OHSAA Division IV Preseason Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The OHSAA Basketball season tips off soon and Prep Hoops Ohio will be updating rankings for all four Divisions throughout the season. In this article we'll break down the top 10 Division IV teams in our preseason rankings. Post your top 10 on our <a href="https://forums.prephoops.com/t/ohsaa-division-iv-preseason-rankings/2191" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forum</a> topic of the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>1. Richmond Heights</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Spartans won last year in dominant fashion, winning every playoff game comfortably. The Spartans graduate a lot of senior production but bring back Sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='1432015' first='Dorian' last='Jones'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1432006' first='De'Erick' last='Barber'] from their state title winning team. The addition of [player_tooltip player_id='1352459' first='Hosea' last='Steele'] cemented the Spartans as the top team in Division IV as they stay at the top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>2. Marion Local</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was in attendance for their playoff loss to Antwerp last season and walked away very impressed with their team. [player_tooltip player_id='1404789' first='Jack' last='Knapke'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1432036' first='Austin' last='Niekamp'] is the best 1-2 big duo in this Division and if their guards make open shots it will be tough to beat this team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>3. Cardinal Stritch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NW Ohio always has talent in Division IV and this season is no different. Cardinal Stritch has some intriguing pieces including [player_tooltip player_id='1605202' first='Breon' last='Hicks'], [player_tooltip player_id='1605209' first='Tommie' last='Taylor'], [player_tooltip player_id='1453843' first='Owen' last='Yost'] and more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>4. Fort Loramire</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The guard duo of [player_tooltip player_id='867944' first='Caleb' last='Maurer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1195018' first='Ethan' last='Keiser'] will be tough to stop as both are seniors and looking to take the next step towards competing for a regional title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>5. Hannibal River</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My new top team in the east district, they are led by [player_tooltip player_id='976074' first='Ty' last='Long'] but have a lot of talent from their football program which has also been very successful with this current group of athletes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>6. Springfield Catholic Central</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1462469' first='Tyler' last='Galluch'] is a match-up nightmare at the Division IV level and he's got some help around him. I expect this team to compete for a regional title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>7. Colonel Crawford</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dropping down a Division from III to IV, Colonel Crawford lost some talented pieces including Mason Studer and Carter Valentine, but bring back enough talent to keep them in the top 10.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>8. Antwerp</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They graduate Jagger Landers but [player_tooltip player_id='1187132' first='Landon' last='Brewer'] is back and this program has done a lot of winning the past five years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>9. Berlin Hiland</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All this team does is win, despite an expected down season they still managed to make it to the final four. We'll see if their magic happens again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>10. South Webster</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The most talented Division IV school in southeast Ohio after Lucasville Valley moves up to Division III. [player_tooltip player_id='1432019' first='Eli' last='Roberts'] is a Division I prospect and the Jeeps have some other talent returning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Honorable Mention (Alphabetical)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Botkins, Caldwell, Convoy Crestview, Cornerstone Christian, Dalton, Fort Recovery, Latham Western, Toledo Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->