(2-20-25) With the OHSAA Boys Basketball sectionals in full swing this weekend, it’s time to get an idea of what to expect as nearly 800 teams chase glory, a trip to UD Arena, and a state championship. 

D I

https://drive.google.com/file/d/174GRH7PjSvG_U9WzzKaQKw4TEVcoWn8L/view?usp=sharing

Unlike the smaller divisions, there is plenty of geographic balance in D I. Any regional champion will have a legit chance of winning the state championship. It is especially beneficial that the top-heavy central district is being split between the Columbus regional and Wittenburg regional. Do not be surprised if the state championship is between two Columbus suburbs. Heck, it could be between two Olentangy schools that are seven miles apart.

D II

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10B6wwWtbeZKZNLoYyXtodCNaOdTcn8lT/view?usp=drive_link

I have pointed it out before and I will do so again: It is criminal that Winton Woods and Lima Senior would face off in the regional semifinals at Elida. Aside from that oversight, the regionals are as balanced as they can be. Westerville North has been blessed with the easiest path to a regional championship, but it should not matter much as they are the clear favorite to win D II.

D III

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i-dMjTfp9rWg64ZyoMM9bCfcPStQuH5T/view?usp=sharing

One of the biggest critiques is how little respect Shawnee has received this year. After beating Lima Senior and going undefeated in the WBL, one could argue that the Indians should be favorites to win the D III state title. While getting to the Toledo regional should be a given, the path moving forward will be significantly more challenging, with a route that could include Toledo Central Catholic, Lutheran West, Aiken, and Louisville, I would not put a lot of faith in the WBL Champions to win it all.

D IV

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XagUwEegxCeRoX8GcHdHrAjpmtGo9177/view?usp=drive_link

One thing we will see with the next two divisions is a case where the two best teams are a short drive apart. It’s hard to blame the OHSAA for the fact that Alter and Wyoming would play in the regional final. But with that said, my personal belief is that the state championship should be between the two best teams in the state, even if they are only a couple miles apart. But, that’s not the reality. Whoever wins the southwest regional, I hope that Ursuline, River Valley, Buchtel, or Warrensville Heights can give them a battle at UD Arena.

D V

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18kbe7QPbdI6f0reEN-jrppT78hkyD9LR/view?usp=drive_link

The two top teams in D V are even closer with Lutheran East only 4 miles from Richmond Heights. And again, the two teams are slated to face off in the regional championship. To make things even more challenging, Columbus Academy, Harvest Prep, Margaretta, and Liberty-Benton are paired up so only one can get to the regional final in Mansfield. The geographic balance in D V is non-existent as 19-1 Minford has a cake walk to the state semifinals.

D VI

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KB9nnLkzMPlU0v3ybQsOKttpXWAyz7j4/view?usp=drive_link

The Bowling Green regional is something else! Yes, Convoy Crestview is the favorite, but I have very little confidence in that prediction given how loaded that regional is. Patrick Henry, Mohawk, Bluffton, Colonel Crawford, even Lima Central Catholic, that regional will be some excellent, competitive basketball. Sadly, the winner will likely get either Spencerville or Tri-Village in the state semis.

D VII

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UmRLho6JRHc63jaYPU_iXnsmncVaJSPU/view?usp=drive_link

This is a division that I’ve proclaimed as a two-horse race all winter. That doesn’t change. South Webster and Warren JFK should have a great state semifinal. However, the reality is that the winner will likely get smoked by whoever comes out of the other semifinal. Not only are St. John’s and Russia head-and-shoulders above everybody else, if Old Fort were to pull the upset, they would be favored over anybody out of the east.