Trotwood-Madison boys hoop: Rams take out Butler in first period

Talented Trotwood-Madison recently absorbed a dose of extra incentive for the remainder of the boys high school basketball season.

»» PHOTOS: Butler at Trotwood-Madison boys basketball

“Every year is fun, but this (season) just feels different,” said super senior Amari Davis, who triggered a 94-76 dismantling of visiting Butler on Friday night. “That was a pretty good team, but ever since we lost to Wayne, our mentality has been to play every game like it’s our last and come together as one.”

»» RELATED: Saturday’s postponed events

In Butler, the Greater Western Ohio Conference crossover matchup featured two of the best American Conference teams. Trotwood, ranked No. 2 in the debut of the Division II state poll, improved to 9-1 overall and 6-0 in the GWOC American South. Butler (10-2) had its four-game win streak snapped and dropped to 6-2 in the GWOC American North.

Trotwood converted numerous Butler turnovers into easy buckets and raced to a 34-11 first-period lead. Davis, who signed the with University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, had 31 points, four dunks and as usual ignited the Rams’ high-scoring game. He ranks No. 2 in GWOC scoring (28.2) and boosts his Rams’ all-time career scoring mark every game.

»» FACEBOOK: For more sports you should like Marc Pendleton

»» TWITTER: You should like @MarcPendleton

Butler was one of the few teams this season to outscore Trotwood the final three quarters, but the damage had already been done.

“That first punch was a knockout punch,” Butler coach Darren Wyrick said. “If it would have just been a jab, I think we had a chance.”

It was the seventh time Trotwood scored 94 or more points. The Rams average 101.9 points with season highs of 138 vs. Greenville and 133 vs. West Carrollton.

Carl Blanton added 19 points for Trotwood, Justin Stephens 15 and Sammy Anderson 12.

»» PHOTOS: Covington at Tri-Village girls basketball

Stephens had a bonus onlooker in Toledo football coach Jason Candle. A 6-foot-6 tight end whose first season of football was his junior year, Stephens will sign with the Rockets during the regular football signing period next month.

According to gwocsports.com, it was Trotwood’s 24th consecutive defeat of Butler dating to 2006.

“We got off to a great start,” Trotwood coach Rocky Rockhold said. “Our pressure defense really bothered them early. So, we had them playing from behind all night. We’ve always played our best basketball in mid-January, so we’ll see. We’ve got some tough assignments coming.”

»» PHOTOS: Carroll at Alter girls basketball

»» FOOTBALL: Carroll coach resigns

Trotwood’s game against visiting Dunbar on Saturday was postponed. Next weekend the Rams are at Troy on Friday, then wrap up the Premier Health Flyin’ to the Hoop at Kettering’s Trent Arena on Monday night, Jan. 21 against Pickerington Central, which advanced to the D-I state final four last season.

Braedon Norman hit five 3-pointers and led the Aviators with 19 points. Bryant Johnson added 16 points, Michael Kreill 12 and Ryan Wertz 11.

Trotwood lost only at Wayne in overtime in late December. Butler’s other loss was in OT to Sidney. All four teams are certain to be high seeds in the upcoming D-I and D-II (Trotwood only) sectional draws.

“All programs are beyond moral victories,” Wyrick said. “The biggest thing is how much better do we get until the tournament? That’s all that matters.”

»» FOOTBALL: Another GWOC coach resigns

Xenia 85, Piqua 71: Samari Curtis scored 41 points, the second straight game of 40 or more for the senior Cincinnati signee, in leading the host Buccaneers (6-5, 4-3 American South) in another GWOC crossover game. In Xenia's prior game against Sidney he matched his season-best of 47 points. Curtis leads the GWOC in scoring (32.5).

Chaminade Julienne 59, Carroll 47: Senior guard Milton Gage hit three 3-pointers and scored 19 points to lead the visiting Eagles. CJ (10-1, 5-0) leads the Greater Catholic League Co-Ed North by 2.5 games over Fenwick (7-4, 2-3) and Alter (7-6, 2-3). The Patriots fell to 5-8 and 1-5.

»» DRAGONS: Bolivar returns as manager for third season

»» RELATED: Girls state basketball polls

Twin Valley South 48, Ansonia 37: Willie Bowman had 15 points as the Panthers improved to 9-2 overall and 4-1 in the Cross County Conference.

• Wayne, which lost 72-58 at Springfield on Friday, follows up with another major challenge at Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary’s at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Last season Wayne defeated visiting Akron SVSM 68-57. The Irish defeated Trotwood 60-51 to win the 2018 D-II state championship, their second straight.

• Email Saturday’s postponed high school varsity events to sports@coxohio.com. Include rescheduled dates if available.

»» RELATED: Boys state basketball polls

»» RELATED: It’s a record for Brookville senior

»» RELATED: Butler gets defensive at Fairborn

»» PHOTOS: Butler at Fairborn boys basketball

»» RELATED: Centerville takes out Kenton Ridge

»» PHOTOS: Centerville at Kenton Ridge girls basketball

»» FOOTBALL: Tipp coach resigns after 4 seasons

»» RELATED: “Fire” fuels Stivers boys

»» FOOTBALL: Alter assistant “will be missed”

»» RELATED: Boys basketball power rankings

»» PHOTOS: Tippecanoe at Fairmont girls basketball