Top Unsigned Seniors in Dayton (Girls) 2024-25 Season

 Top Unsigned Seniors in Dayton (Girls) 2024-25 Season

By Deon Cash

As we near the end of the school season there are still some openings in the college ranks to be had. 

Here are some of the highest ranked high school  senior female hoopers in the Miami Valley who have not committed to a college for basketball.

             TI'YAH PARKER (C-J) 5'8 PG 

Parker, a true point guard, led the Eagles back to prominence by directing the offense for a state ranked Eagles team all season long. 

They reached the OHSAA D-3 Regional Semifinals before they fell to All-American Dee Alexander and Purcell Marian.   

Parker can score or dish, plays stout D, and is fearless, as evidenced by the excellent game she had against the four-time state Champs in Marian.

Parker was a one of the top assist and steal leaders in the GCL this season. 

 It was noted that she was the 2nd best player on the floor in a game that featured 5 D-1 players and multiple future stars. She had 13 points, and literally kept Chaminade Julienne in the game. 

Her development as a leader is why she could be a player to reach and be successful on the D-1 level.  

Parker is a coaches daughter, so she was a extension of the Chaminade team. She also has a "fashion and swag" style that extends off the court as well. 

She has over 25 offers. 

           JORDAN SCULLY (Sidney) 5'9 G

Scully became the leader on the court this season and did so masterfully, despite losing the best player in the league off her team at the beginningof the season. 

Scully, a dynamic combo guard, led the Miami Valley League in assists (3.5), was top 5 in points (15.1) & top 10 in steals (2.2). 

Scully averaged 15ppg while directing the offense and scoring in double figures in 22 of the 25 games. 

The other 3 games? 9,8, and 7.

Playing with a championship team, Scully can direct the offense or play off the ball. Her defense was elite as well, as she averaged top 7 in steals for the pesky Sidney Yellow Jackets, who won the MVL 3 years in a row.  

Scully is a "Plug and Play" hooper at the next level, as she has learned all the tricks of the trade under Head Coach Isaiah Foster. 

         BLESSYN PRESTON (Dunbar) 5'5 G 

Preston, a combo guard type player with PG size, had some whopping numbers this season, some that should have merited the possibly of being the Player of the Year. 

She averaged 17 ppg, 4.5 rpg and led the City and area with 5.2 steals a game. She collected 10 steals vs Meadowdale and 9 vs Stivers. She has a inate ability to hit the passing lanes and create havoc with her defense. 

Preston literally lead Dunbar back to the Dayton Public Schools championship board.  

She dropped 28 and 10 on Ponitz and then dropped 24-6-7 in a road win against Cincinnati Withrow. Her ability to do whatever is needed is a big part of her game. 

While her shooting percentage needs to improve, that can be improved with practice and more talent around her.  

She is a ball of energy who plays extremely hard, teachable, and learned under the top tier coaching of Dunbar Head Coach Erika Guy, so she is still developing the right way.  

A intriguing prospect to say the least. 

  

JA'VONAH JORDAN (Northridge) 5'7 PG

Jordan, who arguably had the best season in the conference, is a dynamic guard that helped lead Northridge to a 18-6 record and a game away from a league title this season.

Jordan would record one of the only triple doubles in Northridge history with a 11 point, 10 assist, 10 rebound game vs Riverside.  

Jordan is a true point guard, and although standing at 5'7, she can rebound like a big guard or small forward, using her quickness and strength to get to long rebounds and get in the trenches.

 Jordan led the league (Three Rivers Conference) in assists (5.6), and was top 5 in steals (2.9) and field goal percentage (45%). She also rebounded well for a point guard and ran Coach Sain offense to near perfection this season.

      KATHERINE JACKSON (Stivers) 5'9 F 

Jackson, a forward for the Tigers, started the season strong (19 points) and never let up, averaging 11ppg, 7 rpg, 4.4 spg and being a key figure in the Stivers Tigers offense. 

Jackson had a string of 8 double-digit scoring games across a 10 game span.

