The one-loss RedHawks are playing with a massive ‘nobody believes in us’ chip on their shoulder.
Can you blame them? They won 31 straight games and were sent to Dayton as one of the final teams into the Field of 68 — a level of disrespect even Rodney Dangerfield couldn’t comprehend.
What I saw Wednesday was a team that didn’t need to prove it belonged. They knew they belonged and played like it.
I don’t know what will happen today in Philadelphia, but the RedHawks certainly won’t go down without a fight.
Here’s what you need to know heading into this weekend:
Credit: David Jablonski
Credit: David Jablonski
The Dayton Flyers are playing like a team that doesn’t want their season to end any time soon.
📺 3 to watch
The Big Dance gets even bigger than usual this weekend with the Raiders and RedHawks both in action:
- Men’s college basketball: Wright State vs. Virginia (1:50 p.m., today, TBS): The Raiders have all the weapons they need to give the Cavaliers a game.
- Men’s college basketball: Miami vs. Tennessee (4:50 p.m., today, TBS): The RedHawks aren’t afraid of anyone.
- Women’s college basketball: Miami vs. West Virginia (5 p.m., Saturday, ESPNU): The RedHawks are seeking their first NCAA Tournament win in school history.
🏀 3 to see (in person)
It’s boys basketball state tournament weekend in Dayton:
- Boys basketball: Trotwood-Madison vs. Steubenville at UD Arena (7:30 p.m., today): The Rams are seeking their first state title since 2019 against a Big Red squad that hasn’t lost to an in-state opponent the entire season.
- Boys basketball: Malvern vs. Delphos St. John’s at Nutter Center (noon, today): The D-VII state semifinal features Delphos senior Cam Elwer, a Furman commit who recently passed LeBron James on the OHSAA’s all-time scoring list.
- Boys basketball: Lima Senior vs. Massillon Washington at Nutter Center (1 p.m., Saturday): The D-II state semifinal is a chance to see Spartans guard Shawn Foster, who is being recruited by Dayton, Cincinnati and Ohio State.
Boys basketball: Trotwood hits tying three at buzzer, beats Toledo Catholic Central in overtime
The Rams keep finding ways to win. If they can do it one more time, they’ll be state champions.
This day in Dayton Daily News sports history
MARCH 20, 1967: Arcanum fans welcomed their team home a day after falling to Strasburg Franklin — coached by Charlie Huggins, the father of former Cincinnati and West Virginia coach Bob Huggins — in the Class A boys basketball state championship in Columbus. The Trojans would go on to win the state title in 1969.
Archdeacon: Miami RedHawks have ‘a night our team will never forget’
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
It’s a night the fans won’t ever forget either.
ICYMI: Kaylah Thornton delivers state title moment for Fairmont
Credit: Bryant Billing
Credit: Bryant Billing
The senior’s buzzer beater sent the D-I state championship game to OT and the Firebirds went on to win the state title.
WHERE TO FIND OUR COVERAGE
For the latest, most up-to-date high school sports news and scores from the Dayton Daily News, visit daytondailynews.com/sports.
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We’ll also be posting prep sports content on the Dayton Daily News Sports Facebook page throughout the winter season.
I want to hear from you. Reach out to me directly at michael.cooper@coxinc.com with your questions and feedback.
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