbath and basketball a ‘touchy subject’ says UD women’s recruit
Top point guard Andrea Hoover is used to shutting down on Saturdays since she’s starred at Spring Valley Academy. That’s in adherence to the Seventh-Day Adventist affiliate of not participating in events on the Sabbath (Saturday).
But that could be a problem at the next level. The junior verbally committed to the University of Dayton this week.
“It’s a touchy subject because a lot of people believe differently about that,” said Hoover, who chose UD over NC State and many MAC schools.
“I’ve gotten pretty used to (playing on Saturdays) from AAU ball. I’ll still devote time to my religion on Saturdays, but, no, I’m not going to insist on not playing or practicing or anything like that (at UD).”
There are Seventh-Day Adventist universities throughout the world, but nationally there are just 14 and none offer athletics. That made it easy for Hoover to choose a Catholic university like UD. Besides, she’s a self-admitted home-body.
Hoover has excelled for the Dayton Lady HoopStars and most recently the Ohio Lady Attack, placing fourth nationally in the AAU 15-under division last summer. The Attack, coached by CJ coach Duane Williams, drew many of the area’s best underclass girls, many of whom likely tried to lure Hoover away from the non-OHSAA affiliated Spring Valley.
“That wasn’t a big deal for me,” she said of committing to UD, a Marianist school. “I almost transferred to a Catholic (high school) anyway.”
TweetSpringboro Athletic Hall of Fame accepting nominations
Springboro High School is accepting nominations from community members, teachers and coaches for its 2010 Athletic Hall of Fame.
To nominate an athlete, administrator, or booster, contact AD Troy Holtrey for a nomination form at tholtrey@springboro.org or at (937) 748-4110.
Provide stats and awards so that the committee can compare and vote. All nominations must be turned in by Jan 10 to be considered.
This is for 2005 or earlier Springboro graduates. They must have contributed substantially during his/her career, including significant school, conference or state records or a demonstration of a unique versatility.
For an administrator, booster, or supporter, they must have at least 10 years of contribution.
Hall of Fame Induction will be done at a home boys basketball game in February.
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TweetTrotwood’s Douglass looks at home in the gym
TROTWOOD — Some wondered after the Trotwood-Madison school district this season suspended him for four games for criticizing officials whether football coach Maurice Douglass’ job might be in danger.
It was the second time in two seasons Douglass had been suspended, the first for recruiting and eligibility issues that caused him to miss three games last season. Seven games in two seasons in a large number to miss.
One wouldn’t think there was any discomfort by watching Douglass mingle during the Trotwood boys basketball game against Vandalia Butler on Friday, Dec. 18. Each time he stepped into the doorway, Douglass met a string of folks who wanted to chat and visit. It was all smiles.
This is one reason, I think, Trotwood has continued to support Douglass despite some issues. He is beloved by his players, and especially by the community.
And that doesn’t even cover his football coaching, which has led Trotwood to some of its best seasons in recent years. This year, after Douglass returned, the Rams won their final two regular season games and advanced to the Division II, Region 8 final against Winton Woods, which went on to win the state championship. No team was closer to Winton Woods in the playoffs than Trotwood.
As much as the collected talent, which is significant, Douglass accomplishes such things with his relationship with the players. He also clearly relates well to the parents and the fans, who respect him as one of the better players in Trotwood’s football history.
Sometimes, Douglass’ passion gets the best of him. But, it’s also one of the reasons he is so well-liked, which was clear as he comfortably moved throughout the Trotwood gym on Friday.
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TweetWhere have three-sport standouts gone?
For every Dusty Isaacs or Braxton Miller who are coveted Division I college recruits, there are a hundred more chasing the dream. The chance at earning a college scholarship has led some athletes to specialize in one sport. That’s a mistake, according a few Miami Valley coaches.
“Every kid I’ve ever sent to college to play football has been a two-sport kid,” Northmont high school football coach Lance Schneider said. “We preach that to our kids and I think it’s very important they play more than one sport.”
Schneider said there are two questions college recruiters are guaranteed to ask at every visit: How are the grades and what other sports do they play?
“You should never make a kid choose one sport over the other at this level. Like I tell our kids, until someone is paying you to do that sport with a scholarship they have no right to tell you what sport to play,” Schneider said. “To be honest, if you go back 10 or 15 years ago it was worse then than it is now. I think when AAU started getting big people got intoxicated by the fact if my kid specializes in a sport he’s going to get a scholarship. I think people have realized that’s not the case anymore.”
Lebanon baseball coach Lee Day agrees. If a player is good enough to play a D-I sport in college, why not spread the talent around and enjoy other sports and possibly avoid burnout?
“When I was the football coach here in the ’80s I told our linemen you need to go out for wrestling. That will do you more good than just lifting three days a week,” Day said. “I tell our (baseball) kids that are not involved in a fall sport, I tell them I don’t care if they play fall baseball at all. They need some down time. Their arm needs some rest. Take August, September and October off. There needs to be some down time but for whatever reason kids feel pushed.”
“The sad part about that is parents don’t understand there is more academic money out there than there is athletic money,” Day added. Every private school out there offers right off the top, if they have a certain GPA, several thousand dollars off their tuition.”
Here’s what a few others said about the disappearance of three-sport standouts and specialization:
Wayne athletic director Jay Minton: “You want to see them compete and you want to see them enjoy high school. Gosh, there’s so much demand on these kids nowadays they need some release. To me sports is a release.”
Lebanon boys basketball coach Pat Murphy: “The reality is those coaches are going to find you if you’re a player. The numbers are not in your favor of getting a scholarship.”
Lebanon three-sport standout Isaacs: “You only live high school once. You only get a chance to play high school varsity basketball once. After football I realized I’m really going to miss the Friday nights. I figured if I can help out the team and contribute I might as well play.”
