OHSAA Division IV Power Rankings 1/4/2021

Division IV is the smallest division by size in the state, but it has a bunch of small schools that deserve attention. In this article I’m going to be ranking the top 10 teams in division IV based on their resume in the 2020-21 season. This list is based on what you’ve proved on the court this season.

Richmond Heights (1-3) You might be surprised that a 1-3 team is ranked first, but I don’t think any other Division IV school could lose to Saint Edward, Saint Ignatius and STVM by a combined 31 points. They also beat University School in a tight game. With their athleticism I find it difficult to see a Division IV team beating them in the playoffs.
Antwerp (8-0) After going unbeaten in the 2019-20 season, Antwerp is over a third of the way to another perfect regular season. Led by Jagger Landers Jagger Landers 6'7" | PF Antwerp | 2022 State OH who was profiled in a Film Room article, the Archers are a threat to make the final four this year.
Botkins (8-0) Botkins has had a grueling schedule, beating Jackson Center, Anna, Marion Local, Minster and Fort Loramie. That’s a gauntlet that they’ve escaped unscratched.
Toledo Christian (5-1) Big wins over Berlin Hiland, Upper Sandusky and Convoy Crestview are impressive. A tight loss to Josh Thorbahn Josh Thorbahn 6'5" | SG Ottoville | 2021 State OH and Ottoville is going to sting but the Big Green are another top Division IV team in NW Ohio.
Tri-Village (9-0) The Patriots haven’t had the most difficult early season schedule, but Layne Sarver Layne Sarver 6'4" | SF Tri-Village | 2022 State OH and company are getting the job done early in the season.
Kalida (9-1) Victories over Lincolnview, Lima Central Catholic, Archbold and Van Wert are four of quality wins for Kalida. Their only loss was to Convoy Crestview by two points in their last game.
Cedarville (6-0) Cedarville hasn’t played a very difficult schedule but they are 6-0 and Isaiah Ramey Isaiah Ramey 6'7" | SG Cedarville | 2021 State OH and Trent Koning Trent Koning 6'1" | PG Cedarville | 2021 OH are two of the best players in their conference. They also don’t play Greenview, the team with the second best record in their conference, until February.
Dalton (5-2) Led by Jalen Wenger Jalen Wenger 6'4" | SF Dalton | 2022 State OH , Dalton has been impressive this season. Their only two losses are to Lutheran East and Division I school Massilon Washington by three points. I’d expect this team to continue to keep beating small schools that come in their path.
Columbus Grove (5-1) Grove lost a battle with Ottoville by 11 points, but holds victories over Convoy Crestview and Wayne Trace on the road. Grove was unbeaten last season and I expect them to be near the top of this list when it’s all said and done.
Convoy Crestview (7-2) Led by Kalen Etzler Kalen Etzler 6'8" | PF Convoy Crestview | 2021 State #208 Nation OH , Crestview has fared well with their grueling schedule. Single digit losses to Toledo Christian and Columbus Grove are unfortunate, but wins over Kalida, Lima Central Catholic and Fort Recovery show the potential this team has.

Watch list (IN NO ORDER)

Lima Perry (7-1) I feel bad for a team that has only lost to Lima Shawnee to not make the top 10, but I think division IV has 15 or so teams that would be deserving in a normal year. If they can keep winning and a couple schools knock off each other, there’s a good chance they find their way into the rankings sooner rather than later.

New Boston Glenwood (8-1) A 21 point loss to South Point kicked them out of the rankings, but this Glenwood team has a chance to work their way back into the list. Kyle Sexton Kyle Sexton 6'4" | PF Glenwood | 2021 State OH is putting up insane numbers this season, and could make a case for player of the year in division IV.

Lincolnview (6-1) Their only loss is to Kalida by three points. Lincolnview holds wins over Ottoville, Fort Recovery and Wayne Trace. Their game Vs Columbus Grove scheduled for January 8th is postponed according to Davey1.com but the conference foes will likely reschedule the contest that should determine a conference champion.

Ottoville (8-2) Wins over Columbus Grove and Toledo Christian are impressive, but losses to Lincolnview and Antwerp keep Ottovile just out of the top 10 for now. Future contests against Kalida, Convoy Crestview and Toledo Rogers will be fun to watch.

Norwalk St Paul (5-0) They haven’t played anybody of note just yet, but a Tuesday battle with Western Reserve (Collins) will be a good measuring stick for how good this unbeaten team is.

Old Fort (8-1) One point separated Old Fort from Tiffin Calvert and gives them the advantage in the Sandusky Bay River Division conference title race. Their one loss to Sandusky St Mary is somewhat forgiving as they are currently 6-3.

Tiffin Calvert (7-1) That one point loss to Old Fort is going to be fresh on their mind when these teams meet again January 19th. A win over Margaretta is the marquee victory for Calvert so far this year.

Shenandoah (6-1) An eight point loss to tenth ranked in division III Fort Frye is nothing to be ashamed of. The Zeps have a chance to make some noise in the playoffs this season.

Trimble (4-1) The Tomcats got ran out of the gym by Piketon, but I’m not letting that tough road loss where their opponent shot the lights out ruin my optimism on the boys from Glouster. Future contests with Federal Hocking will determine the TVC-Hocking title.

Federal Hocking (3-1) Playing without some starters due to COVID and injuries, Federal Hocking might not peak until late in the season. I do think the Lancers have what it takes to make a deep run if all their pieces come together. Their only loss is to Morgan, a team on the watch list in division III.

Jackson Center (8-2) After starting 0-2 with a loss to Botkins, Jackson Center has turned it around and won eight straight. Victories over Anna and New Bremen show that they might be ready for the rematch with Botkins on Friday.