DaytonDailyNews.com

KETTERING — The more I watch Juwan Staten play, the more I'm impressed and convinced he can start for the University of Dayton.

Not two seasons from now when he's a Flyer freshman. I'm talking about right now.

The junior point guard scored 18 points, matching teammates Greg Gainey and DeAngelo Gates, as Thurgood Marshall trampled Morrow, Ga., 82-61, with a 53-point second half in the Flyin' to the Hoop tournament at James S. Trent Arena on Saturday, Jan. 17.

Staten is generously listed at 6-foot, but he plays bigger. He's quick, fast, strong and smooth with an explosive first step. What's so impressive about him is when his outside shot isn't falling, he finds other ways to score by attacking the rim. He makes everyone around him better.

Touch of controversy

Fans were stunned when Staten wasn't introduced as a starter. He was benched until one second remained in the first quarter. Staten started slow, then scored 17 points in the second half.

"I'd like to put it like this: It was a private matter at school," Marshall coach John N. Ralph said. "Juwan handled it very well. I'm proud of all of our players in the way they played."

Findlay's flyin' Pilots

Could Findlay Prep of Henderson, Nev., — ranked No. 1 in the nation by Rivals.com — beat some college teams? Absolutely.

The Pilots boast a trio of seniors who have committed to major colleges — 6-3 guard Avery Bradley (Texas), 6-3 guard D.J. Anderson (Illinois) and 6-11 forward Carlos Lopez (UNLV) — and the squad oozes athleticism.

After the Pilots destroyed Bedford, 92-21, with a dunking and shooting exhibition, they signed autographs.

A friendly foe

Columbus Northland's 6-9 Jared Sullinger didn't like watching Jeremy Tyler's seven dunks.

"That was pitiful on our part," Sullinger said.

Then he complimented San Diego's 6-11 stud.

"He's a great player," Sullinger said. "He's very physical. He's very lengthy and a great shot blocker. I had to adjust my game to him and he had to adjust to mine. At the end of the day, we won the game. That's all that matters."

Quote machine

"(Junior point guard) Michael Adkins did a really good job. That's his first start ever. He made a couple baskets and knocked down his free throws. He did well." — Alter coach Joe Petrocelli on Adkins, who scored eight points, didn't miss a shot and dished out five assists in 26-plus minutes.

Bottom line

It's easy to see what coach Mark Baker is doing at Trotwood-Madison. He's building the powerhouse Rams in the mold of the 1980s Roth and Dunbar teams — only with a touch more class.

Lookin' good

Tyler reminds me of Chris Webber, facially and athletically. The difference? Tyler plays harder.

Quick hits

Memo to refs: This is a national prep basketball showcase. The fans are here to see the players — not you. LET 'EM PLAY!

Name game: The top name in the tournament? Sean Stringfellow (Morrow, Ga.), who scored 15 points for the Mustangs.

Fan frenzy: Graham deserves an award for best fans on Opening Day. St. Paris, Ohio, was well represented with loud, classy Falcons fanatics.

Happy birthday: Marie Anthony, who officiated the Findlay Prep-Bedford game, celebrated her 56th birthday on Saturday. She's been a referee for 34 years