Wayne boys basketball coach Travis Trice: “Right now with the economy the way it is and with recruiting where kids are getting offered in the ninth grade, it tends to lean to specializing and trying to get that scholarship. Recruiting is much more of a fast-paced thing than it was 15 years ago and it kind of forces kids to specialize. I don’t think its in the best interest for those kids.”
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TweetFairmont, Creek ready for Round 1
Five games into the girls basketball season and Fairmont and Beavercreek are already facing a must-win game.
The Greater Western Ohio Conference Central Division co-leaders collide at 1 p.m. Saturday at Beavercreek.
Fairmont (5-0) and Beavercreek (4-0) tied for the Central title last season with 9-1 records after splitting the season series. Fairmont won 34-33 on its home court and Beavercreek followed with a 35-32 win at home. Fairmont, though, knocked Beavercreek out of the postseason with a 47-22 rout that the Beavers haven’t likely forgotten.
“This game is very important. In order to win the league there is minimal room for error,” Fairmont coach Tim Cogan said, adding the key for the Firebirds is to control the tempo.
Senior Cassie Sant leads Fairmont with 14.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. Also keep an eye on freshman Chelsea Welch, who averages 11 points and 6.2 rebounds.
For Beavercreek, juniors Sammy Haddix (12.7 points) and Chelsea Bradley (9.3 points, 4.7 rebounds) are key while senior Erin Walsh chips in 11 points.
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TweetIt’s a can plan for Alter, Fenwick
Can Fenwick and Alter do the Can-Can?
They’ll find out Friday night when the Falcons host the Knights in a boys varsity basketball game (7:30 p.m.).
The Fenwick student council is sponsoring “Can the Opponent” that night. Fans from both teams are requested to bring donated can goods that will be distributed to needy families throughout the area.
There is a competition between the schools to see which can produce the most donated items.
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Tweet‘Pink Out’ expected to hit Fairborn in honor of coach’s in-law
Fairborn High School will be hit with a “Pink Out” when Sidney visits Memorial Fieldhouse for a girls basketball game (7:30 p.m.).
Spectators and students are urged to wear pink in honor of Skyhawks coach Steve Hannaford’s sister-in-law Diane Hannaford. She’ll have surgery for breast cancer on Thursday at Arizona.
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TweetFairmont’s Sant to return Wednesday
Cassie Sant is at “the end of the road of this small stress fracture” and is expected to play in two GWOC Central Division games this week after missing the Firebirds’ matchup against Wayne last week, coach Tim Cogan said Monday night, Dec. 14.
Sant, the 6-foot-2 University of Dayton recruit, has been bothered by the injury to her lower leg since near the beginning of basketball practices, Cogan said. She’s not sure when the injury occurred, and the Firebirds have been using her more sparingly than usual in practice and games to help her rest the leg as much as possible, Cogan said.
Fairmont (4-0), No. 2 in the DDN area Division I ratings, will host Centerville on Wednesday before traveling to Beavercreek, the No. 3 area D-I team, on Saturday.
Sant met with a doctor on Monday and received clearance to play after missing the matchup with Wayne last Wednesday. In the first three games, Sant scored 16, 19 and 9 points.
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TweetTrotwood’s Thomas ‘in attack mode’
DaWuan Thomas hit four 3-pointers in Trotwood-Madison’s first game last week against Fairborn, an 85-42 win.
On Friday against Miamisburg, he only hit one. But that doesn’t mean he can’t shoot, coach Mark Baker said.
“He was in attack mode,” Baker said Saturday afternoon, “so he didn’t settle for many jump shots.”
And that’s what the newly implemented offseason weight training program at Trotwood can do, Baker said. Thomas, a 6-1 senior guard, has taken advantage to score 25 and 27 points in the Rams’ first two games as they backed up their No. 1 spot in the DDN area Division I ratings.
Thomas is also providing senior leadership to a team with seven new varsity players, Baker said. Even though Trotwood returned several starters — including Thomas (27 points on Friday), Marcus Graham (16) and Darnell Tubbs (15) — the Rams can use that leadership.
“He had a great summer, and a great fall,” Baker said. “He’s one of those gym-rat kind of kids, he loves the game, he’s always working.”
Thomas’ start has generated some interest from Division I and D-II colleges, Baker said, especially for his athletic ability.
“I think he’s gonna be a steal for someone,” Baker said. “He’s a playmaker, meaning his strength is attacking you off the dribble. He’s been working on his shot, and he has improved, but he’s also a very smart player.”
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TweetCould Meadowdale be a serious D-I player?
For the past few seasons, it’s been difficult to get a lot of attention in the Dayton City League if you’re not Dunbar or Marshall.
Meadowdale, meanwhile, has been playing scrappy defense, making just enough shots and winning plenty of games.
Now, consider what the Lions have done to start this season. Granted, they’re 0-2, but they lost by four points to Dunbar, which many believe is ready to again challenge for a D-II state championship, and lost by five points to Marshall tonight at Marshall.
Now, consider this: Meadowdale has played those tough games without its best player, senior Marquece Simmons, who broke a foot in the final preseason scrimmage. I asked coach Felix Turner about Simmons in the locker room after the game tonight, and Simmons walked in looking very frustrated. Turner said the loss was a major hit to the Lions, who finished 13-10 last season.
Instead, Meadowdale is led by junior Richard Weaver, who had 15 points against Marshall. Junior Jaquill King added 15 more points for the Lions, who don’t have a senior in the starting lineup without Simmons.
If Simmons comes back healthy and Meadowdale continues to play the type of frenetic game it showed against the Cougars, could we be seeing a team ready to make a serious challenge in the tournament?
It’s early in the season, of course, but Meadowdale has become a team to watch.
