Dalton was honored as Clark County’s Dan Hoyt Mr. Basketball, the sixth Tecumseh player to win the award. He was also one of 11 players selected to the 37th annual Coaches All-County boys high school basketball team, announced at the Shouvlin Center at Wittenberg University.
“He’s a great kid,” Tecumseh coach Roger Culbertson said of his 5-foot-9 guard. “He’s kind of a quiet kid off the court. He gets along well with other kids and he’s a great role model for our students. He handles his success well.”
And the basketball, too.
Besides a devastating outside shot, one of Dalton’s biggest on-court attributes is protecting the ball in a crowd.
“The ball is an extension of his hand,” Culbertson said. “He always finds a way to keep hold of it when he’s in traffic.”
He averaged 17.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.3 steals and assists for the Arrows. He shot 45 percent from 3-point range hitting 70 of 154 shots. Dalton also hit 86 percent of his free throws.
Joining Dalton on the All-County team were seniors Josiah McFarland (Tecumseh), Will Johnson (Catholic Central), Jaeden Bailey (Kenton Ridge), Nick Wiseman (Northeastern), juniors Jaden Greenwood (Shawnee), Andrew Tincher (Shawnee), DaeShawn Jackson (Springfield), Henry Alexander (Springfield), sophomore Jake Bertemes (Southeastern) and freshman Danny Davis (Springfield).
Kenton Ridge senior Logan Mamer was awarded the Southwestern Officials Association Sportsmanship award.
The team, selected by county coaches, takes into account more than wins and stats. It also acknowledges leadership, community involvement and respect from coaches and opponents.
“The main thing is the time he’s put into developing his skills,” Culbertson said. “He’s dedicated himself to the sport of basketball. He’s spent a considerable amount of time bettering himself as a player and team-wise. He’s worked hard for that kind of honor.
“I’m excited for Dalton. He’s a good kid. With the time put into it, it’s nice to see a kid rewarded for something like this.”
Springfield coach Isiah Carson was named All-County coach of the year. Carson led the Wildcats to an 18-6 record overall, 7-3 in the Greater Western Ohio Conference’s Central Division.
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