Making their name- Dayton’s Freshman Phenoms Pt. 1
Call them newbies or call them the fresh faces. I will just call them some of the top basketball players in Ohio. None of them have played much varsity basketball, maybe ten games. But they are already among the elite and their stock is growing quickly.
We are in the second half of the season, and there have been some freshman that have made a huge splash on the girls basketball scene around the Buckeye State. That includes in Southwest Ohio and Eastern Indiana.
Today in the first part of a short series, a look at five of the very best who have laced them up and competed with anyone who steps in front of them. Note that all of these players will be playing together in the Bill Moss Memorial Underclass All Star Games coming in March, more on that later.
Kendal George Kendal George 5'9" | CG Centerville | 2023 State OH , 5-9, Centerville
She has shined already for a very powerful Centerville team, a team with major D1 players Cotie McMahon Cotie McMahon 5'11" | SG Centerville | 2022 #28 Nation OH and Amy Velasco Amy Velasco 5'8" | CG Centerville | 2021 State OH . Kendal is among the elite shooters in the nation in her grade, and she has made opponents take notice already. The team traveled out to Delaware over Christmas break against some of the top teams in the country. She was 12-24 from the 3 in three games. Also an excellent defender.
Sami Bardonaro, 5-8, Vandalia Butler
The Aviators are 8-0 in league play going into tonight’s clash with 8-0 Tippecanoe, and a lot of that success comes from Bardonaro. She has reached double figures in eight games this season, including the last six games. She runs the floor well and can score in transition, or stop and fire the three. Anything over 35% from beyond the arc is the benchmark, and she is above that. Sami plays above her years.
Allie Stockton Allie Stockton 5'11" | PF Sidney | 2023 State OH , 5-10, Sidney
The best freshman in the Miami Valley League, Allie has taken the area by storm. Averaging 18 points per game, and her numbers are solid with over seven rebounds per game, 2.5 assists and 3.4 steals. Physically she can get to the rim and score, defend and rebound. She also is quick and can score from behind the arc. Gets to the line almost eight times per game.
Raeven Raye-Redmond Raeven Raye-Redmond 5'8" | CG Trotwood Madison | 2023 State OH , 5-6, Trotwood Madison
This kid is a bigtime athlete and steps on the court and shines. Fast in transition and creates her offense. Gets by her defender and can score, and her defense causes steals which she is averaging over eight per games. Loves a challenge. Good passer, finds the best shot. Already being recruited by several schools.
Rylee Sagester Rylee Sagester 5'6" | CG Tri Village | 2023 State OH , 5-7, Tri Village
This kid has enjoyed a lot of big offensive games this season on a team that could make a very deep tournament run. Can shoot from literally anywhere in the gym. Good stroke, can also slash to the rim for a midrange shot or layup. Works well with her freshman teammate who we will talk about in tomorrow’s freshman feature. Working on her handles to increase her game.