State Tournament 2026 Top Teams-Division 1/Region 2

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.
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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.