She amassed a double-double against Dunbar, but also had 7 steals in that game. She had multiple games with double-digit rebounds (3) and double- doubles (2). 

Jackson averaged 4.4 steals a game as well, showing her quick instincts. She also had a game where she had 10 steals in a game. 

           BROOKE HAYWOOD (C-J) 5'11 F 

Haywood blossomed this season, as her smooth game synced perfectly with the Eagles play-style en route to a big season for her and the Eagles.

A 1,000 point scorer and all-district performer, Haywood, a athletic wing forward, does it all: lockdown defend, run the offense, rebound, score, and create.  

Haywood was 7th in scoring, 4th in rebounding, 2nd in FG %, 7th in steals and top 10 in assists as well in one of the best conferences in Ohio. 

She can play in literally any style because she can play fast or slow. She can also defend multiple positions in college (1-4). 

She dropped 24 and 8 on Badin, and had a string where she scored double figures 8 of her first 9 games of the season. 

Built-for-college wing type player. Can definitely play at any level. 

Could have been the defensive player of the year in the GCL, arguably the toughest conference in OHSAA girls hoops this year.

STEPHANIE GANDY (W Carrollton) 5'6 G

Gandy had a very good senior season for the Pirates, as she averaged almost 13ppg while shooting almost 49% from the field (3rd in Miami Valley League). 

After her first couple of games, Gandy shot over 50% on the season at the point guard spot, which is a big bonus. She also had a streak of 6 games in double figures in a 7-gsme stretch. She dropped 23 in at the end of that stretch (season high). 

In her last game of the season, she posted a 21 point, 5 steal, 4 assist, no TO beauty of game in a big win over Troy.

Very quick and strong, Gandy got better and better with each year. Would be a "Plug & Play" in college. Could go in right now and direct a college offense.

RAYNE MANSON (Dunbar) 5'9 PG-SG 

Manson was a huge force this season as she ran the Wolverines offense to a City League Championship. 

Manson, a combo guard, averaged 7.7 pts, 4 spg, and 5 rbg during the Wolverines Dayton Public Schools title run. 

While her numbers don't pop off the board, her ability to run the team was essential for Dunbar Coach Erika Guy and for how the season would play out.   

She had a 10 steal game vs Trotwood.  She had big performances in big games. But ultimately, it was her leadership and ability to keep the team running smoothly, which was her biggest keys to the season.

Manson was top 5 in steals and assists, and also top 15 in rebounds. 

      IMANI FRAZIER (Wayne) 6'0 F 

Frazier was one of the leaders of a Wayne team that had another successful season.  Frazier, a bully of a baller in the post, was at times unstoppable inside for the Warriors. 

Frazier, a natural post with muscle, averaged 11ppg, was 3rd in the GWOC in rebounding (6.6), top 7 in FG % (45.9), and was one of best bigs in arguably the best conference in Ohio.

Frazier has a deft touch as well, as she shoots over 77% from the line which was Top 5 in the GWOC.

Frazier is a perfect fit for any college, as a post presence who can step out and keep the offense moving, but also can mix it up in the trenches, grab crucial rebounds, and play great interior defense.

 Frazier posted double doubles and signature games against perennial teams such as Fairmont, Centerville, and Alter. 

It has been reported that Frazier has recently committed to Mercyhurst University.  

LARKYN VORDEMARK (SIDNEY) PG - SG 

Vordemark was the best player in the MVL before she got hurt.  

She dropped 26 in the first game, before being injured, ruining her senior year. 

She had already committed to D-1 for Soccer. 

Haven't heard anything change on that front, but she definitely had a D-1 type game as Vordemark could shoot it from deep or get to the rack. Her defense was top tier and her leadership was unquestioned. 

"THE KID" Juan Cranford Jr. Living A Dream; Opportunity Of a Lifetime As Wayne Grad Set To Play Tonight in First Four

"The Kid" Juan Cranford Jr Living A Dream; Opportunity Of a Lifetime As Wayne Grad Set To Play Tonight in First Four at Home

 By Deon Cash 

Juan Cranford Jr. was, quite simply, one of the most underrated players to play in all of Ohio HS sports last year. 