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TweetDunbar, CJ give us early-season power game
DAYTON — Matt Vest, the Chaminade Julienne senior, fell awkwardly after a first-quarter fast break dunk and had to breifly leave the game holding his left arm.
CJ’s Tim Szabo missed much of the second quarter after taking two tough charges.
Dunbar’s Deontae Hawkins came out for the second half with a butterfly bandage in the middle of his forehead, presumably from an injury suffered while scoring a tough inside lay-up with just seconds left in the first half.
It was a gritty early-season matchup of area Division II stalwarts tonight, Dec. 8, at Dunbar High School. Dunbar held off CJ, which took an early 11-point lead, to win 74-69 and improve to 2-0 after a four-point win against Meadowdale to open the season.
If the game told us anything, it’s that the Miami Valley could once again be strong in D-II boys basketball. And, we hope that the season will produce another Dunbar-CJ game to match the first.
Basketball followers wondered how Dunbar’s Ryan Bass would respond after transferring from CJ. With early foul trouble and a desire from coach Pete Pullen to keep him calm on the bench, Bass didn’t score in the first half. But he scored plenty in the final 16 minutes and totaled 20 points in the game, including 13 in the fourth quarter.
Dunbar sophomore Hawkins, at 6 feet 6, showed he should be a matchup problem for many teams because he has shooting range, but his role could be difficult for Dunbar to determine because he’s also the team’s tallest player.
Joe Staley, the CJ senior and son of coach Joe Staley, followed a 21-point output in the Eagles’ opener with 26 points against Dunbar. Brother John, a sophomore, chipped in eight.
Vest, the Wright State-bound senior, had 17 points (and missed only about a minute and a half after the breakaway dunk).
Overall, there were strong performances and close moments, which we hope can be repeated in the coming weeks with other good area matchups.
And, if we’re lucky, with these same two teams meeting in the postseason.
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TweetCJ’s Walker starts perfectly
Just getting decompressed from state football and looking at a few weekend basketball box scores while in the office tonight. A stat pops out from the Chaminade Julienne vs. Marshall girls game on Saturday.
We had the score in the paper on Sunday and noted that CJ’s Samarie Walker scored 25 points in the Eagles’ 68-29 win to open the season. There are a lot of expectations for Walker, especially since she signed her letter of intent with Connecticut.
How’s this for meeting them: In scoring those 25 points, Walker made 11-of-11 shots and sank 3-of-3 free throws.
Now CJ gets its next four against Girls Greater Catholic League opponents, including one to circle on the calender: Alter at CJ on Dec. 16.
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TweetAx symbolizes struggle for Alter
CANTON - The battle ax almost didn’t make it.
All season, the 3-foot-long, two-sided weapon mock-up had been a symbol for the Alter High School football team. As the team sat in the hotel on Friday, Dec. 4, in preparation for the Division IV state championship game in Canton, players slowly realized that someone had left the mojo-driving symbol back in Kettering.
“They left the doggone thing,” said Alter coach Ed Domsitz. “You don’t just send a coach to pick that up.”
Chris Hart, the Alter athletic director, served as transport. On Saturday, she delivered the ax to the locker room about three minutes before the title game, and the Knights proceeded to win the school’s second consecutive title with a 37-7 victory against Chagrin Falls, both defending the season-long No. 1 ranking and completing an undefeated season.
Running back Cody Taulbee explained that each Alter team chooses a symbol for its season. Last year, it was a hammer, because the goal was to “finish the job” and win the school’s first title. This season, it was the ax.
“We feel like the battle ax symbolizes us fighting every single week,” Taulbee said.
Alter finished that struggle with another championship.
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TweetAlter wins second straight D-IV football title
CANTON — The Alter High School football team won its second consecutive Division IV state football championship with a 37-7 victory against previously undefeated Chagrin Falls on Saturday, Dec. 5, at Canton’s Fawcett Stadium.
The Knights completed an undefeated regular season at 15-0 and defended the state’s top ranking they held all season. The team’s seniors also set a school record for wins by a three-year varsity class, with 41.
“With that bullseye, every team wanted us even more than other teams they played,” said senior linebacker Chris Bockrath. “I felt like there might’ve been a little more pressure, but it motivated us more to work hard, and we just worked hard all week.”
Alter also increased the program’s winning streak to 28 consecutive games. (Or, as some consider, 30 straight on the field. The Knights forfeited the first two games last season for using an ineligible player late in blowout victories.)
The defense was the leader, allowing just 144 total yards and forcing five turnovers, including three interceptions, and made three stops on fourth down, against a speedy offense. For the game, the defense changed schemes to allow for more blitzing of mobile Chagrin Falls quarterback Chris Trinetti.
“I knew once we unleashed ‘em, they would just get after it,” said Alter defensive coordinator Tom Alig.
Alter coach Ed Domsitz agreed.
“I’ve never been part of a faster defense,” Domsitz said. “It’s a couple things beyond just the quickness and the speed of the defense They’re good tacklers, they’re intense, they get to the football and the player and bring them down.”
The offense overcame five turnovers, including four fumbles, to rush for 301 yards, led by Cody Taulbee’s 126 yards and three touchdowns of 1, 22 and 31 yards.
Last season’s title was Alter’s first in school history, and the Knights have talked this season about creating their own identity separate from last year’s title squad.
Some Alter seniors said afterward that the Saturday’s title, with their class in the lead, was a little more meaningful.
“I think it does for us seniors,” said John Doncaster, a senior defensive lineman. “After last season there were a lot of doubters, but we stuck it out, worked really hard and got where we wanted to be. We won a state championship.”
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TweetSecond Half: Alter increases commanding title game lead
4th quarter, 4:31 left: Alter’s David Satterfield rushed for a 29-yard touchdown as the Knights increased their already commanding lead to 37-7 and look certain to win their second consecutive Division IV state championship.
