|
Chillicothe Unioto (19-3)- The Shermans have been one of those teams that always find a way to be in the mix at a District and Regional level. This year’s team started with 15 wins. But victories over Leesburg Fairfield and Miami Trace solidify the Shermans are truly one of the top teams in the District this year. Blake Fitch has been an instrumental part of their run thus far.
Circleville (21-2)- The Tigers earned the top seed in the Southeast District and for good reason. Currently riding a 16-game win streak, Circleville has beaten Miami Trace, Hamilton Township and Chillicothe Unioto in the regular season. Behind Ed Kirk and Kole Nungester, the Tigers have the 1-2 punch to compete for a District title. John Glenn (22-1)- The Little Muskies dropped a game to Maysville on December 9th. That has been the only time John Glenn has been beaten this year. Their resume is impressive with victories over Berlin Hiland, Cambridge and Marietta on the season. Stehl Bates has guided the Muskies as they look towards an interesting potential matchup. A District Final could feature a rematch with Cambridge. And a Regional rematch with Maysville could be in the cards. Zanesville Maysville (22-1)- The defending Division IV state champions took a loss to Cincinnati Taft on the first game of the year. Since then, they’ve won 22 straight games. The resume for those 22 games is impressive. Victories over Archbishop Alter, John Glenn, Akron SVSM, Lutheran East and Bishop Hartley prove the Panthers are clearly favorites to repeat behind Gator Nichols and Jordyn Watson.
0 Comments
Archbishop Alter (16-6)- The Knights are always one of the better teams in Dayton and had a tall task replacing a winning 2025 class. Wins over Badin, Northmont and Tippecanoe are impressive, and the Knights enter the postseason on a 5-game win streak. Freshman William Peagler Jr has had a breakout season and looks to lead the Knights to yet another Regional appearance.
Caledonia River Valley (18-5)- The Vikings started the season 3-3 with tough losses to Olentangy Berlin, Jonathan Alder and Bishop Watterson. Since then River Valley has found their footing and have dropped just two games. Wins over Ontario (twice) and Shelby (twice) were impressive as the Vikings sit as the 2-seed. A potential District Final with Johnstown will be intriguing as the Vikings won by 3 in OT just a few weeks ago. Cincinnati Wyoming (20-2)- The Cowboys were arguably the best team in Division IV at one point with an 18-0 start. Wins over Centerville, Huber Heights Wayne, LaSalle and Ferndale (MI) prove how talented this group is. Back-to-back losses to Cincinnati St. Xavier and Elder ended the unbeaten campaign, but Wyoming still enters the tournament as Cincinnati’s top seed. Kellen Wiley and Carlyle Billingsley have been instrumental for the past 4 years and will try to get over the Regional hump. Dayton Northridge (22-1)- The Polar Bears took a tough loss to Westerville North back in December. Since then Northridge has won 20-straight games with victories over Mason, Margaretta, Troy Christian (twice) and Lehman Catholic (twice). Sophomore Keonte Smith has proven he is the state’s most talented 2028 prospect and put the Polar Bears on his back. A potential District Semifinal with Dunbar poses a test, as does a District Final with Cincinnati Taft. If Northridge can come out victorious in both games, they have a real chance to win the Region. Canfield (20-3)- The addition of Jace Riccardo has helped Canfield as they earned the top seed in the Northeast District. While the Cardinals losses came to the likes of Youngstown Ursuline and Alliance, they don’t have as many big wins to compare with other teams in the District.
Cleveland Glenville (14-9)- The Tarblooders started the 2025 calendar year 2-4 with close losses to mainly bigger schools. SInce then Glenville has been up and down. They have wins over the likes of Hawken and Brunswick. But also have losses to Cleveland Rhodes and Bedford. Even with the record they have, Glenville is the highest seed in their District and should be able to get to the District Final. Norton (21-2)- A bit of an unknown to individuals outside of Northeast Ohio, the Panthers started the season 17-0 with victories over Woodridge and Medina Highland. Losses to Lutheran East and Akron Ellet were the only times Norton was defeated. The Panthers can put the ball in the bucket at a high rate, with numerous games scoring in the mid-70s. They could have a major test in front of them with a potential District Final with 3-seeded Cleveland Central Catholic. Warrensville Heights (13-9)- The Tigers did not end the regular season on best of terms splitting their final 8 games. Another team with a tough schedule, the Tigers have shown they can hang with different styles of basketball and compete with some of the best teams in the state. Recently scored 102 points in their first tournament game. The Tigers may face Cleveland Benedictine in a potential District FInal. Jonathan Alder (18-5)- The Pioneers earned the top seed in the Central District behind their sophomore combo of Danny Bentley and Byron Byerly. Alder only dropped one game in CBC play and has the tradition to be a tough out for anyone in March.