The dynamic two-sport star was a beast on the football field, and a lot of people thought that maybe he would go play D-1 football and with good reason.

He was a stud on the defensive end for the respected Wayne Warriors football team and had a host of colleges clamoring for his services.

When asked in late February of last year what Cranford would do, his dad said it was still a "Up in the Air" decision that was still waiting to be processed.

After the hoop season ended, Cranford would get some interest from a small D-1 school in the Northeastern part of the country.

St Francis to be exact.

For Cranford, he didn't need to have a bunch of schools recruit him. 

He just needed one. 

Once St. Francis put the offer out, Cranford didn't hesitate, similar to how he shoots.

 He would commit quickly,  and the rest was history. 

He wouldn't sign some huge NIL deal. St Francis doesn't even have that in their athletic program - yet. 

While some naysayers said he should have went and been a star in college football, the Cranford family has always been a hoop first family.

Cranford is about 6'4", 230 and is built like a defensive end or a tight end. His dad was a hooper and could shoot the lights out.

So when Cranford got to St. Francis, he relied on his work ethic, his hunger, and his principles and values instilled in him by his family, his previous coaches, and himself.

Cranford would have a banner year, to say the least. 

He would lead the team in scoring in the 2nd half of the season. He would become the Freshman of the Year in the conference. 

And last, but not least, he would lead St. Francis back to the NCAA Tournament by leading the team in the NEC Championship game with his clutch play, his smooth demeanor, and his willingness to do whatever it takes to win.

While some takes Cranford quiet style as a slight, he is a absolute savage and beast when he gets on the court or between them lines. 

He doesn't talk much, but in seeing him workout before the game, you could see a smile, a glow, that very few could have seen coming.

But if you knew Cranford, this is not a suprise.

Underrated, under the radar, low key, or whatever you want to call it, he is a top tier hooper no matter what court he has been on. And this year was no different.

He's shining in the spotlight now. The local stations are covering him. The kid is in the national spotlight, just a year removed from High School.

When asked about how it feels, he didn't have any words. He just smiled, looked around and up in the sky outside the UD Arena, and just shook his head.

"Unreal. Just so thankful. All the hard work paid off." Cranford would say. 

This couldn't have happened to a more deserving kid. Don't be suprised to see "The Kid" have a incredible performance tonight. 

After all, he is playing in his back yard.

 And it was his birthday yesterday, so he is winning on all accounts.  

Good luck to "The Kid" tonight as he looks to take St Francis on to the next level on national TV, right at home, in Dayton, Ohio. 

Follow Juan Cranford Jr, St. Francis University, NCAA March Madness  & SELive365 on the journey 

The Ultimate Sacrifice Pays Off as Easter, Cenac Lead Link to EYBL Title;

The Ultimate Sacrifice Pays Off as Easter II & Cenac Jr. Lead Link to EYBL Title 

Chris Cenac Jr (L) & Jerry Easter II (R) Celebrate
EYBL Scholar League Championship 

By Deon Cash

Jerry Easter II has been one of the most publicized and high profile hoopers from Ohio in the last two decades. 

After his Sophomore season, Easter II was a future lock for a Mr Basketball selection before his career would be over in Ohio - or so it seemed. 

 

In a suprise change of events, Easter, would decide to leave Ohio to go and play at a highly touted prep  school in a different state (La Lumiere) on his basketball journey as a junior.  

Some questioned the reasoning, or the antics. Others questioned the motives.

After all, Easter was leading Ohio in scoring as a sophomore (33ppg). He was the Player of the Year in the Toldeo area and was 1st- Team All -State. 

No matter what, there seemed to be a different path for the kid who was ranked in the Top 20 since he was a 7th grader, and was arguably the top ranked 8th grader in the country before somehow inexplicably dropping in the rankings year after year. 

Chris Cenac Jr, a behemoth of a kid, took a different route to the to top.