4th quarter, 8:31 left: Cody Taulbee scored his third touchdown of the game, this one on a 31-yard run, to increase Alter’s lead to 30-7 against Chagrin Falls. Taulbee has 129 yards rushing to lead the Knights.
The Alter defense used its third fourth-down stop of the game on a sack by Thomas Armstrong to set up the three-play, 50-yard drive.
End of 3rd quarter: With 1:19 left in the quarter, Alter fumbled on a handoff exchange, its fourth lost fumble and fifth turnover of the game. Chagrin Falls took over on its own 49-yard line and will set up on a third-and-4 on the Alter 45 as the fourth quarter opens.
3rd quarter, 4:26 left: Three plays after increasing its lead, Alter got a 29-yard interception return for a touchdown by Thomas Armstrong to go up 23-7.
Chagrin Falls quarterback Chris Trinetti was hit as he threw the pass by Dylan Ames, and Armstrong ran under the ball, cradled it and ran down the right sideline for the score.
3rd quarter, 5:15 left: Following Chagrin Falls’ first score of the game, Alter drove 80 yards in 10 plays on a drive closed by a 22-yard Cody Taulbee touchdown run as the Knights increased their lead to 16-7.
On the drive, Alter converted on two key third-down plays — with 2 to do at its own 28 and with 6 to go at its own 43 — with option pitches.
3rd quarter, 9:48 left: Chagrin Falls running back Chris Gorman scored from 5 yards to close Alter’s lead in the Division IV state final to 9-7.
The score was set up by an Alter fumble at the Knights’ own 16-yard line. Chagrin’s David Powers burst through the line, made contact as quarterback Zane Pitzer was attempting to hand off to running back Nolan Wilson, and Chagrin’s Jared Peizer recovered.
Chagrin scored five plays later (in part helped by an Alter encroachment penalty that turned a third-and-8 at the 14 into third-and-3 at the 9, which was converted).
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TweetFirst Half: Alter maintains state final lead at halftime
Halftime stats: Alter gained 108 yards and held Chagrin Falls to 43 in the first half. Of those Chagrin yards, 12 came on a scramble by quarterback Chris Trinetti as the first half ended.
Cody Taulbee leads the Knights with 42 yards rushing and the lone touchdown, a 1-yard score with 11:57 left in the second quarter.
Alter has also stopped Chagrin on two fourth-down plays, and the closest Chagrin has been to the Knights’ end zone is the 23-yard line, where receiver Marc Geraci was stopped on a fourth-and-12 play, 2 yards short of the first down with 8:59 left in the first half.
Halftime: The Alter defense has held Chagrin Falls to two first downs (including one as time expired in the first half) but the Knights have turned the ball over three times as they lead the Division IV state final 9-0.
After punting with 4:28 left, the Knights got an interception by Cody Byers on a trick play pass thrown by Chagrin receiver Cameron Turner. But, Alter fumbled three plays later, and the defense again stopped Chagrin on fourth down, this time on a backfield tackle by John Doncaster on a fourth-and-1 play.
Byers, in at quarterback with time winding down, threw an interception on a long pass (Alter’s third turnover of the half) with 10 seconds left, and Chagrin quarterback Chris Trinetti scrambled for a first down as the half ended.
2nd quarter, 4:28: Alter has punted after a three-and-out, but Knights fans have a reason to be optimistic about the defense. Chagrin Falls has gained one first down, on its first drive, and has since gained a total of 7 yards on four drives. Alter continues to lead the D-IV state final 9-0.
2nd quarter, 8:59 left: After touching a punt and creating a fumble that was recovered by Chagrin Falls at the Alter 31-yard line, the Knights stopped Chagrin on a fourth-and-12 play with an open-field tackle by Nolan Plate that kept Chagrin 2 yards short of the first down. Alter has a first down at its own 23-yard line with a 9-0 lead.
2nd quarter, 11:57: Alter’s Cody Taulbee scored from 1 yard on the first play of the second quarter, but the extra point was blocked as the Knights increased their lead to 9-0 against Chagrin Falls.
End 1st quarter: The Alter defense held Chagrin Falls to a three-and-out on its second possession before driving 58 yards in 11 plays and has a third-and-goal from the 1-yard line as the first quarter ends.
The Knights began the drive on their own 41-yard line after the Chagrin punt with 5:58 left in the first quarter and drained that time with an effective wishbone offense that twice converted third down plays on option pitches to keep the drive going.
1st quarter, 8:00: After recovering an early Chagrin Falls fumble at the 14-yard line, Alter gained 1 yard in three plays and got a 30-yard field goal from Andrew DiMario to take an early 3-0 lead.
The fumble, by Chagrin’s Marc Geraci, came in the open field on a screen and was recovered by Alter’s Jack Bolek.
Pregame, 9:55 a.m.: It’s a little surreal to be inside a football stadium close to 10 in the morning and see the lights on.
It’s a cold and dreary beginning to the day that Alter will play for its second consecutive Division IV state football title. Good football weather. A few Knights are wandering the field at Canton’s Fawcett Stadium in preparation for the 11 a.m. kickoff against Chagrin Falls.
Here’s what we know. Alter (14-0) has held the top D-IV ranking in the state all season after winning last season’s title, the school’s first, and continuing in a string of lopsided wins. In the playoffs, Alter has allowed 0, 0, 7 and 6 points in four games while scoring a combined 146. It has been a so-far dominating run to the title game, and many are wondering just how Alter will respond if put into a tight situation late in the fourth quarter.
Chagrin Falls (14-0) is having the best season in school history, as the Tigers had never before advanced to the semifinal level. The Tigers average 33.8 points per game and allow only 11.2.
For Alter, Cody Taulbee (1,008), Zane Pitzer (934), Justin Winters (811) and Nolan Wilson (711) have all rushed for at least 700 yards and scored a combined 53 touchdowns.
