Month: July 2020

by Jordan Harbeck

Where Are They Now: Kendall Moore

In his final run with Belmont, with the combination of his sharp shooting, scoring ability, speed, and vertical, Kendall Moore proved to be one of the best players in Dayton’s stacked 2019 class.

Kendall Moore pictured on his visit to Thomas Moore University (NAIA) in Kentucky (Source: Kendall Moore’s Twitter)

Moore showed up big throughout his final season, including scoring 31 of his team’s 46 points against a state ranked, Taft. He also had multiple colleges attend his Beechcroft game in Columbus, including Cleveland State, Walsh, and Capital University.

His elite talent not only could be seen by the area’s spectators, but also by college scouts. Moore went on frequent visits throughout his high school career to division two and division three schools, including to Point Park, Quincy, Heidelberg, and Thomas Moore.

The results of his hard work was not only big time performances and college interest, but also being recognized with the honor of conference player of the year.

The 2018-19 All-Dayton City League‘s 1st Team (Left) 21’ Allen Lattimore, 20′ Trevon Ellis, 21′ Will Hill, 21′ Anthony McComb, 22′ Mekhi Elmore, & 19′ Kendall Moore (Right) (Source: DPS)

But, in the end, Moore chose to go the DII route and spend his freshman year in LaPorte County, Indiana. Kendall Moore had committed to the Purdue Northwest Pride.

Although it might seem Moore had a ton of options to choose from heading into college, he didn’t. “Recruiting was pretty tough for me. I was stuck . . . which didn’t help my anxiety . . . They always went with the other option.”

This brings up the low-profile problem in high school sports of negative mental health effects on players, stemming from balancing the work load of being a student, athlete, and other factors like maintaining a job or one’s at home life. Unfortunately, the majority of these athletes are afraid to seek the correct help.

Moore in his new threads on Purdue Northwest’s media day (Source: Kendall Moore’s Twitter)

The Purdue Northwest program hasn’t seen much success these recent years, going 32-83 over the span of the last four seasons, including a 2-26 season three years ago.

This recent season, with Moore tagging along, the Pride went 10-18, including a loss against Saginaw Valley State, 87-74. Saginaw was led by Trotwood-Madison alumni, Myles Belyeu, who punched in 32 points and 8 rebounds on just under 50% shooting.

The Pride are looking to turn the school around, as they haven’t had a winning season since becoming a D2 program in 2016. After the unfortunate passing of their former head coach, Matt Bush, they went young by hiring Coach Boomer Roberts for the 2018-2019 season.

Roberts’ resume already showed that he had the ability to turn programs in full 360’s, engineering the largest three-year turnaround at any level of college basketball from 2014 to 2017, bringing Trinity International University from five wins in 2014 to 30 in the 2016-2017 season.

Moore’s profile picture for his Purdue Northwest player profile (Source: PNW)

You might think with Purdue’s losing record and attempting to find “their guys” with a rebuilding program, Moore would’ve seen the floor a frequent amount. But no, in his first season at Northwest, Moore unfortunately didn’t see the floor for a single second.

“I red-shirted this year . . . partially because I broke my ankle going into the school year. . . plus being a freshman with two juniors and a fifth year senior at the same position didn’t help.”

In result, the Dayton City League’s 2019 Player Of The Year is currently looking for a new home, by entering the transfer portal for his second season.

Recently this off-season, Moore worked out and participated in invite only open gyms with other Dayton natives who’re now playing at the collegiate level. Moore battled alongside and against some of the city’s best, including Trey Landers (Dayton | Wayne), P’hariz Watkins (Heidelberg | CJ), D’Mitrik Trice (Wisconsin | Wayne), & Andre Yates (Cleveland St | Dunbar).

The former Huber Heights Wayne stand out and James Madison guard, Deshon Parker, recently made the decision to transfer to Appalachian State in North Carolina. The division one prospect had this to say after seeing Kendall Moore in action this Summer . . .