 He literally popped on the scene last spring, and has had a metoric rise to his spot, which is arguably the best big man in the HS class. 

With the rising development of his skills, its hard to not notice the kid who has been making waves through the South, and now, all over the country.

The 6'10 multi-faceted big from New Orleans can post hard, and will put you in the rim. He can take you off the dribble or shoot from deep. Add the mid-range consistency and the intensity he plays with on defense in swatting shots, guarding 1-5 and grinding in the trenches?

Here's has become a "Can't Miss Big" who is headed to Houston next year and the league two years from that. 

However, just two years ago, Cenac Jr was struggling to find himself on the top of a top ten aau league board, let alone the ESPN Top 10 NBA Draft board of 2026. 

He and his family dedicated themselves to the game and Cenac Jr development, and the rest was history. 

Cenac was dominant in the Championship game, winning the MVP honor. Cenac Jr. brought it all season as if on a revenge tour, making EYBL 2nd Team All-League before the tournament success. 

Which brings us back to Easter II.

Once it was found out that Easter would not make the Mcdonalds All-American team, Easter II was devastated. 

His parents were irate, and with good reason.

They had raised Jerry to be a good kid. Get great grades. Stand up for yourself, but be respectful to your elders. Work hard. Lift weights. Be humble.

And Jerry had done that on his journey. No matter the coach, no matter the team. He listens to the coaches, he relays the messages, and he runs the team. 

But for some reason, the previous coaches at La Lumiere decided that Easter II and his family wasn't there for the right reasons.  

This hurt Easter II as well.

If you actually know Easter II, he has a real burning desire to win. Anything else is secondary.

He knows he can average 30 a game for a season. He knows he can record a triple-double while scoring 40. He knows he could score 50 in a game. 

What he, and we, didn't know was:

 Could he take a pro-style team to a national championship as a point guard? 

When it was all said and done? He did that as well. As a lead point guard. 

His parents have stressed the importance of Jerry II playing point guard.  

And in his journey of being a pro hooper, the step of becoming a leader and running the show was huge. 

Which brought us to this season.

Link started out PreSeason #1 and fumbled the bag early. They dropped to 17th in the country at one point. 

They also lost two of their top players (Amare Bynum -Ohio State commit) & John Clark (Texas commit) it seemed that they could be headed for a downfall. 

However, they started playing better, and had moved into the mix when the conference tournament started.  

Cenac and Easter knew how important this tournament was. Not only to the program, but to themselves. 

So, when Easter and Cenac led Link Academy over Kiyan Anthony and Lutheran in the EYBL Scholar League Championship, it sent a huge statement to all the haters and detractors who tried to sabotage the Easter and Cenac name.

It also validated the reason behind moving Easter  and Cenac to Link Academy. 

Simply put, to win the EYBL Scholar League Championship. We're they the best high school duo in the country? That's up for debate.

But there was no debate who the Stars of.the EYBL 2024-25 Tournament were: Easter & Cenac. 

While Easter II didn't make all-conference, he did make the All-tournament team, with Cenac Jr. grabbing the MVP of the Tournament.

And it has been announced that Easter II will be participating in the Jordan Brand National HS Showcase, which is well deserved.

After the game Easter II would take a picture with Carmelo Anthony. 

Just last summer, Easter & Cenac  met for the first time at Chris Brickley Invitational. 

The rest was history. 

Congrats to Easter  and Cenac  for their perseverance in the midst of doubt and ignorance.

And, oh yeah, by the way, Paul Biancardi, a respected rankings expert, finally gave Jerry Easter his respect, after all the years of  disrespect with the slide of Easter down his rankings over the last four years (Via ESPN Top 100).

Interesting.  Now all of a sudden, he's on Biancardi's best.  And at the top of the list.

Amusing. 

Never forget that Biancardi influenced two players from one of the most losing teams in the EYBL this year on the McDonalds All-American teams ahead of Easter II.