For Chagrin Falls, RB Chris Gorman has gained 1,776 yards, and QB Chris Trintti has rushed for 644 yards and thrown for 1,642 more, with 35 combined touchdowns.
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TweetOnly Trotwood was close to Winton Woods
Last night, the Winton Woods football team won the Division II state title with a 42-12 victory against Maple Heights. It was the fourth time in the postseason that Winton Woods had scored at least 40 points.
The only time it didn’t? In the regional final against Trotwood-Madison.
Trotwood came on strong in the playoffs in advancing to the D-II, Region 8 final. Unfortunately, the Rams played a very powerful rushing team in Winton Woods and lost 28-7.
But, that’s not so bad when one considers what Winton Woods has done to its other playoff opponents. Here are the scores: 59-7 (Ross), 40-7 (Tecumseh), 28-7 (Trotwood), 69-35 (Columbus Marion-Franklin) and 42-12 (Maple Heights).
To be fair, Winton Woods clearly controlled the regional final behind quarterback Dominique Brown and running back Jeremiah Goins (who combined for 327 yards last night). But in D-II, Trotwood put up a better fight than anyone.
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TweetColdwater falls 55-25 to Youngstown Ursuline in D-V state football final
CANTON — Youngstown Ursuline defeated Coldwater 55-25 Friday, Dec. 4 at Fawcett Stadium to win its third straight Division V high school football state championship.
Ursuline finishes 11-3 and Coldwater 13-2.
In Friday’s early D-III final, Youngstown Mooney completed an unbeaten season by rocking Columbus St. Francis DeSales 35-7 at Massillion Paul Brown Stadium. Mooney finishes 15-0 and DeSales 11-4.
Mooney also won their regular-season matchup, 21-14.
And in case you were wondering, yes, Mooney played Ursuline in Week 9, winning 27-22.
In Friday’s nightcap, Cincinnati Winton Woods (13-2) completed a strong playoff run with a 42-12 thumping of Cleveland Maple Heights (12-3) in the D-II state final at Massillon.
End of 3rd quarter: Ursuline’s quick-strike offense got an 85-yard touchdown run from Aaron Edwards on its third play of the second half and helped the Fighting Irish take a 34-19 lead against Coldwater after three quarters of their Division V state final at Canton’s Fawcett Stadium.
Coldwater quarterback Keith Wenning led the Cavaliers on a 75-yard scoring drive following the long touchdown, capped with his own 3-yard scoring run. The defense then finally stopped the Ursuline offense, but Coldwater stalled following the punt as Ursuline maintained its lead.
Halftime stats: Coldwater quarterback Keith Wenning has completed 21-of-26 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns even as Coldwater trails Ursuline 27-13 at halftime.
The teams have combined for 495 yards, and three of Ursuline’s scores have come on plays of 26 (run), 59 (pass) and 41 yards (interception return).
Halftime: Ursuline stopped Coldwater quarterback Keith Wenning at the 3-yard line on fourth-and-goal with 30 seconds left in the first half to preserve a 27-13 lead in the D-V title game at Canton’s Fawcett Stadium.
The Cavaliers responded to an interception return for a touchdown by Ursuline with an 80-yard drive capped by a 4-yard, fourth-down pass from Wenning to Adam Rammel (after the fourth-down incompletion before it was negated by an Ursuline penalty) to cut the Ursuline lead to 21-13 with 5:30 left in the half.
Ursuline came back with a 72-yard drive to maintain its lead with more explosive playmaking and a 3-yard run by Akise Teague with 3:15 left to go up 27-13.
Coldwater drove to the 3-yard line, but Wenning was stopped on fourth down as Ursuline remained a half away from winning its second consecutive D-V title.
2nd quarter, 7:41 left: Ursuline’s Chris Collins has scored a touchdown receiving from 59 yards and on an interception return from 41 yards in a span of 1:28 to help Ursuline take a 21-7 lead against Coldwater in the D-V state final.
Ursuline took the lead on the first play of the quarter on a direct snap and 25-yard run by receiver Akise Teague. The Fighting Irish then followed a fumble by Coldwater quarterback Keith Wenning with a 59-yard strike to Collins on the next play for the 14-7 lead with 9:19 left in the first half.
Three plays later, Collins stepped in front of Coldwater receiver Adam Rammel, intercepted a Wenning pass and ran for another score and the lead.
End 1st quarter: After stopping Youngstown Ursuline on a fourth-and-2 from its own 18-yard line, Coldwater drove 76 yards in 11 plays for the first score, a 6-yard pass from Keith Wenning to Kurt Schoenherr, to take a 7-0 after the first quarter of this D-V state final.
Ursuline had driven 54 yards in 12 plays before the stop, which provided the necessary boost for the Cavaliers to efficiently drive to the lead. Wenning ran three times for 28 yards on the drive and finished with the 6-yard scoring strike, his 38th of the season, with 2:29 left in the quarter.
It was Coldwater’s only possession of the quarter as Ursuline drove to the Coldwater 25-yard line as the quarter ended.
Pregame, 2:36 p.m.: In a rematch of the 2000 Division V championship game won by Youngstown Ursuline against Coldwater, the two teams will meet at 3 p.m. at Canton’s Fawcett Stadium for the D-V title.
Coldwater (13-1) has lost only to D-VI finalist (and favorite to win) Delphos St. John’s. The Cavaliers are averaging 34.4 points per game led largely by quarterback Keith Wenning, a 6-foot-4, 222-pound Ball State recruit who has thrown for 3,222 yards and 37 touchdowns. His main target is Adam Rammel, who has 68 catches for 797 yards, and Wenning also leads the team in rushing, with 959 yards.
