State Tournament 2026 Top Teams-Division 3/Region 9

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.