Dayton, Ohio– The Dayton area has always been known for good guard play. Many guys have caught my eye this season who haven’t been getting the recognition they deserve. Here is my list of the best under-the-radar guards who you need to keep your eye out on!

(In no particular order)

Jonathan Riddle/ 2021/ 6’5″ G/ Legacy Christian– Riddle doesn’t get much recognition playing in the Metro Buckeye Conference, but Riddle can flat out score the rock. Riddle can score from all three levels and uses his size to hit tough shots. Riddle is leading Legacy Christian to an 11-3 record and a tie for first place in the Metro Buckeye Conference. Riddle is averaging 19 PPG to go along with 3 AST. Riddle has had multiple 30 games and is shooting an impressive 85% from the FT line. Riddle is definitely someone college coaches should keep on their radar.

AJ Eller/ 2021/ 6’0″ G/ Brookville– Eller is one of the best scoring PG’s in the area. Eller has already had ten 20 point scoring games so far this season. Eller joined the 1,000th point club on January 16 against Twin Valley South. Eller is a knockdown shooter from deep with a very high basketball IQ. Another 2021 prospect college coaches should keep their eye on.

Antoine Jacobs/ 2022/ 6’2″ G/ Northridge– Jacobs was a name unknown to the area prior to this season. That has changed completely. Jacobs is another guard that can score from all three levels and uses his strong frame really well to attack the rim and finish through contact. Jacobs has had two 30 point games, including a 39 point performance against Dixie. Jacobs is also a very good rebounder for the guard spot. Expect Jacobs to be a top 2022 prospect in the Dayton area as he continues to develop.

Blake Brumbaugh/ 2023/ 6’1″ G/ Milton Union– Video surfaced on social media of the 2023 guard doing a windmill dunk and making it look easy before the season. Not too many people knew Brumbaugh’s name, but Brumbaugh has had a very nice year for the Bulldog’s averaging 18 PPG to go along with 5 Reb. Brumbaugh is just scratching the surface and will continue to develop. Look for the sophomore guard to have a big year on the AAU circuit playing with the Mid Ohio Pumas.

AJ Leen/ 2023/ 6’1″ G/ Archbishop Alter– When most people think of Alter, Jacob Conner and Ryan Chew first come to mind, but Leen has been the most consistent player for the Knights. Leen has a high basketball IQ and lets the game come to him. Can knockdown shots from deep, finishes around the rim well, and has a nice mid-range game. Moves without the ball really well. Has quick feet and is a very good defender. Leen is the X-factor for the Knights and will have to step-up even more with Ryan Chew out for the remainder of the season due to OHSAA transfer rules. Leen is a 2023 prospect who has a very bright future.

Alex Ball/ 2021/ 5’11” G/ Miamisburg– Ball is a complete all-around player and has had a really nice season for Miamisburg who has surprised a lot of people this year. Ball is everything you want in a PG- can knockdown shots, finish at the rim, and a good passer. I was really impressed with Ball’s high basketball IQ in their game against Lebanon. Ball will continue to have to play at a high level if Miamisburg wants to make a run in March.

Carson Seemann/ 2021/ 6’3″ G/ Archbishop McNicholas– Seemann is a high-level player out of the Cincy area from McNick. Seemann’s size allows him to see over the defense and has great court vision. Has great lift on his jumper and hits really tough shots. Seeman shoots the ball well from deep and has a solid handle. Plays with great poise. Definitely a name to get familiar with.

Kohl Todd/ 2021/ 5’9 G/ Waynesville– Todd is a pure scorer at the guard spot for Waynesville. Todd has unlimited range and can get hot quickly. Does a really good job getting to the FT line. Todd is shifty with the ball in his hand and has a variety of finishes around the rim. Todd continues to put up big numbers but will need more help if Waynesville wants to make a run come March.

Dre’sean Roberts/ 2023/ 6’1″ G/ Piqua– Roberts is an explosive guard who gets to the rim well. Not much of an outside shooter, but uses his quickness to get to the paint and make plays. One of the top scorers in the Miami Valley League at 17 PPG. Expect to see more of Roberts as he continues to lead Piqua.

Ronald Smith/ 2022/ 6’1″ G/ Thurgood Marshall– Smith has bursted onto the scene this year with his stellar play for the Cougars. Smith has good size and can really shoot the rock. Shifty guard who can get to his spots and hit shots. Finishes at the rim well. Smith has had multiple 20 point games for Thurgood. Expect Smith to continue to play at a high level and help bring Thurgood back into the picture of one of the top teams in DPS.

Casey Keese/ 2022/ 5’9″ G/ Bethel– Keese has the ball on a string and is a great passer. Good shooter from deep, has a nice floater, and an overall really good feel for the game. Keese is a tough match-up for the opposition with his ability to knock down shots or take you off the dribble as Keese is very shifty. Keese is a 2022 prospect that college coaches should keep their eye on.

Jakob Reed/ 2021/ 6’0 G/ Stebbins– Although we haven’t seen much from Reed this season due to Stebbins only playing four games thus far, Reed, in my opinion, plays with the most toughness in the area. Can score from all three levels, but is very good at getting to the rim and finishing through contact. Has a good handle and doesn’t get rattled. Fierce competitor and loves the game. No doubt a college prospect. Expect for Reed to have a big rest of his senior year for Stebbins.

Caleb Maurer/ 2023/ 6’0″ G/ Fort Loramie– Maurer is well-known on the AAU scene, but is a young guard that will make a lot of noise at Fort Loramie over the next few years. Maurer can really shoot the rock and has a overall good feel for the game. Maurer is averaging 10 PPG and will be a key piece for Fort Loramie. Keep your eye out on Maurer as he is returning from injury and will be a big time player for years to come in the SCAL.