That same team (La Lumiere) Jerry Easter II lead in scoring, rebounds, assists, and steals while on the same team as those guys. Last year. 

On a personal note, Easter II crushed them this year and dominated them in the matchup while Link Academy rolled.

Link Academy, now ranked #2 in the country, will be playing in the National Tournament in early April. 

Don't ever doubt Jerry Easter II and Chris Cenac Jr.

Would not be suprised to see them hoisting the National Tournament Championship as well. 

Follow Easter, Cenac, Link Academy and SELIVE365 on the journey.

OHSAA Recap: Purcell, Alter, Carroll Girls Advance; Dunbar Boys Forfeits Game, Tournament Run; Centerville, Stivers, Trotwood, Bellbrook Move to District Finals

 In a wild day of HS basketball, here were the results and headlines from yesterday's action on and off the field. 

Dee Alexander, McDonalds All-American

(GIRLS REGIONALS) 

PURCELL STOPS CHAMINADE BEHIND ALL AMERICAN DEE ALEXANDER 

The Purcell Marian girls squad was able to stay on course for a 4th straight OHSAA State title with a powerful win over the Chaminade Julienne Eagles 60-38.

In the first half, Chaminade went toe to toe, led by Senior guard Ti'yah Parker. 

It was 15-12 after the first quarter, and 32-23 at the half. Parker would lead the Eagles in scoring with 13 and showed she and the Eagles could play with the best in the country. 

The defense of Chaminade was frustrating the nationally ranked Purcell team.

But a devastating run in the 2nd half by Purcell ended the Eagles hopes of reaching a regional final.

Dee Alexander, a serious candidate for National Player of the Year, had 32 points and 16 rebounds, and after a little bit of a teaching moment, was on full throttle in the 2nd half. 

While Purcell struggled to shoot from outside, it was Alexander who put the squad on her powerful shoulders and carried them on offense.

While the offense was consistent all game, it was her defense that got the coaching staff - and her team- going in the second half.

While most coaches have a way of dealing with superstars, Purcell head coach Jamar Mosley holds each of his girls accountable.

Especially on the defensive end.

There was a moment when coach lit a fire into Alexander, and she took the heat.

In the 2nd half she came out and absolutely dominated the game defensively, along with the twins, shutting down the Eagles free-flowing offense. 

With the win Purcell now advances to their 4th consecutive regional final appearance. They will face Badin, who defeated Carroll. They have won 7 consecutive District Titles. 

Despite the loss, Chaminade has some top talent coming back and Coach Allen and his staff realizes they achieved some great feats this year. 

"It was a good year for us, as we were able to accomplish some great things this year. I'm proud of this team." 

Allen would state after the game.

ALTER ROLLS TO ANOTHER REGIONAL FINAL

The Alter Lady Knights are one win away from their 2nd  State Semifinal appearance in 3 years, as they handled Indian Hill by a score of 49-27.

Led by the dynamic duo of Maddie Moody & Da'Shai Shepard, combined with the solid play of Izzie Arcuri and Sarah Brand, the Knights have hit their stride and are looking like the team we thought they would be. 

The arrival of Shepard has been a welcomed addition, giving them the 1-2 punch that hasn't been stopped in the last few weeks.

Alter will play McNicholas for a chance at a OHSAA State berth Saturday (Butler HS, 7pm). 

These teams played twice and Alter won the first one (57-53) while McNicholas won the 2nd meeting (56-53). 

CARROLL FALLS TO BADIN 

The Carroll Lady Patriots, who were the top seed in the Region, fell to Badin in a close game. Carroll had defeated Badin twice this season, but couldn't do it for a third time. 

Despite the loss, the Lady Patriots had another banner season, winning the GCL regular season.

Badin has been one of the hottest teams in February, and now they have another shot at a State semifinal berth.

Badin will face Purcell Marian in the Regional finals at Lakota East (2pm ET).

DPS ATHLETICS BLOCKS DECA;  DUNBAR RULED INELIGIBLE FOR PLAYING SUSPENDED DECA PLAYER 

The Dunbar Wolverines have been eliminated from the OHSAA Tournament due to playing a suspended player. 

