State Tournament 2026 Top Teams-Division 2/Region 7

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.