Dayton Division 1 Teams to Watch- Top 5

Yesterday, I looked at some of the teams in Division 1 that I expect to put together a very good season. Today, I break down the Top 5 teams in Division 1 heading into the new season, listed alphabetically. <span style="color: #ff0000">Dayton Division 1- Top 5 teams (alphabetically listed)</span> <strong>Beavercreek</strong> The Beavers lost a huge part of their offense when [player_tooltip player_id="91100" first="Alyssa" last="Hall"] moved over to Wayne this season, but this quality program should be competitive again with some solid returning players. Their best player and Division 1 recruit is 6-1 junior [player_tooltip player_id="32580" first="Anna" last="Landing"], who can play both inside and out. Her production will have to increase this season. Senior Morgan Rhoades returns, as does junior Trinity Bean. Sophomore Maci Rhoades should also see her game and numbers improve this season. <strong>Centerville</strong> This team is loaded and deep. Lost some quality players to the next level, but returns the incredible duo of [player_tooltip player_id="32562" first="Amy" last="Velasco"] and [player_tooltip player_id="32611" first="Cotie" last="McMahon"]. Velasco is a junior point guard who is among the top three in the area, she can do it all and is a great floor leader with a sweet perimeter shot. McMahon is ranked #3 in the PGH Ohio 2022 rankings, and is nearly impossible to defend. Gabby Rittinger is back as a key senior and will be counted on again this season, while senior Emma Stanley, junior Kenzie Smith, sophomore Molly Scott. The Elks also have a very quality freshman class coming up. I have to believe [player_tooltip player_id="93541" first="Kendal" last="George"] is a contributor right away with her ability to score from the perimeter and is a high level defender with good length. <strong>Fairmont</strong> Four very key seniors return for one more run with the Firebirds, as Fairmont looks to make a deep tournament run this season. [player_tooltip player_id="89318" first="Madeline" last="Westbeld"] is the most talented senior in Ohio, and can play anywhere on the floor. She is also expected to make her college decision very soon. Belmont-signee [player_tooltip player_id="89331" first="Madison" last="Bartley"] is a very talented, strong physical post player who has a nice touch around the basket. Both of them also have good range. Makira Webster is a lightning quick guard who is very talented and a good leader. Kierra Thornton distributes the ball well and is a key piece in the Fairmont success. <strong>Springboro</strong> Another Division 1 team with a lot of firepower returning. Despite the graduation of some key seniors, the Panthers will be geared up for success. Senior Olivia Majors is a key perimeter threat, while another senior McKel Nation, who is headed to Gannon University, is a solid post presence. Junior [player_tooltip player_id="91102" first="Jordan" last="Hobbs"] is the highest profile returning player, with fellow junior Peyton Nation right there with her making a solid junior tandem. Rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id="32601" first="Haley" last="Crozier"] turned heads this summer, and is being counted on for her perimeter game. <strong>Wayne</strong> This talented group of players at Wayne look to finally get over the hump. As mentioned earlier, they have added [player_tooltip player_id="91100" first="Alyssa" last="Hall"] and also junior Jacquel Bronaugh who moved over from Northmont, but they also have several quality kids returning. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id="89333" first="Nyla" last="Hampton"] (Bowling Green commit), Jaida Wolfork and Teyarra Johnson bring good leadership. Junior Bree Hall (PGH #1 2021) can do it all, and junior Lovie Malone looks to provide a lot to the lineup. Sophomores Ma’kaylia Lute and Jaleah Stiner have both improved and will be a factor in the success.