“He’s a very quick and poised guard . . . can score and get others involved. You can tell he loves the game and wants to be great at it. Whichever school decides to take a chance on him . . . he will NOT disappoint! I believe he will find the right fit soon.”

Moore bringing up the ball in a match-up against a young Northmont squad, including a sophomore Prop Johnson & Patrick Ivory (Source: OK3Sports)

So far, the former Belmont guard has seen interest from Wright State, Corbin, and Capital, along with a couple other JUCO’s and NAIA schools.

Hopefully, we can see Moore make the jump from the division two, to the division one level for this upcoming season. Kendall Moore is listed as 6’0″ foot and 185lbs. He’s a red-shirt freshman withholding a 3.1 GPA. His contact information is listed below. Help Moore find a home . . .

Dear players & coaches, if you come across any misinformation about you or your players, be sure to let us know by contacting us on one of our social media platforms !

by Jordan Harbeck

Did Jacob Conner prove he’s the best in Dayton’s 2022 class ?

Dayton, Ohio — Players around the area have been busy these past weekends as basketball has made its long awaited return, with AAU. But, besides practice and training, players haven’t had much to do during their week days.

We decided to change that by teaming up with Corey Albertson of Triple Double Prospects to present our first Dayton Elite Open Gym on this previous Wednesday, July 15. There was an abundance of talent at Flyght Academy the evening of the event, from all over the city.

With almost a hundred colleges and prep schools tuned in to the stream of the open gym, and a handful of media in attendance, the participants had a chance to earn the exposure they deserved.

A lot of players made names for themselves, but none other like Alter small forward, Jacob Conner, did. The 2022 prospect might be 6’7″, but he can play the guard position with ease. His versatility had already caught the eye of many college coaches at the division one level prior to our event, including Bryant, Youngstown State (offers), Cincinnati, Dayton, Xavier, and Lehigh (interest).

22′ Jacob Conner rising up to flush one in, in our Dayton Elite Run (Source: Matt Barnes)

Conner came out of the gates in the first game of the night playing with something to prove, while keeping an unselfish mentality. He showed his ability to finish down low with his powerful dunks, along with stretching the floor with his knockdown shooting.

“Coming in I wanted to just come out and play my game. I wanted to show what I can do and overall just get my team some wins.”

Conner was teamed up with 21′ Jayson Hayes (Centerville), Justin O’Neal (Meadowdale), Tyler Montague (Butler), 22′ Rich Rolf (Centerville), Sam Feldman (Springboro), Ryan Chew (Bellbrook), and 23′ Antaune Allen (Belmont).

Shortly after the event, he received texts and calls from numerous division one schools about his stellar performance, including Wright St, Valparaiso, Belmont, Liberty, Appalachian St, Marshall, Ohio, and Northern Kentucky.

“After the open gym I felt like I’d played well. I was just happy to have been able to play some against good competition.”

The biggest contacts had yet to come . . .

Conner bringing up the ball as he plays the point guard position at 6’7″ (Source: Matt Barnes)

Four days later, on the morning of July 19th, he was contacted by a college that had been keeping an eye on him for a while. Robert Morris was calling to offer the young stud. Morris is Conner’s third division one offer, and certainly won’t be the last.

“Robert Morris has been a school I’ve been talking to for a while. I was very happy and humbled to be given that opportunity.”

The same day, Conner was contacted by his biggest school yet . . . The University of Virginia. The Virginia Cavaliers are the defending national champions after defeating Texas Tech in the 2019 NCAA finals. The Cavs expressed their interest with Conner and stated they wanted to keep in touch after seeing his performance at the Dayton Elite Run. Connor described his reaction as “surprised” and “grateful”.

The Dayton Elite Run standout also gave us the word that he was contacted by West Virginia after his above average play in the open gym.

Conner is currently ranked the #2 small forward in the state for his class (Triple Double Prospects), behind Moeller’s Evan Mahaffey. But, Centerville’s Tom House and Cincinnati’s Aboubacar Cisse are following close behind.

