Sharpshooters to watch during tournament time- Dayton
Ever since the inception of the three-point line over 30 years ago, the outside game has replaced the dire need to have that dominant post player to be able to compete. While nobody will turn down the chance to feed the ball into a 6-foot-3 dominant force in the paint, it has become more prevalent that a deadly three-point shooter is making the big difference in many games around the state of Ohio.
As we close out January, I will take a look at some of the long-range threats that preside in the Dayton area, and who to go see through the tournament who will do the damage from behind the arc.
Kenna Gray, 5-7 and Liv Reittinger, 5-6 Bethel
This is a guard duo who can open a game up quickly if they get hot from beyond the arc. Both are deadly from deep range, and both have the ability to bust open a zone. Gray is a quick shooter with a fast release from the three while Reittinger is a kid who can also get it going. I saw both of them have big games from behind the arc, including Reittinger opening a recent game against Miami East with three long range threes in the first five minutes of the game to send Bethel in front 11-0. Gray isn’t afraid to take the shot and has a smooth stroke from beyond the arc.
Kenzi Saunders, 5-6 Middletown Madison
She is back from injury this year, and is breaking records at Madison with her three-point shooting. Not only did she break the singe game record with 8 threes in a game, she also broke the single season and career record for threes at Madison. Solid point guard with a great touch, she can control the tempo of the game, handle the ball well and get herself into position to fire the long range shots. Sees the floor well and is a great leader.
Hailey Unger, 5-9 Arcanum
Maybe the perfect jump shot technique of anyone I have seen this year. She has great range, good consistency and the ability to break open a game quickly. Will pull the trigger from anywhere on the court, and has really improved her all around game. Has become an elite scorer and has a good varsity of offensive skills. Can finish at the rim and elevate over her defenders.
Ivy Wolf Ivy Wolf 5'8" | PG Minster | 2021 State OH , 5-9 Minster
What can’t this point guard do? She is the best floor general in the area, determines the tempo of a game and is like a coach on the floor. She can score and pass to give her team the best shot option, and her numbers are outstanding. She leads her area in scoring, 4th in field goal %, 1st in free throw %, 2nd in 3pt%, 3rd in assists, 1st in steals, 1st in three-pointers made.
Of course there are some great younger kids who you have read about already like Kendal George Kendal George 5'9" | CG Centerville | 2023 State OH and Rylee Sagester Rylee Sagester 5'6" | CG Tri Village | 2023 State OH . With so many outstanding perimeter threats out there, the upcoming state tournament will be fun for fans to enjoy, and college coaches to visit.