OHSAA Division III Playoff Preview: Regions 11 + 12
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The OHSAA playoff brackets were released this Sunday and we’re previewing each region ahead of the start of the playoffs. In this article we’re discussing regions 11 and 12 from Division III. Region 11 (Southeast) The Favorite Harvest Prep: Always…
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Continue ReadingThe OHSAA playoff brackets were released this Sunday and we’re previewing each region ahead of the start of the playoffs. In this article we’re discussing regions 11 and 12 from Division III.
Region 11 (Southeast)
The Favorite
Harvest Prep: Always tough to beat, Harvest Prep has had a ton of success going down to Athens after emerging from the central district. They have size, athleticism and depth that many teams in the region can’t compete with. They’ve also beaten a handful of Division I teams to prepare for the tournament.
Contenders
Malvern: One of two unbeatens in the state, Malvern is once again a contender in the east district. Their senior duo of J’Allen Barrino J’Allen Barrino 6'2" | SG Malvern | 2024 State OH and Mitchell Minor Mitchell Minor 6'5" | PF Malvern | 2024 State OH give them a guard-forward combo that’s won a lot of games together.
Minford: Another year where Minford is a contender, their Junior duo of Myles Montgomery Myles Montgomery 5'9" | PG Minford | 2025 State OH and Bennett Kayser Bennett Kayser 6'4" | SF Minford | 2025 State OH give them the star power and experience to contend for a district title after falling short last year.
Wheelersburg: The number one seed in the southeast district, the Pirates have beaten Minford by 2 and 3 points respectively in their two meetings this season. They also pushed the favorite Harvest Prep early in the season for three and a half quarters.
Sleepers
North Adams: As the three seed in the southeast double district, they could draw Minford again in a district final after upsetting them in that round last season. Could they play spoiler again with Bransyn Copas Bransyn Copas 6'0" | PG North Adams | 2024 State OH and Jayce Rothwell Jayce Rothwell 6'1" | PG North Adams | 2025 State OH running the show?
Africentric: They started off the year slow but Cortez Freeman Cortez Freeman 6'2" | SG Africentric | 2024 State OH and company have been rolling with some signature wins in January. They are severely under-seeded due to their slow start and could easily find themselves in a district final.
Martins Ferry: Alex Reese Alex Reese 6'5" | PF Martins Ferry | 2025 State OH has the talent to take over a game and they avoid each of the top 2 seeds until a potential district final.
Region 12 (Southwest)
The Favorite
No team emerged from the pack in this region, making this a wide open draw for who will emerge.
Contenders
Preble Shawnee: Mason Shrout Mason Shrout 6'4" | SF Preble Shawnee | 2024 State OH is the best player in the region and I wouldn’t be betting against him despite some recent losses. His 38 point game against Eaton helped his team get back on track.
Tri Village: Trey Sagester Trey Sagester 6'2" | CG Tri Village | 2026 State OH is one of the top underclassmen shooters in Ohio, the Patriots have played a soft schedule so far, but have a pair of tough playoff tune-ups this weekend.
Indian Lake: A team I caught in person, Indian Lake can really score the basketball and senior Caiden Nicol Caiden Nicol 6'2" | CG Indian Lake | 2024 State OH can win a game in crunch time.
Williamsburg: The top seed in their half of the bracket, Williamsburg only lost twice all season and once was in overtime.
Sleepers
Miami East: A program that expected to compete for a regional title had an adjustment when Wes Enis Wes Enis 6'2" | SG Miami East | 2024 OH enrolled early at Lincoln Memorial. Jacob Roeth Jacob Roeth 6'1" | PG Miami East | 2024 State OH and company have still competed and could make a district title push with a favorable draw.
Gamble Montessori: Unbeaten in the small school CMAC division and a 13 point win over top seed Williamsburg shows they can play with anybody in the region.