A few of Alter’s young prospects pictured with the varsity team during their postseason run. 22′ Cade Ryan (#3), 23′ Anthony Ruffalo (#4), A.J. Leen (#34), and Gavin Geisel (#21) (Source: Gavin Geisel’s Instagram)

Conner’s Kettering Alter squad will be graduating the majority of their 2019-2020 contributers in Brady Uhl (Cumberlands), Connor Stolly (Thomas Moore), Rich Kolb, Austin Brogan, and Jack Smith. But, they have a bright future with a nice set of players ready to step up in Brian Shane (21′), Cade Ryan (22′), Gavin Geisel, Anthony Ruffalo, and A.J. Leen (23′). Add in returning star, Jacob Conner, and Alter could potentially go back to back as conference champions.

“We’re just looking to figure out the best ways for us to compete in the GCL Co-ED, and make a run in the postseason. I’m just trying to make sure we’re all on the same page as a team, so we can carry out what we want to do this year.”

The point forward is definitely putting in his part with looking to carry out what the team wants to accomplish this year. He has improved even more on his already division one skill set and versatility over this off-season, not letting COVID-19 get in the way of him reaching his goals.

“While I was at home I started to eat a lot more and add weight to my body. I was working out 4-5 times a week, trying to add muscle. I’ve been able to put on about 30 pounds since the end of the season. It gave me more confidence getting to the rim and playing with contact.”

Jacob Conner celebrating after Alter’s win in their district championship game (Source: Jacob Conner’s Instagram)

Not only has Conner been putting in work on his own time, but also with one of the most well respected trainers in the Dayton area, Bob Crawford.

“Working with Bob is amazing! He takes little details in your game and enhances it so you can understand why they’re important. He was very helpful in my transition to a point guard last year and has helped me a lot so far by working on my overall game up to this point.”

With Jacob Conner only going into his junior year at Alter, and Virginia already calling, who knows what big things are in store for him these next two years. Or even after our next open gym . . .

Dear players & coaches, if you come across any misinformation about you or your players, be sure to let us know by contacting us on one of our social media platforms !

by Rob Ellis

Reichert knew in his heart that Mercyhurst was the right fit

Jackson Center star Aidan Reichert has committed to play at Mercyhurst

Jackson Center, Ohio — A player that has dominated the SCAL the past couple of seasons has been Aidan Reichert. The 6’4″ big averaged 17.6 points per game last season and led the Tigers to a regional-final run, which was ended by COVID-19.

As a sophomore last season, Reichert was named on the All-SCAL first team. Anna forward and current Capital freshman Griffin Doseck took home player of the year honors as he led the Rockets to a league title. This past season as a junior, Aidan Reichert came out on top in POY voting as he was clearly the best player in a highly competitive Shelby County Athletic League.

The Jackson Center Tigers finished the season 22-5 (9-3 SCAL) and were just second behind another talented Anna team who took home another SCAL league title. Playing on a team that averages just 44 points a game, Reichert’s 17.6 points per game looked very impressive for Jackson Center.

Reichert announced on Wednesday morning to the surprise of some that he had verbally committed to continue his athletic and academic career at Mercyhurst University. Mercyhurst is a D2 university located in Erie, PA. The Lakers finished 20-8 last season which was second in the PSAC West.

When asked about why he decided to commit so early, Reichert told Rob Ellis, “because I knew in my heart it was the right fit for me. I also wanted the recruiting process done so I could enjoy my senior year.”

When talking about why he chose Mercyhurst, Reichert said, “I love Coach Manchel and his program, it fits into my personality and the way I play. Also it is a beautiful Catholic school which is something that is important to me.”

Reichert will hope to lead Jackson Center to another deep run in the tournament this season. The Tigers will lose guards Christopher Elchert and Clay Akers to graduation, but with Reichert’s dominance Jackson Center should be able to hold their own in what should be another competitive year in the SCAL.

by Jordan Harbeck

The Beginning of the End For Thurgood Marshall . . .

