OHSAA Division I Playoff Preview: Region 1 (NW + NE)
In this article:
We’re previewing the OHSAA playoffs in each region and this is our last region to preview. This is a split region with two districts from the northeast region and two districts from the northwest region that meet up for a…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe’re previewing the OHSAA playoffs in each region and this is our last region to preview. This is a split region with two districts from the northeast region and two districts from the northwest region that meet up for a regional final that splits between being hosted in Toledo and Northeast Ohio.
The favorite
Garfield Heights: One of the most impressive teams in Ohio all season, Marcus Johnson Marcus Johnson 6'1" | PG Garfield Heights | 2026 State OH has had some huge moments in the clutch as just a Sophomore. DeAndre Jones is looking like a steal for Kent State and the senior guard duo of Calvin Little Calvin Little 6'2" | PG Garfield Heights | 2024 State OH and Carter Jackson Carter Jackson 6'2" | SG Garfield Heights | 2024 State OH have been excellent defensively. The Bulldogs have been to the final four but coach Sonny Johnson is still looking for a state championship.
Contenders
Brecksville-Broadview Heights: Luke Skaljac Luke Skaljac 6'2" | PG Brecksville-Broadview Hts | 2024 State #162 Nation OH and company have stumbled a little down the stretch with two straight losses after starting 17-1. I still expect the Bees to be a tough out in the playoffs with elite guard play by Skaljac and Brady Ganley Brady Ganley 6'2" | SG Brecksville-Broadview Heights | 2025 State OH . They have a favorable draw to make it to a district title game.
Findlay: They’ve taken down Whitmer twice and have a disciplined team that plays a unique style that makes them a tough match-up for teams that want to get up and down. Their senior duo of Will Cordonnier Will Cordonnier 6'6" | PF Findlay | 2024 State OH and Javonte Hill Javonte Hill 6'2" | SG Findlay | 2024 State OH give them enough talent to play spoiler in this region.
Toledo Whitmer: The only team to beat Whitmer this season is Findlay, who got them twice this season. Luckily, they avoid Findlay until the regional semifinals, if they have to face them at all. With Juniors Antione West Jr Antione West Jr 6'3" | SG Toledo Whitmer | 2025 State #132 Nation OH and Makhi Leach Makhi Leach 6'2" | SG Toledo Whitmer | 2025 State OH leading the way, Whitmer has enough talent to find their way to Dayton.
Sleepers
Archbishop Hoban: The defending state champs won’t be sneaking up on anybody these playoffs with Jonas Nichols Jonas Nichols 6'3" | SG Hoban | 2024 State OH back leading the charge. Getting Kenny Scott Kenny Scott 5'11" | PG Archbishop Hoban | 2025 State OH back from injury and Sam Greer Sam Greer 6'8" | C Archbishop Hoban | 2026 State OH into basketball shape has helped turn around their season and the Knights could shake up a district with Strongsville and Brecksville who are higher seeded than they are.
Toledo St John’s: Another team that made the final four, they actually met Hoban in the final four last season. A team that played a tough schedule with Jaylen Murphy Jaylen Murphy 6'2" | SG Toledo St John's | 2024 State OH and Race Kowalczyk Race Kowalczyk 6'6" | PF Toledo St John's | 2026 State OH leading the way, St John’s could have another deep playoff run.
Akron STVM: I never want to play Dru Joyce II in the playoffs and this team has more than enough to pull up an upset or two. I really like their Sophomore wing duo of Rayshawn Hamilton Rayshawn Hamilton 6'4" | SF STVM | 2026 State OH and DeCarlo Prince DeCarlo Prince 6'3" | SF STVM | 2026 OH , they’ve gotten better as the year went on. The Irish are also led by guard Noah Chambers who will play his prior school Shaker Heights in the first round. I wouldn’t be surprised if you see the Irish in a district title game this season.