(1-13-26) Time to highlight the small but meaningful movement we saw this week in the Ohio high school boys basketball ratings. With the Christmas break behind us and teams gearing up for MLK Weekend tournaments, there were fewer marquee matchups to move the needle — but that didn’t stop a handful of teams from rocketing up the rankings.

Just like with the girls, next week’s boys ratings will be posted a day later than usual to make sure all of the Monday action is incorporated. Now, onto the reviews.

DIVISION I

Olentangy Orange is clearly in rebuilding mode after its 2025 state championship run, but that rebuild may be nearing completion. The Pioneers debut inside the top 15 this week after rebounding from a 1–4 start with four straight wins, including a pair of double-digit victories over 10–2 Hilliard Bradley and 9–3 Centerville.

Orange has another busy week ahead, capped by a Friday night bout against 8–1 Princeton.

DIVISION II

In a matchup between two teams that look bound for UD Arena, Lima Senior earned an impressive 62–58 road win at Toledo Central Catholic last Tuesday. Amari Addy led all scorers with 19 points, while three-star junior Shawn Foster added 17.

The Spartans now sit alongside Westerville North as the clear co-favorites in Division II.

DIVISION III

No division saw more movement than Division III this past week. Archbishop McNicholas rocketed four spots into the top five following double-digit wins over Archbishop Alter and Carroll.

At the other end of the state, Ursuline posted huge wins over NDCL and University School. If we learned anything this week, it’s that Division III remains as wide open as ever.

DIVISION IV

Alright, Norton; we see you.

The undefeated Panthers were snubbed in last week’s debut ratings, but they left no doubt this time, climbing into the top 10 with wins over Coventry and Cuyahoga Falls. Norton’s résumé was already strong with victories over Northwest, Woodridge, and Highland.

The schedule ramps up significantly in February, with Orrville, Lutheran East, and Ellet all on the horizon.

DIVISION V

Kids today may not remember it, but there was a time when North College Hill was an absolute terror on the basketball court. In recent years, the Trojans have settled into being a strong Cincinnati public school program — but in 2026, they are back in the spotlight.

Aside from forgivable losses to Princeton and Holy Cross (Ky.), NCH has rolled through its schedule, winning 10 of its 11 games by double digits. The next big test comes later this month when the Trojans host Hughes on Friday the 30th.

DIVISION VI

St. Henry didn’t tip off its season until December 19 — the price of being a football state champion at a school with just 150 boys. But the late start hasn’t slowed the Redskins, who have now won four straight, including blowout victories over Russia and Coldwater this week.

That streak will be put to the test, however, as St. Henry heads to Lima Shawnee tonight before a showdown with Delphos St. John’s next Friday.

DIVISION VII

Speaking of Delphos St. John’s, the Bluejays remain miles ahead of the field in Division VII, as Botkins, Arlington, and Miami Valley Christian battle for second place.

Still, it would be disrespectful to ignore the résumé Lehman Catholic has put together. The Cavaliers are undefeated after surviving their biggest test of the season with a 54–53 overtime win over Troy Christian on Friday night — and they won’t get much rest, as a road trip to 10–1 Urbana awaits tonight.