Springfield, Ohio — When the phrase ‘Dayton high school basketball powerhouse’ is said, what teams come to mind? Is it the defending division two state champion Trotwood Rams? Or maybe the school that’s put out countless division one athletes like Trey Landers and Xeyrius Williams, in Wayne. Could it be the emerging powerhouse led by Coach Cupps in the Centerville Elks?

Well, the topic of this article surrounds the powerhouse program of Thurgood Marshall. Unfortunately, the Cougars might be losing their ‘powerhouse’ title this season . . .

Here’s a timeline . . .

Former Springfield head coach, Isaiah Carson (Source: Springfield News-Sun)

In January of 2020, the unfortunate news broke of decorated Springfield basketball coach, Isaiah Carson, being placed on administrative leave after being arrested on domestic violence charges. This was right before their long awaited game against former Wildcat, and at the time, Spire Academy athlete, Ra’Heim Moss. Assistant coach, Matt Yinger, took the role of interim coach during Carson’s absence.

Two months later, in March, Springfield’s season came to an end in the third round of the postseason at the hands of the Beavercreek Beavers. Coach Carson had yet to make his return. During the same month, Carson was found guilty at his trial and ordered to serve 60 days in jail, with 120 of the 180 days suspended, to be on probation for a year and to have no contact with the victim.

In April, Coach Carson made an attempt to request an early release . . . his request was denied.

Coach Shawn McCullough leading Stivers during Dayton’s Flyin’ To The Hoop showcase (Source: Dayton 24/7 Now)

A month later, in May, we began to receive the word that Thurgood Marshall’s head coach, Shawn McCullough, would possibly be heading to Springfield to become the wildcat’s new head coach.

The next month, in June, not only were the rumors of McCullough possibly leaving confirmed by a statement released by Springfield’s athletic director, but we also got word on Thurgood Marshall’s assistant coach, Tony Dixon, leaving the elite team to become the head coach at Dunbar.

Springfield AD, Mike Dellapina (Source: Springfield News-Sun)

The statement from AD, Mike Dellapina, read that there were more than 25 applicants to take over the vacant coaching job at Springfield. But, the program was able to narrow it down to the five final candidates. On June 9, the final five were released and included, Matt Yinger (interim coach), Greg Waits (Grove City), Jamie Pearson (Dublin Jerome), Mohammed Khaliq (Richmond, Ind.), and . . . Shawn McCullough (Thurgood Mashall).

Then, the week of June 21st, we privately received confirmation that Coach McCullough would be leaving the Thurgood Marshall program to accept the coaching job at Springfield. But, it wasn’t until July 1st that Springfield, along with McCullough, made the move public.

McCullough has spent the last three seasons at Thurgood, and been able to paint their program’s image as a dominate one. He’s been honored with multiple coach of the year awards, while serving as an assistant at Sinclair, Middletown, and the former head coach at Stivers. As head coach at the school of arts, he led Stivers to their first district title in nearly 30 years.

Springfield’s 22′, Da’shawn Lynn-Bray (Left) & 23′, Tryon Barns (Right) (Source: Barns’ Instagram)

With this hiring, you can expect Springfield to bring on a transfer or two, which we’ve already caught rumor and near confirmation of. They also had the top Junior Varsity squad in their conference, so they’ll be developing a nice group of young talent, especially in 23′ guard, Tyron Barns. According to Dayton Daily News, “He (McCullough) has already been in contact with several of them (Springfield’s players) and told them to be patient”. Expect McCullough to take the wildcat program to the next level.

The wildcats will have to fight for a top spot in a competitive GWOC, facing a tough group of teams in Wayne, Fairmont, Beavercreek and Centerville. Miamisburg will also have a majority returning team after finishing 16-8 last season.

Thurgood Marshall’s 19-20 core, (Left) 22′ Mekhi Elmore, 21′ Kamari Williams, Dontre Brown, 21′ Anthony McComb, 21′ Prophet Johnson (Right) & 21′ Chanze Amerson (Back) (Source: MT Productions)

Marshall was on track to have all of their contributers return, and to run the Dayton City League. With the loss of two of Thurgood’s key leaders on their coaching staff, it’s almost certain the all-star cougar roster will be breaking up.

