Can GWOC boys basketball produce Mr. Basketball?

Here’s three great reasons why the Greater Western Ohio Conference might produce Ohio’s Mr. Basketball: Samari Curtis (Xenia High School), Amari Davis (Trotwood-Madison) and Andrew Gordon (Sidney).

All three senior guards have delivered as expected. They’ll be among many other outstanding players who will be considered for the honor, which is voted on by media reps throughout the state. Based on the regular season only, Mr. Basketball will be announced the week of the state final four March 21-23.

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There have only been two area players named Mr. Basketball since the award made its 1988 debut: two-time winner Luke Kennard of Franklin (2014-15) and Springfield Catholic Central’s Jason Collier (’96).

The Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association also sponsors a Mr. Basketball, which has been much more area friendly. Those former area winners are Kennard, Travis Trice (Wayne, 2011), Romain Sato (Dayton Christian, 2000), Brooks Hall (Troy, 1999), Andre Hutson (Trotwood-Madison, 1997) and Collier.

Notre Dame freshman Dane Goodwin swept both Mr. Basketball honors last season as a senior at Upper Arlington.

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Here’s a look at our three Mr. Basketball hopes for this season.

Samari Curtis, Xenia, 6-4, sr., G: Four-year starter, recently surpassed 2,000 career points. Led the GWOC in scoring the last three seasons, including 34.4 as a senior. Put career-high 52 points on Bellefontaine this season and also scored 50 at Tippecanoe as a junior. Scored 30 or more 13 games this season and 40 or more eight times. Bucs' career scoring leader signed with the University of Cincinnati.

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Amari Davis, Trotwood-Madison, 6-3, sr., G: Another four-year starter on the area's hottest boys program. Ranked second to Curtis in GWOC scoring (30.1). Recently surpassed 2,000 career points. Scored 41 or more points four times, including a career-high 47 twice this season. Hasn't scored less than 20 points as a senior and has a two-season streak of 39 consecutive games scoring double figures.

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Trotwood is a combined 95-11 with Davis, a lefty, in the lineup. A high-scoring reason why Trotwood has been to the D-II state final four the past two seasons and captured its first Associated Press state poll title this season. Rams’ career scoring leader signed with Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Andre Gordon, Sidney, 6-2, sr., G: And yet another four-year starter. Has scored in double digits every game as a senior and put a career-high 49 on Greenville as a junior. More of a playmaker than designated shooter, he's averaging 22.6 points as a senior and tied for second in the GWOC in assists (5.7).

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An outstanding QB, gave football up and transferred to Huntington Prep (W.Va.) to play basketball as a senior. Transferred back to Sidney last fall. The Yellow Jackets’ all-time career scorer and closing on 2,000 career points. Signed with Virginia Tech.

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