Ursuline (10-3), the defending state champion, comes out of the Steel Valley Conference and averages 38 points per game. The Fighting Irish lost to stalwarts Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Mentor Lake Catholic and Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (which earlier in the day won the D-III title). Running back Allen Jones has gained 2,224 yards as the main offensive weapon.
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TweetNorthmont grad caught (doing nothing) on tape
Northmont graduate Zebrie Sanders turned in perhaps the most unusual play of the college football season last week in Florida State’s game against Florida. Sanders, who plays right tackle for the Seminoles, never got out of his stance on this play.
No comment yet from Sanders on what happened here.
Check out the Zebrie Sanders video
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TweetTime Warner Cable to broadcast football state title games
Time Warner Cable announced today, Dec. 3, that it will broadcast each of the six Ohio football state championship games on its Time Warner Digital Channel 99.
Here’s the schedule:
Friday
11 a.m.: D-III final at Massillon
Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (14-0) vs. Columbus St. Francis DeSales (11-3)
3 p.m.: D-V final at Canton
Youngstown Ursuline (10-3) vs. Coldwater (13-1)
7 p.m.: D-II final at Massillon
Maple Heights (12-2) vs. Cincinnati Winton Woods (12-2)
Saturday
11 a.m.: D-IV final at Canton
Chagrin Falls (14-0) vs. Alter (14-0)
3 p.m.: D-VI final at Massillon
Norwalk St. Paul (14-0) vs. Delphos St. John’s (14-0)
7 p.m.: D-I final at Canton
Cleveland Glenville Academic Campus (13-1) vs. Hilliard Davidson (12-1)
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Piqua
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
PIQUA
Coach: Mick Leffel, 2nd season
2008-09 record: 4-17 (2-6 Greater Western Ohio Conference)
Returning starters
Tavian Williams, Sr. G, 5-9
Jordan Feeser, Soph. C, 6-4
Notable
Piqua grad Leffel (Class of 1991) begins his second season at his alma mater with five sophomores on the varsity roster, including Feeser, a 225-pounder in the paint. “He doesn’t get shoved much around in the post,” Leffel said. “He’s developing his low-post moves.” The Indians will also get help from some football players, including sophomore Taylor Wellbaum, who started the final regular-season game at quarterback, and Kindric Link, a sophomore guard who made All-North Division in the GWOC as a cornerback. With those skills, Leffel hopes to be strong defensively.
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Wayne
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
WAYNE
Coach: Travis Trice, 3rd season
2008-09 record: 18-6 (8-2 Greater Western Ohio Conference)
Returning starters
Travis Trice, Jr. G, 6-0
Markus Crider, Jr. F, 6-6
Notable
Trice and Crider combined to score 25 points and grab 8.8 rebounds per game last season, and they’re joined by some newcomers to the Wayne program. Those include Isaiah Boddie, a 6-2 junior from Trotwood, Xavier Jones, a 6-3 senior from Gary, Ind., and Aaron Montgomery, a 6-5 senior from Northmont. The Warriors will also get help from sophomore Keith Clements, who started several games for the team last season and Trice calls “a very tough-nosed kid.” All will follow the lead of Trice Jr., who was the only sophomore named All-GWOC last season (there were only two juniors: A.J. Pacher of Vandalia Butler and Blake Davenport of Lebanon). “We’ve added some big teams to our schedule, so our guard play will have to be strong,” Trice Sr. said.
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Stebbins
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
STEBBINS
Coach: Jeremy Finn, 1st season
2008-09 record: 2-19 (2-14 Central Buckeye Conference)
Returning starters
Zach Kennedy, Sr. F, 6-1
Allan Thuma, Sr. G, 5-9
Notable
Finn, who came to Stebbins after serving as an assistant at Fairmont, takes over a mixed roster of six seniors, four juniors and three sophomores anticipating a new start, he said. Kennedy will be a force inside at 280 pounds, and Thuma is experienced handling the ball. Stebbins also has strong expectations for 6-4 sophomore Khaleal McCormick, who will shift between guard and forward. “I’m trying to get through to the guys that we want to compete at a high level every single night,” Finn said. “This team has struggled the last two years, so we’ve got a lot of work to do, but the kids are excited.”
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Valley View
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
VALLEY VIEW
Coach: Brian Lemke, third season
2008-09 record: 8-13 (4-8 Southwestern Buckeye League Southwestern Division)
Returning starters
Ricky Denny, Sr., F, 6-2
Kyle Pohl, Jr., F, 6-2
Notable
The Spartans are strong inside with returning starters Denny and Pohl. Denny led the team in both scoring (17.5) and rebounding (13.1) last season and Pohl chipped in 13 and eight. Guard play could be a concern early. Brandon Fox (5-11 junior) and Ben Fannin (6-0 junior) have experience and bring stability to the position, but Valley View isn’t very deep after that especially after guards Adam Emrick and Jordan Jacobs transferred to Carlisle. The Spartans, though, who finished tied for third in the division last season, are being mentioned as league contenders this season … and perhaps beyond. The roster has just two seniors to go with six juniors, two sophomores and a freshman.
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Carlisle
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
CARLISLE
Coach: Jeff Waugh, sixth season
2008-09 record: 14-7 (8-4 Southwestern Buckeye League Buckeye Division)
Returning starters
Josh Koogle, Jr., G, 5-8
Notable
Koogle is the lone returning starter, but Valley View transfers Adam Emrick (Jr., G, 5-10) and Jordan Jacobs (Jr., G, 5-8) could help ease the lack of experience. Expect the Indians to be fast, quick and sharp shooters. Rebounding and decision-making, though, are early concerns for Waugh. Carlisle, which tied for second and one-game behind Waynesville in the division, shoots for its fifth consecutive winning season. They’ve averaged almost 15 wins per season during that span. “I believe our division will be the best it has ever been. We will have many strong competitive teams that will provide great challenges on game night,” Waugh said. “With our inexperience and youth, we hope to grow as a team during the season and become one of those strong competitive teams.”