Will they follow Coach Dixon to Dunbar? Or, will they follow McCullough to Springfield? Will they join another powerhouse program like West Carrollton and Trotwood? Or, could they start their own dynasty elsewhere . . .

Dear players & coaches, if you come across any misinformation about you or your players, be sure to let us know by contacting us on one of our social media platforms !

by Jordan Harbeck

Where Are They Now: Amari Davis

Amari Davis capped off his last dance with Trotwood-Madison by making school history in 2019.

Alongside Justin Stephens (Toledo Football), Malachi Matthews (Edison State) and 2020 standouts, Carl Blanton (Eastern Arizona) & Sammy Anderson (Cincinnati Football), the loaded rams team brought Trotwood their first division two state championship for basketball.

Trotwood-Madison celebrating after a win over Columbus South (77-73) in the division two finals to earn the rams their first basketball championship in school history (Source: Dayton Daily News)

Davis finished out his senior year with not only a state championship, but also earned many individual accolades that we will cover throughout this article.

Davis’ state championship and stellar season wasn’t the end of the road for the division one prospect, but actually just the beginning of a new one. He would go onto commit to the University of Green-Bay Wisconsin.

Unlike most newcomers, Amari Davis stepped up as soon as he joined the phoenix. He showed that he can step up against top programs, having big performances against Wisconsin, UCF, and Purdue. Davis exceeded everyone’s expectations, earning Horizon League Freshman OTY. He is the first player in Green Bay’s history to earn that honor.

Davis earning his first ‘Freshman Of The Week’ award this past season (Source: Greenbayphoenix.com)

He was also named to the All-Horizon League Third Team, the leading vote-getting on the league’s all-freshman team, earned a record breaking 10 league freshman of the week honors, broke Green Bay’s all-time freshman scoring record, and was named to the league’s all tournament team.

Davis was rumored to be entering the transfer portal for his sophomore season, after university fired their head coach due to Green Bay’s under performance. Coach Darner was very high on Davis coming out of high school and during his time with Green Bay, so the firing definitely had an effect on Davis.

He put these transfer rumors to rest with a tweet stating, “Green Bay has been good to me . . . I told my brothers we’re going to eat no matter who’s coaching us . . . I respect everyone’s decisions on leaving . . . We lost a real one in Coach Darner, but we’ve got to move on . . . With that being said, I’m staying at Green Bay and looking forward to next season.”

With Davis’ return, he’s expected to be Green Bay’s first option offensively and be a front runner for conference player of the year.

Davis’ right hand man at Trotwood, Malachi Matthews, took his talents half an hour away to Edison State Community College.

Matthews’ player profile for Edison State (Source: Edisonohio.edu)

While at Trotwood, Matthews proved to be one of the most elite shooters in the Dayton area, earning a 2nd team All-Conference selection.

He wasn’t the only Dayton native to commit to Edison State. Wayne‘s starting point guard, Ronnie Hampton, lit up the JUCO in his first season. Hampton put up a light 16.7 ppg on an efficient 48.4 fg%, 2.0 spg, 3.6 apg, and 5.1 rpg.

Matthews spent his freshman season as a redshirt, not seeing the floor at all during his first season. “It was a tough transition going from high school to college for me honestly . . . I wanted to really take a year off and develop my body more.”

Matthews showing his hustle, getting on the floor after a loose ball against Xenia (Source: Dayton Daily News)

Fortunately, if Edison State doesn’t suspend its 2020-2021 season, it looks like it’ll be a different type of season for the former ram, and we’re excited to see it.

Both prospects will be returning to the colleges they spent their freshman seasons at for their second year. We’re excited to see the results of both players receiving role increases, and we’ll be here to cover it.

Dear players & coaches, if you come across any misinformation about you or your players, be sure to let us know by contacting us on one of our social media platforms !