State Tournament 2026 Top Teams-Division 5/Region 18

Africentric (18-4)- The Nubians are again back in the conversation as a notable team out of Columbus in Division V. Behind a senior heavy group headlined by Josh Smith Jr and Rohaun Hardy, the Nubians have beaten Walnut Ridge, Groveport-Madison and Centennial on the season and earned the 2-seed in the District. Tight losses to Hilliard Bradley, Walnut Ridge and Gahanna Lincoln demonstrate the competitiveness the Nubians play with.

Columbus Academy (19-4)- The Vikings are the top seed in the Central District and enter the tournament winners of 14 straight games. After starting the season 0-2, wins over Bishop Ready, Bishop Watterson and Columbus DeSales stand out as notable. With Harvard commit Jason Singleton leading, the Vikings could see Bishop Ready for the 3rd time this season in a potential District Final.

Genoa (23-0)- One of the few unbeatens in Ohio, the Comets have beaten Millbury Lake (twice), Maumee Valley Country Day and Keystone during the regular season. Led by Ryan Plantz, Genoa earned the top seed in their District and will be eyeing a potential matchup with Paulding in a District Final. The Comets defeated Western Reserve already and will face Liberty-Benton on March 3rd in their next game.

Margaretta (20-3)- The Polar Bears have an exciting player in Julian Washington and have defeated nearly everyone they’ve faced so far this year. Washington along with Judah Keller put Margaretta in a position to compete through the District tournament. All 3 of Margeretta’s losses are by 6 points or less and to quality opponents. Could this be the year the Polar Bears get to UD Arena?