Millbury Lake (18-5)- The Flyers looked good to start the season, but have come down to Earth in February. After defeating Clyde in their first round game, Lake now prepares for Otsego, a team they split the regular season with. If the Flyers can win game #3 and potentially a District Final with Ottawa-Glandorf, they could make some noise in Regionals. Sandusky Perkins (21-2)- The Pirates started the season 15-0 with wins over Keystone and Willard in the process. Close losses against Sandusky and Oregon Clay by a combined 7 points are the only blemishes on Perkins’ resume. A football powerhouse, Perkins looks the part to be a District champion. Van Wert (17-6)- The Cougars are one of the younger teams in their District. Wins over Lincolnview and Wapakoneta certainly help. However, the Cougars entered the tournament on a 3-game losing streak. While none of the losses could be considered “bad losses”, it still is never great to enter March with losses. They did defeat Napoleon in their first game and will push for a deep postseason run. Bishop Hartley (15-5)- Led by Jakhi Calloway, Hartley has earned the top seed in the Central District while competing in the always physical Central Catholic League. The Hawks have went up against the likes of Newark, Winton Woods and Maysville outside of their league play. Entering the tournament, they have lost 2 of their last 3, including a 38-point loss to Independence. Hartley could potentially have a 3rd game with St. Francis DeSales, who they split the regular season meetings with.
Marietta (20-4)- The Tigers play a mix of Ohio and West Virginia teams due to their location in the state. This gives them plenty of different styles to go up against on a nightly basis. One of the biggest wins came just three days ago as the Tigers stunned top seeded Miami Trace 55-52. If Marietta can get past New Philadelphia, a team that beat them in the regular season, there could be enough momentum for Marietta to make some noise in the Regionals. Steubenville (22-1)- Another team that plays a mix of OH/WV teams, the Big Red have lost just once on the year. They entered the tournament winners of 16- straight games. A 4-point victory over Dover put the Big Red in the District Finals to face Chillicothe. Led by Santino Haney, Steubenville might be the favorites in the District/Regional behind their guard play and winning culture this year. Walnut Ridge (14-9)- The Scots have not had the best season. After an 0-2 start, Walnut RIdge just hasn’t found their footing and have a mix of close losses and bigger losses. The positive? The Scots have a game with Columbus Centennial, a team they defeated 91-69 earlier in the year. Should Walnut Ridge beat them again, they have yet another big test with Bishop Watterson in a District Final. Badin (21-2)- The Rams entered the tournament with 15-straight wins and an impressive slate of victories. LaSalle, Archbishop Alter and Summit Country Day are just a few of the impressive wins Badin has on the year. Defense is what drives this group as they already defeated Talawanda 78-28 to start their run.
Cincinnati LaSalle (17-6)- The Lancers kickstarted the season 10-0 and defeated Hilliard Bradley and Fairfield to start the year off. Once the Lancers started GCL South play, the losses followed. While 3 of the Lancers’ 6 losses came in league play, they also picked up a quality win over Moeller. CJ Davis and Shamari Scales have been instrumental for this group on the season and will be leaned on for LaSalle to get back to Regionals. Hughes (18-5)- The Big Red started the season off 1-3. That stretch seems like such a far time ago as Hughes has won 12-straight games entering the tournament. Beating Aiken and North College Hill during the stretch, Hughes has looked to guard Le’Shawn Hill to guide their backcourt and has been a big reason why Hughes is in the position they’re in. Trotwood-Madison (17-4)- The Rams enter the tournament as Dayton’s best team in Division III and look to build off of last season’s Regional Final run. 3 of their 4 losses have came in the month of February, raising concerns for Trotwood entering tournament play. Guards Cari Reaves and Daveon Arnold have given the Rams high scoring options in the backcourt. A potential District Final with Goshen could be some must-watch action. Akron SVSM (14-9)- I would argue Dru Joyce’s team has played the toughest schedule in the state this year. Their losses include Lutheran East, Lakewood St. Edward, Brunswick and Zanesville Maysville. The victories? Garfield Heights, Moeller, Archbishop Hoban and Youngstown Ursuline among notable ones. The Irish have seen plenty of styles of play this season and are leaning on seniors DeCarlo Prince and Leigh Cotton to get St. V back to a Regional tournament.
