OHSAA Division II Power Rankings (12/27)
Top-heaviness strikes us as we assess the Division II landscape. Blowouts could be the story of the D-II regional tournaments. That is, except for SW Ohio, where our top two teams — Trotwood and Taft — could meet. We’d also put…
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Continue ReadingTop-heaviness strikes us as we assess the Division II landscape. Blowouts could be the story of the D-II regional tournaments. That is, except for SW Ohio, where our top two teams — Trotwood and Taft — could meet. We’d also put Columbus South, Benedictine, and Wyoming in that top tier.
After that, VASJ and Sheridan are knocking on the door. But the depth isn’t quite there as teams who’ve been strong in the last couple seasons like Wauseon, Beechcroft, Eastmoor, and Lexington have fallen off.
Rounding out the top ten are Chaminade Julienne, Columbus Desales, and John Glenn. Padua, Badin, Licking Valley, Lake Catholic, and Alder were a win away from being including in the picture.
Team | W-L | Avg. Pt. Dif. | Quality Wins | Losses | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 Trotwood | 5-0 | 37.6 | Centerville, Crispus Attucks (IN) | Amari Davis, somehow, has taken his game to another level — same for Carl Blanton. The win against Indy Crispus Attucks is big-time, by the way. | |
#2 Taft | 6-0 | 5.8 | Deer Park, Olentangy, Covington Catholic | Forget about the not-huge point differential, Taft is a clear no. 2. The addition of Nekhi Smith has been as valuable as advertised. | |
#3 Columbus South | 6-0 | 19.2 | Hartley, Walnut Ridge, Alder | Relying on guard play has proven to be a winning strategy so far. Point guard Treohn Watkins remains one of Ohio's most unheralded seniors. | |
#4 Benedictine | 5-2 | 8.6 | Richmond Heights, Solon, Clev. Central Catholic | Hoban, Tol. St. Francis | A few losses were expected given their schedule. They remain capable of reaching the top of the mountain if healthy. |
#5 Wyoming | 5-0 | 19.4 | Deer Park | Wyoming is home to three of the top eight scorers in the Cincinnati Hills League. The sophomore leap from Isaiah Walker has been crucial. | |
#6 VASJ | 3-1 | -3.5 | Cleveland Hts, Hoban, CCC | Pickerington North | Don't be fooled by their 31-point loss to PN, which is admittedly concerning. They'll be ready come tournament time. They haven't played a freebie game all season. |
#7 Sheridan | 8-0 | 20 | Licking Valley | Handed Licking Valley their first loss last week. Seniors Ethan Heller and Grant Heileman are a handful. | |
#8 Chaminade Julienne | 6-0 | 13.5 | Purcell Marian, Alter | Surprise undefeated team riding the Milton Gage wave at the moment. D-IIs may want to take another look at the senior guard. | |
#9 Columbus DeSales | 5-1 | 12.3 | Hartley | Johnstown-Monroe | The backcourt of Kobe Righter and Kayin Derden is tailored for postseason success. Wealth of intelligence, efficiency, and shot-making. |
#10 John Glenn | 6-0 | 22.3 | Perennial contender in Southern Ohio. They will play no. 7 Sheridan twice before the season ends. |