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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.
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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. Cincinnati Aiken (11-11)- The Falcons enter the tournament with a somewhat deceiving record. Aiken has faced several tough non-conference opponents in Olentangy Orange, Westerville North and Cincinnati St. Xavier. On the other hand, Aiken is 1-4 in February. With talented players like Chris Washington and Deandre Carr-Short, Aiken will still be a dangerous team in the tournament.
Clayton Northmont (14-8)- Dayton’s top seed entering the tournament, the Bolts have been the best team in the area all season in Division II. With Kaleb Kelly and Chisom Ibe leading, the Bolts have size and athleticism to guide them. Lima Senior (18-4)- The Spartans have one of the most talented rosters in the state led by Willie Foster and Shawn Foster. The Spartans secured the top seed in Northwest Ohio and have beaten all types of teams all year. Recent close losses to Westerville North and Cincinnati Princeton aren’t super concerning. Winton Woods (19-2)- Cincinnati’s top team and top seed started the season 17-0 before taking losses to Indianapolis Cathedral and Centerville to end the year. The addition of Isaiah Mack-Russell and Dasai Bronson have lifted the Warriors’ offense and make them one of the tougher teams in the state to defend. 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. Brecksville-Broadview Heights (22-1)- Led by Ben Mehendale, the Bees have been one of the hottest teams in the state, riding a 6-game winning streak since taking their lone loss to Nordonia. Brecksville has beaten many of the top teams in the District (North Royalton and Hudson) and have a favorable road to a Regional round.
Hudson (16-7)- The Explorers have taken some close losses this year but have found some quality victories throughout the year. A closer win over Cleveland Rhodes to start the tournament is potentially the first step for Hudson to make a tournament run. Jayden Carlton will be a guy to keep an eye on. North Canton Hoover (16-7)- The Vikings play primarily bigger schools which is why they have 7 losses on the year. Hunter Hershberger has been a major piece for Hoover who just defeated Eastlake North to kick start their postseason. With the strength of schedule both in league and non-league, Hoover should not be overlooked as a dark horse in the tournament. North Royalton (18-5)- The Bears are looking to go back to Dayton after their run a year ago to the State Final Four. While several pieces from that team are now graduated, the Bears have still won plenty of games this year and now have the postseason experience to contend with anyone. A potential District Final with Amherst Steele could be an interesting game to watch. Archbishop Moeller (17-5)- The Crusaders have been more human this year than previous years. 3 of their 5 losses came outside Ohio and Big Moe has taken care of business in the GCL South. Freshman Jayden Davis has given the Crusaders optimism for the future as they look to challenge this year. A District Final with Huber Heights Wayne could test Moeller’s defense.
Cincinnati Princeton (19-3)- The Vikings finished as Cincinnati’s 2nd best team this year. Currently riding a 4-game win streak, Princeton has beaten the likes of Lima Senior, Trotwood-Madison, Olentangy Orange and Indianapolis Cathedral (IN) and have one of the better resumes in Ohio. Sophomore Kam Mercer transferred in from Overtime Elite and has given the Vikings a 1-2 punch with him and A’Mire Gill. Cincinnati St. Xavier (15-6)- After losing a very talented 2025 class, St. X has regrouped and gotten back to their low-scoring defensive style of play that gives opposing teams fits. Liam McGeady headlines this group along with John Veith to give the Bombers plenty of size and upperclassmen. Mason (15-7)- The Comets have overachieved with a new coach and found themselves in a great position to win a District title this year. If they can defeat Lakota East and Oak Hills, Mason will have a chance to bring their tenacious defense into a Regional with several familiar opponents potentially waiting. Centerville (16-6)- The Elks continue to be one of Dayton’s best teams as they earned the top seed among Dayton area teams. Led by Trey Sam and Sam Keely, this junior heavy team has a favorable path to earning another District title.
Dublin Coffman (17-5)- The Shamrocks have been competitive in Columbus this year behind Gabe Schmidt and Thomas Cochran. Coffman has taken losses to Hilliard Bradley and Olentangy Orange, but also has beaten the likes of Aiken and Pickerington North. Lakota West (21-1)- West is arguably the best team in the state regardless of division. Minus an OT loss to La Lumiere (IN), the Firebirds have not been beaten this year. Joshua Tyson and Bryce Curry have been nationally recognized prospects and have been carrying this group, along with transfers Roman Combs and Andre Richardson. Upper Arlington (15-7)- The Bears like to play slower paced basketball and have been in some low scoring tight games so far this year. After losing nationally ranked Alex Smith to Prolific Prep (FL) in the preseason, Hayden Henry has stepped up and excelled in a new role leading UA. A potential District Final with Pickerington Central could be a test to the Bears. Hilliard Bradley (20-2)- The Jags have not lost since January 9th to Olentangy Orange. Bradley avenged that loss just a few weeks ago and entered the tournament as the Central District’s top seed. Leaning on underclassmen Kyp Norris and Ben Mirgon, Bradley defends and plays fundamental basketball. All of these are ingredients to a deep postseason run.
Newark (20-2)- A staple in east Columbus, Newark started the season 17-0 before taking their first loss to Hilliard Bradley. Behind senior Jake Quackenbush, the Wildcats have an impressive resume and have beaten multiple styles of ball during the year. Olentangy Orange (14-8)- The defending state champions got a late start to their season thanks to a deep football postseason run. After starting the year 1-4, the Pioneers have found their stride and have been playing exceptionally well entering the postseason. A potential District Final game with Olentangy will be interesting to watch. But Orange has great coaching and a tough player in Treyton Schroeder. Reynoldsburg (16-6)- The state runner up in Division I last year, the Raiders had been up and down during the year playing a tough non-conference schedule. But they appear to be playing their best basketball now with a 7-game win streak entering the tournament, including a victory over Newark. Xavier McKinney and Jorden Bowens have deep postseason experience and combined with a legendary coach, will look to raise the state title this year. Brunswick (19-3)- The Blue Devils earned the top seed in the Northeast District, but will have to make a run without star Trey Drexler who is out with an injury for the postseason. If Sean Barnett, Adin Evert, and Drew Matus can fill the voids, Brunswick should still be able to make some noise to the District Final.
Canton McKinley (18-4)- The Bulldogs have been impressive this year and have plenty of firepower led by Jamar Keyes Jr and Anthony Chavers. McKinley has a test in the 1st round with Massillon Jackson. The Bulldogs have won twice already and if they can do it a 3rd time, have a good chance of winning their District and returning to Regionals. Cleveland St. Ignatius (15-7)- Iggy has performed well considering their tough schedule and first season with a new coach at the helm. RJ Jones and Alex Mack have been the leaders of this Wildcats team that rides a 4-game winning streak entering the tournament. It’s hard to not see the Wildcats in the Regionals and this years’ team has shown they have potential to keep that tradition going. Lakewood St. Edward (18-4)- A staple in Northeast Ohio, Ed’s was one of the top teams in the District this year. Beating the likes of St. Ignatius, Akron SVSM and Lutheran East shows just how good this team has played. The one question mark? The Eagles currently have lost two straight games entering the tournament. If Ed’s can get back to their winning ways, they’ve got a real chance to make a run through the Regionals. |
Written by: Tony Peters & Seth KeimEdited and Published by: Seth Keim Archives
February 2026
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