Alliance (21-2)- The Aviators earned the top seed in the Northeast District with an impressive record. While their SOS was not as tough as some other teams in the District, Alliance competed in the key games they had. An OT win to Canton McKinley and OT loss to Massillon Washington headline their notable games. JR Jackson is leading Alliance in the backcourt and has them building confidence leading to the tournament. Lima Shawnee (18-5)- The Indians have been a consistent program not just this season, but in recent history at a state level. Shawnee put together yet another strong showing on the season behind Beckett and Trevick Bertke. The Indians will have a major test ahead of them in a potential District Final with Mansfield Senior being potentially waiting. Toledo Central Catholic (19-3)- Northwest Ohio’s best team has been nearly unbeatable in Ohio. A 4-point loss to Lima Senior is the Irish’ only loss in state. Wins over Toledo St. John’s (twice), Toledo St. Francis (twice) and Spencerville headline Central Catholic’s resume. Eastern Michigan commit Manny Johnson has helped guide the Irish and has them in a position to potentially get to Dayton. Archbishop Hoban (16-7)- The 2023 state champions started the season 3-3 and had some questionable moments early on. Since then, Hoban has beaten Chaney, Youngstown Ursuline and Gilmour Academy among others. While the Knights did not end up having Ohio State football commit Sam Greer available, John Johnson stepped up and gave Hoban the needed offensive leadership to earn the 5-seed.
Garfield Heights (16-6)- The Bulldogs’ record is slightly deceiving. 3 of their 6 losses came outside Ohio in the City of Palms Classic. The remaining losses were single digits to high caliber opponents in state. Garfield is led by Marcus Johnson, the defending Mr. Basketball in Ohio and one of the best scorers in Ohio. The Bulldogs are a dangerous 10-seed as they have already won their tournament opener 102-12. Gilmour Academy (16-7)- The Lancers were considered one of the state’s best teams early in the season with a 12-1 start on the year. Since then they have only won 4 games. When looking at the Lancers’ losses, they don’t have one “bad” loss and were within a few points of teams like Hawken, Archbishop Hoban, and Brecksville-Broadview Heights. Their SOS might be solid, but they could have a potentially tough District Final opponent in Youngstown Chaney should both teams make it there. Hawken (18-5)- A Final Four team in Division IV last season, Hawken is now one division higher but still winning ball games. Ice Taylor has been instrumental for the Hawks as 4 of their 5 losses were by 5 or less points. A team with a winning attitude, the Hawks could face Youngstown Ursuline in a potential District Final. Big Walnut (14-9)- The Eagles have found their footing after a bit of a slow start to the season. Brody Hatfield and a group of juniors will try to get back to the Regionals but have a tough stretch to get there. A District Semifinal with Canal Winchester awaits the Eagles. Then a potential District Final with Westerville South, whom they split the regular season with.
Licking Heights (17-5)- The Hornets have faced some injuries this year and have seen some tough losses in February. But Nate Lovinsky has still helped the Hornets get to 17 wins and the #2 seed in the Central District. A potential District Final with Columbus St. Charles will be a test if Licking Heights can win lower scoring games in March. New Albany (13-8)- After starting the season 6-1, the Eagles have played .500 basketball the rest of the way, and have two losses entering the tournament. Marco Mattucci has lifted this New Albany group previously and will need to play his best basketball if the Eagles want to make another run. Westerville North (21-1)- The heavy favorites in Division II this year, the Warriors are the top seed in Columbus in Division II and ride a 16-game winning streak. Tyson Perkins and Tony Cornett are back from last year’s state championship and have guided North through every challenge they’ve faced this year. Avon (16-6) The Eagles earned the 10-seed despite a 16-win season. With Joey Zeigler leading from a year ago, Avon will have a tough 1st round game with North RIdgeville, who beat the Eagles back in January. If Zeigler and company can win that game, they would then potentially face Medina Highland for a District Final. Avon has postseason experience after their run a year ago and can still make noise even as a double digit seed.
Euclid (14-8)- The Panthers added Coach Q from RIchmond Heights and picked up with winning games, including Reynoldsburg and Columbus Northland throughout the year. While Euclid has lost their last two games entering the tournament, they avoid a tough bracket. A potential District Final with Shaker Heights would be interesting as Euclid has beaten the Raiders twice this year. Sophomore Mekhi Asberry and senior Kye Owens are names to watch. Massillon Washington (21-1)- The Tigers haven’t lost since December 23rd and have won 18 straight games, including Canton McKinley, Hawken and Youngstown Ursuline along the way. Gio Jackson Jr has been one of the most impressive juniors this year. Massillon has a favorable bracket and looking to get back to the Regionals where they are favored in Region 6. Toledo St. John’s (17-5)- The Titans have won 6 straight games entering the postseason and have an intriguing potential matchup with Toledo St. Francis in a District Final. After splitting the regular season, St. John’s has looked back to their winning ways after some struggles in January. Race Kowalczyk and Ethan James have to play their best basketball to get the Titans past the familiar Knights. |
Written by: Tony Peters & Seth KeimEdited and Published by: Seth Keim Archives
February 2026
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed