Season Overview
The 2024–25 campaign was the best season Stivers has enjoyed in years. The Hilltoppers battled their way to the District Finals—ultimately falling to Cincinnati Summit Country Day—but not before reestablishing a winning culture and putting Stivers basketball back on the map.
Key Contributors
Gavin Wright (SF, Sr.) – Our go-to wing, Gavin’s two-way versatility allowed him to create his shot, defend multiple positions, and ignite fast breaks with his rebounding.
Amarion Jenkins (G, Sr.) – A floor-spacer and reliable scorer, Amarion’s ability to knock down timely three-pointers spread the defense and opened driving lanes for our playmakers.
Shaun Burgan (C, Sr.) – Anchoring the paint, Shaun protected the rim with disciplined shot-blocking and altered countless attempts, while his screens and interior scoring kept us balanced offensively.
Jeremy Daniels (PG, Sr.) – Our floor general, Jeremy controlled tempo, minimized turnovers, and set up teammates with precise entry passes. His leadership in late-game situations was invaluable.
Josiah Garrett (F, Fr.) – A freshman phenom, Josiah averaged 10.0 ppg and 5.8 rpg, showing poise beyond his years. His motor, finishing ability, and rebounding gave us consistent second-chance opportunities.
Daishaun Riley Jr. (PG, Fr.) – As our secondary ball-handler, Daishaun chipped in 4.0 ppg and 3.6 apg, relieving pressure on our seniors and delivering steady playmaking when we needed it most.
Defining Moments
The comeback win over Spire Academy stands out as the pivotal moment of our season. Trailing by double digits in the second quarter, the Hilltoppers rallied with tenacious defense and efficient offense, turning a potential blowout into a signature victory that galvanized our confidence.
Player Development
Josiah Garrett’s freshman leap was remarkable. He grew from a promising newcomer into one of our most reliable two-way contributors, and his continued development will be key for next year.
Several role players also embraced expanded duties late in the season, showcasing the depth of our roster and setting the stage for a smooth transition next year.
Response to Adversity
We adhere to a “next man up” philosophy, so injuries didn’t derail our momentum. Early setbacks—including a 9-point loss to Cincinnati Moeller and a close 3-point defeat at Dunbar—only fueled our resolve. We used those experiences to drive our work ethic, ultimately finishing 2nd in the Dayton Public League.
Senior Leadership
Our four seniors provided invaluable mentorship. Their experience—both in practice and under the bright lights—helped younger teammates understand expectations, maintain focus, and build the resilience necessary for deep postseason runs.
Looking Ahead
With underclass players now carrying varsity experience, we enter next season with excitement. The foundation of a winning, hard-working culture is firmly in place, and our returning contributors have the confidence and know-how to pick up right where they left off.
Offseason Focus
Defense is our primary area for improvement. We’ll emphasize:
Help-side rotations
Closeouts on shooters
Defensive communication
Strengthening these fundamentals will elevate our team’s consistency and competitiveness.
Where to Find Stats
Full team and individual statistics are available through Dayton Public Schools (DPS) Stats.
 – Our go-to wing, Gavin’s two-way versatility allowed him to create his shot, defend multiple positions, and ignite fast breaks with his rebounding.
Amarion Jenkins (G, Sr.) – A floor-spacer and reliable scorer, Amarion’s ability to knock down timely three-pointers spread the defense and opened driving lanes for our playmakers.
Shaun Burgan (C, Sr.) – Anchoring the paint, Shaun protected the rim with disciplined shot-blocking and altered countless attempts, while his screens and interior scoring kept us balanced offensively.
Jeremy Daniels (PG, Sr.) – Our floor general, Jeremy controlled tempo, minimized turnovers, and set up teammates with precise entry passes. His leadership in late-game situations was invaluable.
Josiah Garrett (F, Fr.) – A freshman phenom, Josiah averaged 10.0 ppg and 5.8 rpg, showing poise beyond his years. His motor, finishing ability, and rebounding gave us consistent second-chance opportunities.
Daishaun Riley Jr. (PG, Fr.) – As our secondary ball-handler, Daishaun chipped in 4.0 ppg and 3.6 apg, relieving pressure on our seniors and delivering steady playmaking when we needed it most.
Defining Moments
The comeback win over Spire Academy stands out as the pivotal moment of our season. Trailing by double digits in the second quarter, the Hilltoppers rallied with tenacious defense and efficient offense, turning a potential blowout into a signature victory that galvanized our confidence.
Player Development
Josiah Garrett’s freshman leap was remarkable. He grew from a promising newcomer into one of our most reliable two-way contributors, and his continued development will be key for next year.
Several role players also embraced expanded duties late in the season, showcasing the depth of our roster and setting the stage for a smooth transition next year.
Response to Adversity
We adhere to a “next man up” philosophy, so injuries didn’t derail our momentum. Early setbacks—including a 9-point loss to Cincinnati Moeller and a close 3-point defeat at Dunbar—only fueled our resolve. We used those experiences to drive our work ethic, ultimately finishing 2nd in the Dayton Public League.
Senior Leadership
Our four seniors provided invaluable mentorship. Their experience—both in practice and under the bright lights—helped younger teammates understand expectations, maintain focus, and build the resilience necessary for deep postseason runs.
Looking Ahead
With underclass players now carrying varsity experience, we enter next season with excitement. The foundation of a winning, hard-working culture is firmly in place, and our returning contributors have the confidence and know-how to pick up right where they left off.
Offseason Focus
Defense is our primary area for improvement. We’ll emphasize:
Help-side rotations
Closeouts on shooters
Defensive communication
Strengthening these fundamentals will elevate our team’s consistency and competitiveness.
Where to Find Stats
Full team and individual statistics are available through Dayton Public Schools (DPS) Stats.)
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