As a result, DPS has taken away DECA opportunities to play sports with Dayton Public Schools Athletics teams until further notice.

DECA is a trade school located in downtown Dayton. It has been a platform for the youth to go to for decades. 

Because it is a accredited charter style school, student athletes can go there any play at different schools throughout the area. 

The reports are that a player played in the 1st game of the OHSAA tournament after he was suspended.  

The kid played less than a minute of game time. 

He then self-reported, which resulted in a automatic forfeiture of the game. 

DPS, as a result, has ended ties with DECA for now, in which DECA has responded. 

DECA has fired back, saying that what DPS is doing is illegal.

Check out the letter sent from DECA below:

Stay tuned for more details in a sad issue that is mounting up day by day as more information comes out. 

(BOYS DISTRICTS) 

STIVERS DEFEATS CARLISLE, MOVES TO DISTRICT FINALS 

The Stivers Tigers were able to handle the Carlisle Indians by a score of 59-49. 

With the win the Tigers now are one win away from a District title. A good offensive game by the Tigers starters provided most of the fuel. 

Shaun Burgan provided the fuel inside, while Gavin Wright and  provided the leadership on the perimeter.  

The new defensive strategy has helped elevate the team to another level. 

They will battle Summit County Day on Friday night. The exact time and location is yet to be determined.

Coach Bobby Porter is thrilled to see his team playing in a District Title game. 

CENTERVILLE STOP SPRINGFIELD BID FOR 3RD STRAIGHT WIN, OUSTS CATS

The Centerville Elks used a good offensive night to propel them to a win against Springfield in OHSAA 1st Round action. 

Springfield was cold in the early stages of the 1st half, and senior star guard Eli Greenberg did the damage with 23 points in the win.

With the win the Elks will move on to play the winner of the West Clermont - Lakota East battle.

TROTWOOD ANNIHILATES PIQUA 

The Trotwood Rams took no prisoners in the game after watching the Pirates fall in the 4th quarter against Piqua.

The top seed in the bracket jumped out to a 51-3 halftime lead en route to a easy win.

It was acknowledged that assistant coach and former Trotwood Ram Andre Yates was selected as the Assistant coach of the year.

BELLBROOK RALLIES LATE, HOLDS OFF WEST CARROLLTON 

The Bellbrook Eagles fell early to a tough West Carrollton team, then used a huge rally in the later portion of the 3rd quarter to setup a huge comeback and win in 2nd round OHSAA play. 

West Carrollton rode the big men and was up 10 late in the 3rd quarter.  

Bellbrook was able to get hot in the 2nd half and hold the big men to low numbers as the #7 seed gets the win. 

OHSAA Games tonight

Girls 

Fairmont vs Princeton (Fairfield) 5pm

Walnut Hills vs Mt Notre Dame (Fairfield) 6:30pm

Springboro VS Central  (Fairborn) 7pm ET

Versailles  vs Brookeville (Lakota East) 6pm 

Waynesville vs Central (Lakota East) 7:30pm

Newark Catholic vs Anna (Springfield) 5:30pm

Northwest 5 vs Arcanum (Springfield) 7:30 

Ft Laramie vs Central 2 (Butler) 6pm 

Legacy Christian vs Mississinawa Valley (Butler) 7:30pm 

Boys 

Butler vs Chaminade (Centerville) 6pm 

Tippecanoe  vs Franklin (Centerville) 7:30pm

Badin vs McNicholas (Princeton) 6pm

Northwest vs Turpin (Princeton) 7:30pm

Thurgood Marshall  vs Alter (Xenia) 6pm ET

Oakwood vs Bellfountaine (Xenia) 7:30pm 

Fenwick vs Taft (Monroe) 6pm

Eaton vs Northridge (Sidney) 6pm

Brookeville vs Urbana (Sidney) 8pm

Miami Valley vs Anna (Troy) 8pm

Russia vs Bradford (Piqua) 7pm