Dayton Division 3 Teams to Watch- Top 5

Yesterday, we looked at some of the Dayton area teams in Division Three who could put together a solid season, including some familiar names atop the D3 rankings. Today, I will preview who I think are the top five teams in the Miami Valley in Division Three. <strong>Dayton Division 3 Top 5 (listed alphabetically)</strong> <strong>Anna</strong> No stranger to rankings, the Rockets will look to compete at the top of the Shelby County League. 6-foot-2 post Lauren Barhorst is difficult to defend, as she is long and athletic. Barhorst does a good job in the paint, and rebounds well. I really like the summer that junior [player_tooltip player_id="159036" first="Ella" last="Doseck"] had, Doseck shined at some big events, and performed well at the Dayton Shootout in September. She can score and run the show well from out top. Also back is senior Kiplyn Rowland who can score from the perimeter, and defend both inside and out. Always a solid defensive team, look for that to continue as they hope to make a nice tournament run in the spring. <strong>Arcanum</strong> With the Cross Country Conference again looking to be top-heavy, the Trojans expect to be in that small group. Any why not? They are very talented at all positions including senior point guard Gracie Garno, who has been through the battles with this team the last several years. I really like the sophomore trio of [player_tooltip player_id="32607" first="Taylor" last="Gray"], [player_tooltip player_id="32604" first="Madelyn" last="Fearon"] and [player_tooltip player_id="92539" first="Haley" last="Unger"]. All three bring something big to the table. Gray is a strong post player, rebounds well and can score and defend in the paint. Fearon has seen her stock rise with a great summer, and can do it all from the guard post. Unger also had a really good summer and can score from anywhere. Is a trip to districts finally in the cards for the Trojans? <strong>Coldwater</strong> They play in such a tough league, the Cavaliers will have to be ready to go every night. They have three kids who I expect to be consistent this season and help propel them to a solid year. 6-foot-1 senior Lauren Gilliand is a versatile inside and outside player which causes mismatch issues for most post players. Kate Leighty is a 5-foot-4 senior and is a dynamic point guard who can score off the dribble and can spot up from around the arc. Watch for sophomore Annelise Harlamert, a 5-foot-10 post player who is a proven solid player around the rim and is a strong rebounder. <strong>Versailles</strong> Look who’s back.. the Tigers who are always among the top five. Under the direction of a new coach, Versailles will be competitive with several talented players back. The senior class will be solid. [player_tooltip player_id="32543" first="Lindsey" last="Winner"], a 6-foot-2 senior post is an athletic and versatile post, who moves well without the ball and creates good opportunities. Point guard Caitlin McEldowney is also a senior, and runs the show well for the Tigers. She can score and distribute. Back from injury will be 5-foot-8 senior Danielle Kunk, a prolific scorer and floor general. Kunk and McEldowney provide a talented backcourt. <strong>Waynesville</strong> After a trip to the state championship game last year, the Spartans want to continue that success again this season. They lost a lot of very talented seniors, but bring back a good nucleus to make themselves likely the favorites again in the SWBL Buckeye Division. Leading the way will be junior Leah Butterbaugh, a 5-foot-8 guard who can score and defend. Hard worker and good leader. Her stock has risen. Seniors Carli Brown and Kenzie Purkey were key parts of their run last season, meaning good leadership and contribution for this year’s squad.