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Monroe
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
MONROE
Coach: Denny Ferguson, fifth season
2008-09 record: 5-16 (3-9 Southwestern Buckeye League Buckeye Division)
Returning starters
None
Notable
Monroe looks to pick up a few more wins this season and they have the quickness and defensive mindset to do it. Now they just need the experience: The Hornets return no starters. With that in mind, rebounding and finishing off shots will be key. “We need leadership on the floor and everyone needs to score, not just one or two guys,” Ferguson said. “We need to keep moving forward, get better every game.”
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Waynesville
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
WAYNESVILLE
Coach: Cory Crozier, second season
2008-09 record: 16-6 (9-3 Southwestern Buckeye League Buckeye Division)
Returning starters
Stephen Gossard, Sr., C, 6-6
Brandon Gautreaux, Sr., F, 6-7
Notable
With a pair of returning starters standing 6-foot-7 and 6-6, it’s no wonder the Spartans are a strong rebounding team. The defense should also benefit having those two altering shots inside. Now they need the offense to be a little more patient. Crozier said Madison, which finished a game behind defending champ Waynesville last season, is the team to beat. But don’t count out the Spartans. “We have many players on the team who have not played together in the past. How long it takes them to get used to playing with each other will be key,” Crozier said. “Our team is very athletic, hardworking and will be fun to watch. They can be very good, but it will take a lot of hard work. How good of a start we get off to will be important.”
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Oakwood
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
OAKWOOD
Coach: Paul Stone, ninth season
2008-09 record: 12-9 (7-5 Southwestern Buckeye League Southwestern Division)
Returning starters
Scott Feldmiller, Sr., G, 6-0
Notable
The Lumberjacks return one starter from a team that tied for second in the Southwestern Division. Oakwood doesn’t return much experience, but Stone hopes the ’Jacks conditioning keeps them going strong deep into games. Passing and rebounding are two early concerns. Stone tabs Bellbrook, the league’s defending co-champs, as the team to beat in the division. “Our coaching staff feels that our team chemistry could be a huge factor for us this year,” Stone said. “Our schedule is brutal, but if we want to compete in Division II, you can’t be afraid to play good teams. We expect our kids to play an unselfish style of play and outwork the other teams we play.”
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Franklin
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
FRANKLIN
Coach: Brian Bales, third season
2008-09 record: 14-8 (9-3 Southwestern Buckeye League Southwestern Division)
Returning starters
Scott Blake, Sr., G, 6-0
Alex Patterson, Sr., F, 6-3
Notable
The Wildcats are coming off their first league title in 18 years. Experience returns with Blake and Patterson, but the ’Cats need the rest of the roster to grow up in a hurry. Defense and rebounding are Franklin’s two keys to success if they want to compete for another Southwestern Division title. “We do not have much varsity experience returning, however the guys are working real hard in practice and we had a great fall,” Bales said. “We expect the league to be really good again this season. On any given night, anybody can beat anybody.”
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Bellbrook
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
BELLBROOK
Coach: Perry Caldwell, eighth season
2008-09 record: 15-7 (9-3 Southwestern Buckeye League Southwestern Division)
Returning starters
Chris Lynch, Sr., G, 6-2
Chris Hamilton, Jr., G, 6-3
Jonny Thacker, Sr., F, 6-1
Notable
Golden Eagles return three starters from a team that won its sixth straight division title, this one shared with Franklin. Lynch, Thacker and Hamilton — three of the Eagles’ top four returning scorers — combined to average 33.1 points through the regular season. Perimeter play is a strength, but team defense and rebounding need to improve. Bellbrook gets tested early with games against Fairborn and Lakota West. “If we can develop some chemistry and toughness, we will compete on a nightly basis,” Caldwell said.
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Dayton Christian
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
DAYTON CHRISTIAN
Coach: Chip James, 2nd season
2008-09 record: 22-5 (10-2 Metro Buckeye Conference)
Returning starters: None
Notable
DC advanced to the D-III state semifinals last season but lost nine of its top 10 players. James and his staff calculated that the team will return 104 total points and 115 total rebounds from last season, which is about 3 percent of the team totals of a year ago. The only returning player who got significant playing time is Julian Harris, a junior who missed the final eight weeks with an ankle injury. DC also adds Mark Lieberman, a point guard who moved from the Seattle area last year. “It’s exciting because of our youth,” James said. “It sounds cliché, but every single day we want to get better.”
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Brookville
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
BROOKVILLE
Coach: Jeff Davidson, fifth season
2008-09 record: 14-7 (7-5 Southwestern Buckeye League Southwestern Division)
Returning starters
None
Notable
The Blue Devils have a quick, hard-nosed team that plays tough perimeter defense. That’s good, because the Blue Devils return no starters from last season’s team that finished second in the division. With a new group of starters Brookville needs to improve on what you’d expect: Court communication, rebounding and shot selection. The Blue Devils’ cupboard, though, isn’t bare. Ryan Ekberg and Brandon Hughes are returning letterwinners. It’s cliché but one game at a time is the key as they focus on getting better each time out. “One Team … One Time” is the motto.
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Alter
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
ALTER
Coach: Joe Petrocelli, 46th season
2008-09 record: 15-7 (9-1 Greater Catholic League)
Returning starter
Max Zukowitz, Jr. G, 5-11
Notable
The Knights will have as many as eight football players vying for varsity slots, which is a problem since the Alter football team will finally finish its season Saturday in the Division IV state championship game. The good news: When those football players return, they’ll be in good condition and physically strong, so Petrocelli expects the Knights to be skilled on defense. Alter already had to postpone its Sunday season opener with Fairmont, so now its first game will be Dec. 15 against Badin. “I still have to get them cut down for pictures,” Petrocelli said.
