5 Most Intriguing Prospects in Region 8

Region 8 in Dayton was home to one of the top teams in Division II this season. While Carroll ultimately was the champion in the Region, several players impressed me during the 3 games. A healthy mix of under the radar and well known talent, I highlight some of my favorite players from the Regional games in Dayton. <strong> </strong> <strong>Chloe Davis</strong> (2019) Bloom-Carroll &nbsp; Davis was the central point in the Bulldogs offense. At 6’1, Chloe was the tallest player in Bloom-Carroll’s loss against Regional champion Carroll and forced the Patriots to keep her in check. When she did receive entry passes into the paint, Chloe used her upper body strength to power through defenders. She finished in traffic and made her presence known. An under the radar prospect, Chloe will be a great asset for a school that takes her on next season. &nbsp; <strong>Julia Keller</strong> (2020) Carroll &nbsp; Just one of Carroll’s many talented players, Keller is a nightmare defensively. At 6’0 she is a great post presence, able to finish with both hands and plays well through traffic. Not only can Julia take over a game inside, she possesses a nice jump shot and handles the basketball well. Sometimes not as well known because of the overwhelming talent for the Patriots. She will be a name to watch next year. &nbsp; <strong>Ava Lickliter</strong> (2021) Carroll &nbsp; One of the many backcourt weapons for Carroll, Ava is one of the better defenders on the Patriots roster. She possesses great footwork, especially moving laterally. Combined with <strong>Allie Stefanek</strong> (2020) the Patriots have a backcourt that could be a force to reckon with come next season. &nbsp; <strong>Emily Newton</strong> (2019) Franklin &nbsp; Newton was the inside force for the Regional runner-up Franklin. While much of the focus is on <strong>Layne Ferrell</strong> (2019) and <strong>Jordan Rogers</strong> (2021), Emily is an under the radar prospect for the Wildcats. Newton is physical, not allowing opposing players to get set in the paint. She gets through screens well and is even better at setting screens on the offensive end. &nbsp; <strong>Abigail Dickson</strong> (2021) Valley View &nbsp; An underclassmen leader for the Spartans, Dickson made her presence known on both ends of the floor. Offensively she was a floor leader, setting the tempo and looking to attack in transition. Defensively she had active hands, being very disruptive with her on-the-ball defense.