Former Dayton star’s nephew boosting Butler
Senior Tyler VANDALIA —
Montague stands 6 feet with a slender frame. But don’t let that fool you. His shoulders are more than strong enough to lift up a basketball team.
Montague, who leads the Miami ValleyLeague inscoring, has boosted Butler with his ability to drive to the basket aswell as deliver anassist. Montague leads the MVL with 21.9 points per game.
He also leads the league in free throws made (37) and attempted (50), and is tied for third in 3-pointers (12).
The nephew of former University of Dayton standout and NBA veteran Sedric Toney, Montague has scored 20 or more points in five of his seven games this season. He had five 20-point games all of last season when he averaged 16.6 points, second best in the MVL.
Montague showed off his game, and a little swagger, in a recent 48-32 win against Fairborn. Fairborn (1-5) slowed Butler (7-2) in the first half as the Skyhawks led 18-17 at halftime. The Aviators took control with a 23-5 advantage in the third quarter.
“It felt like thegamewasn’t moving and it was on my shoulders to go ahead and take us over the top,” said Montague, who dropped in a pair of 3-pointers during the run, including one from NBA range, and showed off his quick first step with a scoring drive to the basket.
“It’s just whatever I have to do formy teamI’ll do it. If it’s passing or scoring, whateverwe need, that’s the first thing I’m going to do.”
An ankle injury has kept Montague from playing in Butler’s last two games, includingWednesday’s 54-39 loss to MVL-leading Tippecanoe (7-0). The Aviators are still senior strong.
QuintonHall (10.9 points) can get to the basket and is a solid defender. Connor Bucchanan (7.7 points, 8.3 rebounds) brings toughness inside and is quick to the floor for loose balls. Cameron Hendricks (4.0 points, 4.4. rebounds, 2.3 assists) has hit some clutch shots and brings defense. Ryan Wilson is expected to rejoin the lineup soon after getting cleared after an injury.
“In practicewe’re getting after it every day,” Montague said. “I love the guys. They’re greatteammatesandwehave each other’s backs. ... I love our fight. These guys will fight to the end.”
“I’m proud of them,” Butler coach Adam Betten said. “They keep coming in and working hard (despite the distractions with COVID-19). Our league is a tough league. We’ve got a lot of scorers. We really have to sit down and defend every night. ... They’ve taken ownership of the team andwe appreciate everything they’ve givenus.”
As for Toney, Montague said his uncle has provided tips to improve his game.
“He kind of helped my jump shot out, because I used to shoot sideways,” Montague said. “He helped me square up and I had way better results. ... Especially after bad games he’s there for me. He’ll give me some pointersandthings like that.”
Montague went for a career-high 38 points in a 69-50 win against Piqua on Dec. 18.
Poll position: Wayne and Miamisburg debuted among the top 10Division I teams in the firstAssociatedPress poll released this week. Wayne wasrankedNo. 5andMiamisburg was No. 10. Centerville also received votes, including one first-place vote.
Wayne plays at Centerville tonight.
InD-II, Tippecanoeearned onefirst-place voteandcame in at No. 7 as the lone area team represented.
No teams made the top 10 in D-III, but Miami East did receive votes. In D-IV, Botkins led the area atNo. 4 with a pair of first-place votes.
Block party: Beavercreek 6-8 junior Gabe Phillips leads the Greater Western Ohio Conference with 57 blocks through his first 10 games.
Wayne’s AamilWagner is second in the GWOC with 15 in five games.