There are 14 undefeated teams left in Ohio following this past weekend’s MLK tournaments — a striking number considering we’re already beyond the halfway point of the regular season. As teams turn their focus toward conference titles and tournament positioning, it’s a good time to check in on the programs whose résumés remain unblemished heading into late January.

DIVISION I – Newark

With Lakota West suffering a one-point loss to La Lumiere (Ind.) over the weekend, Newark now stands alone as the final undefeated team in Division I. The Wildcats have navigated a few tense moments recently, including a second-half comeback to defeat Toledo St. Francis de Sales, 58–53.

The road ahead is anything but smooth. Matchups with No. 14 Olentangy Orange and No. 4 Hilliard Bradley later this month will go a long way in determining whether Newark can carry this perfect record into February.

DIVISION II – Winton Woods, Brecksville-Broadview Heights

Both Winton Woods and Brecksville-Broadview Heights remain undefeated, but the final weeks of the regular season will be critical in shaping how they are viewed statewide. Each has taken care of business consistently, though opportunities for résumé-defining wins have been limited compared to some of the division’s top contenders.

That context doesn’t diminish what either program has accomplished — it simply means the clearest measuring sticks are still ahead as Division II begins to separate.

DIVISION III – None

Division III currently has no undefeated teams, though several remain just one loss away from perfection. Steubenville, Trotwood-Madison, Gilmour, Clay, Wapakoneta, and Tippecanoe all carry a single blemish.

Among that group, Wapakoneta is likely to draw the most debate, but clarity is coming quickly. A challenging stretch featuring Van Wert, St. Henry, and Lima Shawnee before the end of the month will serve as an ideal litmus test for the Redskins.

DIVISION IV – Wyoming, Norton, Perkins

Wyoming continues to set the standard in Division IV, a trend that has held steady since winter break. Norton, meanwhile, remains undefeated but has navigated a conference slate heavy on middle-tier competition so far. Perkins also enters the conversation unbeaten, though a normally strong schedule has been impacted by down seasons from teams like Cardinal Stritch and Lexington.

That context will change soon. Norton’s level of competition ramps up with upcoming road trips to Orrville and Woodridge later this month. Perkins will face its own defining stretch when it travels to Oregon Clay and Shelby later in the season. Those matchups should provide clear measuring sticks as to whether either program belongs in the same tier as Wyoming heading into February.

DIVISION V – Lutheran East, Genoa Area, Williamsburg, Fredericktown

No other division can match Division V’s depth of perfection, with four undefeated teams still standing. Lutheran East has earned statewide attention, and for good reason, as it pursues a fourth consecutive state title.

Genoa Area appears to be the Falcons’ most significant obstacle, while Williamsburg has dominated the SBAAC National, winning its eight conference games by an average of 35 points. Fredericktown has been equally impressive, though Danville looms as a major test. A trip to Danville on Friday night could open a clear path to an outright Knox Morrow Conference title for the Freddies.

DIVISION VI – Tri-Village, Colonel Crawford

Few will be surprised to see Tri-Village and Colonel Crawford still unbeaten in Division VI. Tri-Village is on pace for a third straight 20-win season, while Colonel Crawford is coming off a 25-win campaign capped by a regional championship.

Both, however, face defining matchups ahead. Tri-Village has Vandalia Butler this week, followed by Preble Shawnee and Fort Recovery, while Colonel Crawford will meet Canton Central Catholic later this month and fellow undefeated Fredericktown in four weeks.

DIVISION VII – McDonald, Shekinah Christian

McDonald and Shekinah Christian round out the list of undefeated teams, each dominating its respective conference. McDonald has controlled the Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference and picked up convincing non-league wins over Girard and Hubbard.

Shekinah Christian has gone perfect in the Mid-Ohio Christian Athletic League, though Tree of Life pushed the Flames to the limit in both meetings. A home matchup against Genoa Christian next month could clinch the MOCAL title and further define Shekinah’s postseason outlook.