Dayton Duo Represent Talent Rich Area

Amari Davis and Sam Anderson Jr.

It should come as know surprise that the Dayton, Ohio area has always been a hotbed for hoops talent. For different reasons, the Gem City’s Amari Davis (6’0/WF/Trotwood/2019) and Sam Anderson Jr. (5’7/P/SG/Trotwood/2020) have yet to receive their much-deserved recognition. For Davis, All-Ohio Red’s loaded roster is to blame for Davis flying under the radar.  Always athletic, Davis has continued to develop his skill set. In addition, his play during the 2014 NYBL season and at the recent Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase clearly demonstrates his long-term potential.  In fact, during session #1 in Washington D.C. in March, Davis’ standout performance was met with rave reviews.

Davis has a knack for scoring but he can also defend at a high level.  Already this middle school season Davis is putting up big numbers for Trotwood Middle School and is averaging over 33 points after 2 games.  Although he is ranked 82^nd overall and 25^th among shooting guards by the NYBL and is ranked in the top 10 in the state by Buckeye Prep, Davis remains undervalued. You heard it hear first, Davis could be playing high major ball in a few years!

Sam Anderson Jr. is clearly a victim of under exposure.  Because he has not yet embraced the elite camp and showcase circuit, and his OBC/Dayton Swish squad does not play a national tournament schedule, the dynamic guard remains a hidden gem.  The last time we saw him he was leading his team to an upset victory over a very talented Mid Ohio Pumas team as well as a runner up finish at the Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament. Although his Dayton-area team would lose to the eventual tournament champions, Team Teague, Davis balled out on his way to All-Tournament Team honors. 

Anderson is quick, has an elite handle and excels at getting into the paint and scoring. As we see more of Anderson, we expect his statewide and national ranking to rise.  Before we close, we have to mention a few other Dayton-area guys who deserve some attention.  Willieon Yates (5'4/PG/Miamisburg), Savon O’Neal (5'1/PG/Miamisburg), Carter Mims (4'10/PG/Dayton), Keyshawn Hughley (5'7/WF/Dayton) and Keon’ite Hughley (5'4/P/SG/Dayton) are all talented, are all top 30 ranked statewide, and all have the potential to emerge going forward.  In the next few weeks, we will continue to feature players and teams that are under the radar.