Emerge Elite Takes Dayton Metro Crown

2023 Emerge Elute-2018 Dayton Metro Tournament Champs

This past weekend Emerge Elite stayed home and played in the Dayton Metro Roundball Classic. This tournament featured some well-known teams in the class of 2023 such as Maume Bay Turf, the Cincinnati Royals, Dayton Wolves and Dayton Metro. Emerge has been without key player Dre’Sean Roberts(Piqua), but the team has picked up the slack and will be better upon his return. Emerge Elite faced Phoenix Fire in their first game of the tournament and quickly raced out to a big lead as Wilson Suggs(Eaton) drained multiple 3’s to create a huge deficit for the Fire team. Hollis Terrell(Tipp City) also got into the action as he grabbed rebounds, blocked shots and put up nice numbers as Emerge sailed to a 78-18 victory. 

Emerge Elite went 6-0 over the weekend, but was hit with their biggest loss of season as they learned their assistant coach, Kenneth “KC” Christensen, was no longer with them. KC loved each and every one of the players as his own, was more than a coach to all and will be missed. Coach KC was big on defense and the team didn’t disappoint as Akio Perry(Miamisburg) stepped up defensively, snagged a few steals and added on a few points as Elite took the victory over Dayton Metro Brandon 68-5. 

The 2nd game on Saturday was a highly anticipated game for Emerge as they faced cross-town rival Dayton Wolves. Before the game, both teams paid their respects to Coach KC and immediately after the jump ball it was all about business. The Dayton Wolves jumped out to an early and easy 12-3 lead over Emerge. Mason Shrout(Camden), who has been playing lights out basketball, was determined not let to the Wolves run away with the win, fired back with some jumpers and chipped away at the lead. The Wolves weren’t going away easily, and in order for Emerge to win they had to do it as a team. After multiple lead changes Emerge started to impose their will as Caleb Maurer(Ft. Loramie), who is making a major impact with Elite, knocked down huge shots inside and outside of the key. Tyron Barnes(Springfield) has also stepped up in a major way was quiet in the first half, but came alive in the second hitting a game changing 3. Ben Major(Tipp City) missed the first matchup between the Wolves was determined not to have same outcome. Ben logged in with several rebounds & put backs and was clutch-hitting free throws late in the second half. Tyrin “Skinny” Sturdivant(Northmont) can play positions 1-5  if needed and he didn’t disappoint as he knocked down key shots  as Emerge outlasted The Wolves 43-36. 

Championship Sunday got off to an easy start as Emerge blew past the Mid-Ohio Pumas. Emerge later faced the NW Eagles in the semi finals and the Eagles came out with a lot of energy and seemed to want it more. However, Danny Gross(Kettering) knocked down a jumper and attacked the rim and gave Emerge a much-needed spark. Kaden Christensen(Waynesville) made a surprise appearance and was able to come away with a couple of steals and an acrobatic layup as Emerge finished on top with a trip to the championship game. 

In the championship game, Emerge matched up against Dayton Metro Ruffolo and Metro got off to a quick start knocking down easy 3’s. The shots weren’t falling for Emerge and seemed like their run was coming to an end. Ethan Keiser(Ft. Loramie) subbed into the game and gave Emerge the ammunition they were missing. Ethan knocked down jumper after jumper, and with James Williams(Springfield) grabbing rebounds and finishing at the rim, Emerge was able to hail as the victors as their guardian angle watched over them.