A Look At The Future Of Ohio High School Basketball…Private Vs. Public Separate Tournaments

(6-3-26) The concerns and questions about the state of Ohio HS basketball is discussed from several social media sites.

A must read is Gene Simmons posting – Key takeaways from OHSBCA and OHSAA state tournament basketball meeting.

The state basketball tournament is the focus of a discussion between Doug Ute, Executive Director @OHSAASports, and Joe Balogh, Executive Director of the @ohioBKcoaches.

State tournament venue and more! https://t.co/ohHO1s0FxF

— Ohio High School Football/Basketball Media (@OHSFBMedia) June 3, 2026

Two items from the post and an interesting look into what might take place or not happen in the future….

RELATED: OPINION- Daddy Says No To Shot Clock

Presently Pennsylvania is in the middle of a battle to hold separate public and private State Basketball tournaments. The State Legislature is presently moving forward a bill that would allow the PIAA to make the decision.

• Pennsylvania House Passes Bill That Would Allow PIAA To Hold Separate Public And Private School Playoffs
• PIAA Public and Private High Schools Postseason Tournament Bill Moves Forward in State House
• Public Vs. Private Battle Fires Up In Pennsylvania

Hosts Adam Hall and Walt Cerrato as they sit down with Brett Larrick, Head Boys Basketball Coach at Elyria High School

Brett Larrick shares the two biggest concerns he has about the current state of high school basketball in Ohio.

Listen to the full episode with Coach Larrick here ⬇️

🔗 https://t.co/5zD1IzAg29 pic.twitter.com/U15TT7kbeh

— OHSBCA (@ohioBKcoaches) June 2, 2026

One issue is the drop in attendance at State Final games since the switch to 7 divisions…below is the first two years with 7 divisions-

2026 OHSAA State Finals Schedule – All Games at University of Dayton Arena

• 4,635 D I – Hillard Brdley-Princeton
• 4,642 D II – Massillon Washington-Westerville North
• 5,771 D III – Steubenville-Trotwood-Madison
• 3,415 D IV – Wyoming-Glenville
• 2,813 D V – Lutheran East-Columbus Academy
• 4,459 D VI – Marion Local-Hiland
• 4,459 D VII – Delphos St. John’s-Kalida

2025 OHSAA State Finals Schedule – All Games at University of Dayton Arena

• ​Friday, March 21
  • ​Division III: ATTENDANCE: 7,178 – Louisville (23-5) vs. Cincinnati Aiken (27-1) – 1 p.m.
  • Division IV: ATTENDANCE: 6,164 – Cleveland Glenville (19-8) vs. Maysville (26-3) – 4:15 p.m.
  • Division II: ***ATTENDANCE: 5,557 Massillon Perry (14-13) vs. Westerville North (24-2) – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 22
  • Division V: ATTENDANCE: 4,325 Lutheran East (24-4) vs. Columbus Academy (28-0) – 10:45 a.m.
  • Division VI: ATTENDANCE: 7,285 Monroe Central (25-3) vs. Marion Local (26-2) – 2 p.m.
  • Division VII: ATTENDANCE: 6,466 Cornerstone Christian (21-8) vs. Russia (28-0) – 5:15 p.m.
  • Division I: ATTENDANCE: 7,545 Olentangy Orange (25-2) vs. Reynoldsburg (26-1) – 8:30 p.m.