Division II Ohio boys basketball state tournament preview
Here’s a look at what to expect in the Division II Ohio boys basketball state tournament:
DIVISION II
Best player: Henry Baddley, St. Vincent-St. Mary
You can’t go wrong with each team’s top player as Aiken’s Carlik Jones, John Glenn’s Drew Rackley and Bay’s John Koz have all ha fantastic seasons. Still, the versatility of Baddley is what sticks out here. He can play multiple positions on offense and defense and is as indispensable a player as you’ll find in Division II.
Semifinal predictions
St. Vincent-St. Mary over Cincinnati Aiken
This one will be a treat to watch as Carlik Jones will cause havoc for Aiken against a St. Vincent-St. Mary team that is thin inside. Still, the Irish have better defense and good offensive balance. The Irish play smart basketball and won’t beat themselves. Expect the guards of St Vincent-St. Mary to be the difference.
New Concord John Glenn over Bay
It’s been a dream playoff run for Bay, but the Rockets haven’t faced a team all season as good as John Glenn. Drew Rackley keys a dominant group that lost only one game all season. Bay can score and will find opportunities, but John Glenn should be able to convert at a high-rate offensively.
State title prediction
New Concord John Glenn over St. Vincent-St. Mary
This game is a rematch, as these two teams met in January with John Glenn walking away with a narrow 54-51 win. While the Irish surely learned from that game, the toughness that John Glenn plays with on both sides of the ball could again cause trouble. There’s a reason John Glenn is undefeated this season against teams from Ohio, and now they are two games away from a truly special season.