Dayton Hoops: Second Fiddle Stars
Everyone knows who the best of the best are. In the Miami Valley, several players are among the best in the state in their respective class. But there are some teams who have a second player who is so talented,…
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Continue ReadingEveryone knows who the best of the best are. In the Miami Valley, several players are among the best in the state in their respective class.
But there are some teams who have a second player who is so talented, they would be the best player at many other schools. They always play second fiddle behind the standout kid on their current team.
Here is a list of five kids who would shine if they were thrown into the spotlight.
Kathleen Ahner Kathleen Ahner 5'8" | CG Legacy Christian Academy | 2021 OH , 5-8 Soph., Legacy Christian- this player has grown so much, both physically and mentally with her game, she could run the show anywhere she plays. Kathleen is a kid who plays well above her years, has a very steady and consistent perimeter shot and has already come up clutch in her young high school career. In the sectional finals, Ahner buried a big three from the top of the key at the buzzer to give Legacy a big overtime win.
While Emma Hess Emma Hess 6'0" | SF Legacy Christian Academy | 2021 State OH gets the majority of the ink, and deservingly so, you better not ignore the play of Ahner. Her game continues to grow, and with four key starters back for Legacy Christian next season, I would bet she comes back better than ever in November.
Quantaijah Huffman Quantaijah Huffman 5'8" | PG Trotwood Madison | 2021 State OH , 5-6 Soph., Trotwood Madison- everyone knows Division One basketball recruit Sha’mya Leigh Sha’mya Leigh 5'8" | CG Trotwood Madison High School | 2019 State OH , who is headed to Charleston next season. But everyone better get to know the girl that just call Q.
Huffman is a very athletic guard who uses her quick defense to cause havoc to her opposition. She is an aggressive player with speed and can pressure an opposing guard into frustration. I really like her demeanor on the court and her ability to change a game.
Huffman continues to improve her game, and will be the leader for a Rams team next season who will need the next Q to step up and make themselves known.
Julia Keller Julia Keller 6'0" | PF Dayton Carroll High School | 2020 OH , 6-0 Jr., Dayton Carroll- Some say Julia is the equal to Elisabeth Bush Elisabeth Bush 5'6" | CG Dayton Carroll High School | 2019 State OH , despite the higher honors for Bush. While they play different positions, one can argue that both play the biggest roles on a team who has advanced to the regionals in Ohio.
Julia is a strong, physical presence who can score in the paint on anyone, and can step out and hit a jumper. She is a very smart, heady player with a no-lose demeanor. As her game continues to grow, the Patriots will be another major factor next season.
Jordan Rogers Jordan Rogers 5'8" | CG Franklin | 2021 State OH , 5-10 Soph., Franklin- Her game has improved as much as any sophomore in Ohio. Jordan is a totally different player than she was as a freshman, and another year of experience and maturity has made her one of the most recruited players in the area.
Very fluid and runs the floor well on the break, and can get to the rim to make something happen. Jordan moves well without the ball, and teaming with the Southwest District Division 2 Player of the Year Layne Ferrell Layne Ferrell 6'2" | PF Franklin High School | 2019 State OH to give the Wildcats a big run in the tournament.
Marcella Sizer, 6-0 Sr., Waynesville- Yes, she is going to play Division One soccer at Youngstown State next year, but she could have just as easily gone to play basketball at the next level. Cella is such a strong force in the paint, she helps open things up for the Spartans perimeter game.
She often gets overlooked due to playing with the Player of the Year Rachel Murray Rachel Murray 5'7" | CG Waynesville High School | 2019 State OH , but Sizer is the real deal.
With her being so strong and athletic, she is difficult to contain by a less-than-athletic post player.