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Chaminade Julienne
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
CHAMINADE JULIENNE
Coach: Joe Staley, 25th season
2008-09 record: 11-10 (6-4 Greater Catholic League)
Returning starters
Joe Staley Jr., Sr. F, 6-2
Matt Vest, Sr. F, 6-4
Jon Bibbs, Sr. F, 6-4
Notable
Things have been encouraging in the paint for the Eagles in preseason scrimmages, with Staley and Bibbs leading the inside effort. Staley averaged 15.3 points and 7.4 boards last season, and Bibbs added 5.5 points and 3.2 rebounds in six games before an injury shortened his season. Vest has committed to play for Wright State. CJ also returns Tim Szabo, who played in 19 games last season. “The key for us will be how well we guard,” Joe Staley Sr. said. “It’ll be important how our defense develops.”
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Marshall
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
MARSHALL
Coach: John Ralph, 8th season
2008-09 record: 22-5 (6-2 Dayton City League)
Returning starters
Greg Gainey, Sr. F, 6-5
Shawn Robinson, Sr. G, 5-9
Adrian Quinn, Sr. F, 6-2
Notable
The big loss for the Cougars after advancing to last season’s Division II state championship game was Juwan Staten, the University of Dayton-bound point guard who transferred to Oak Hill Academy. Staten, though, is one of just three losses from the team. “On any given night, he could go for 20 or 30 points, and I’m not sure we have a person who has proven they can do that,” Ralph said. “But these guys can do a lot of things, I don’t want to minimize the guys we have.” Robinson will inherit point guard duties, and the Cougars will get help in the paint from Tremayne Scott, a 6-4, 225-pound forward.
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Fairmont
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
FAIRMONT
Coach: Hank Bias, 9th year
2008-09 record: 15-9 (4-6 Greater Western Ohio Conference)
Returning starters
Matt Lee, Sr. F, 6-2
Mark Shadowens, Sr. G, 6-2
Adam Westbeld, Jr. F, 6-6
Notable
The Firebirds have plenty of experience returning, but they’re dealing with some injury issues. The team’s top defender, Sherman Wilkinson, suffered an arm injury during the season’s final football game. Austin Meddford, a 6-6, 240-pound power forward, suffered a stress fracture in his foot. Kevin Sharick, a 6-5 forward, suffered a stress fracture in his shin. All are out indefinitely, Bias said. “As you can imagine, we were hoping for a pretty good year, and now we’re filling in with some sophomores and some freshmen,” he said. Shadowens was the team’s top scorer last season, at 13.6 points per game, and he, Lee and Westbeld started a combined 53 games.
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Ponitz Tech
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
(Note: Ponitz Tech is a first-year school in the Dayton City League.)
PONITZ TECH
Coach: Carlos Roberts
Notable
Craig Wallace will move from quarterback for the football team to shooting guard and leader for the Panthers’ basketball team. He will pair with former Dunbar junior varsity teammate Britten Harrison, a 5-foot-8 point guard. Roberts joked that he’s still trying to get to know some of the players. “I’m calling them nicknames,” he said. “It’s fun in a lot of ways, but it’s difficult to start a new program.” Roberts has city league experience coaching Colonel White and Stivers before coming to Ponitz Tech. “I told (other coaches) to enjoy beating us up now, because we’ll be there soon,” he said.
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Dunbar
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
DUNBAR
Coach: Pete Pullen
2008-09 record: 15-5 (6-2 Dayton City League)
Returning starters
Geron Johnson, Sr. G, 6-3
Deon Stewart, Sr. G, 6-2
Notable
Not only do the Wolverines return Johnson, who averaged 18.1 points per game last season, but they add senior guard Ryan Bass, who averaged 18.5 points per game at Chaminade Julienne before transferring to Dunbar to team with longtime friend Johnson for their senior seasons. Strewart will be a third guard on the floor, and Derrick Benson, who started last season, will be the first off the bench in a powerful four-guard group. The tallest Dunbar player is 6-6 sophomore Deontae Hawkins, and sophomore Gary Akbar (6-4) will also play some in the post. Bottom line: This looks like another powerful Dunbar team on par with those that competed for (and won) state championships.
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Centerville
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
CENTERVILLE
Coach: Jim Staley, 19th season
2008-09 record: 21-4 (10-0 Greater Western Ohio Conference)
Returning starters
Pat Crawford, Sr. G, 6-0
Craig Ashworth, Sr. G, 6-5
Notable
Crawford, a three-year starter, leads an Elks offense that lost about 87 percent of its scoring with the graduation of seven seniors, including 6-10 center Matt Kavanaugh, who is now at the University of Dayton. The reserve team, though, went 19-1 last season, which provides some confidence. “We have seven or eight kids who can shoot, and four or five who can shoot really well,” Staley said. Centerville will get some post help from 6-11 sophomore Jake Campbell and another in a line of tough Replogle brothers in the post in junior Mike Replogle. Matt Sullivan, a 6-3 guard who led the reserve team in scoring last season, will also help the varsity.
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TweetBoys basketball preview: Meadowdale
This is another in a series of capsules previewing area high school basketball for the 2009-10 season:
MEADOWDALE
Coach: Felix Turner
2008-09 record: 13-10 (6-2 Dayton City League)
Returning starters
Marquece Simmons, Sr. G, 5-10
Richard Weaver, Jr. F, 6-4
Notable
Simmons, also a running back for the Meadowdale football team, will miss some time at the beginning of the season with a featured foot, Turner said. Weaver will take the lead with a younger group that is enthusiastic, he said. Weaver combines athletic and jumping ability with shooting skill. The Lions finished last season in a tie with Marshall and Dunbar in the city league at 6-2, which brings some confidence to the program, as Dunbar is the more recent city power and Marshall advanced to last season’s D-II state title game.
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