OHSAA Division III Power Rankings 1/4/2021

Division III is a very interesting division in the 2020-21 season. Near the top of these power rankings are a handful of private school powers, but you’ll see some small town teams that can really play also in the top 10 of these rankings. These rankings are based on your resume and not projected talent level. Here is the top 10 and teams that just missed the cut.

1. Lutheran East (5-0) The Falcons would be in the top three in divisions I and II as they are in my opinion one of the five best teams in the state regardless of division. They are loaded with experience, talent, size, shooting and high level coaching. The Falcons boast victories over Toledo St Francis, Toledo Central Catholic and Saint Ignatius. A win over Division IV power Dalton would also be a huge win for most Division III squads, but it was just another day at the office for the Falcons who look determined to hoist a state championship in March.
2. Worthington Christian (11-0) I believe they are the only team in the state with 11 victories so far this season. This team has been through a grinder of a schedule, holding wins over Johnstown, Unioto, Adena, Newark, Centerburg, Bishop Watterson and Lucas. WOW!
3. Bishop Ready (2-0) Ready went on the road and defeated Columbus DeSales, talk about making a statement to open your season. They don’t have as many games as some other teams on this list, but that win over DeSales is enough for me to put them in the top five.
4. Harvest Prep (6-0) Harvest Prep is wasting their time when playing conference games, they’ve won three by 50 or more points and the closest one was 30 points on the road against Berne Union. Luckily, Harvest Prep got an impressive victory over Groveport Madison to prove how strong they will be this season.
5. Taft (3-2) Wins on the road against Hamilton Ross and Badin are impressive, and conference defeats to Western Hills and Woodward are nothing to hold your head down for. They also have a guy named Rayvon Griffith Rayvon Griffith 6'6" | SF AZ Compass Prep | 2023 State #78 Nation AZ on their team, he’s pretty good at the whole basketball thing.
6. Colonel Crawford (10-0) Wins over Western Reserve (Collins) Carey and Mohawk are impressive for an unbeaten team with 10 wins already on the season.
7. Ottawa-Glandorf (8-1) Their loss to Lima Central Catholic really confuses me because they’ve been so good in every game besides that one this season. Their storied history makes me believe this program will be ready to go in March, I also thought they would be lifting up the trophy in 2020 if the tournament continued.
8. Eastern Brown (9-0) If you don’t know anything about the Warriors, let me educate you. Eastern Brown went 21-1 in the regular season last year and returned their core offensive pieces. Colton Vaughn Colton Vaughn 6'4" | PF Eastern Brown | 2021 State OH is a sleeper in southeast Ohio and Trent Hundley Trent Hundley 6'5" | SF Eastern Brown | 2022 State OH dominated at 270 Hoops Country Roads Challenge. This team can really play and I wouldn’t be stunned to see them in Columbus for the final four.
9. Wheelersburg (6-0) With three seniors that all have the talent to play college basketball, Wheelersburg was expected to be dominant during the regular season. They don’t have the toughest schedule but have taken care of business so far.
10. Fort Frye (6-1) Their only loss is to Division II watch list squad Warren. The Cadets also hold key wins over Fairland, New Philadelphia and Shenandoah. They play impressive team basketball and are used to winning as their football team is a power.

Watch list

Evergreen (9-1) A puzzling loss to 1-2 Edgerton dropped them out of the top 10, but this team’s record is good enough to get a spot on the watch list.

Adena (9-2) They were in the top 10 until a loss to Unioto had them fall to the watch list. Battled with Worthington Christian in a tight home loss. Team is led by a trio of seniors that helped them reach new heights in the football playoffs in the Fall. Group of kids that get the job done and win games.

North Union (6-1) After going unbeaten in the 2019-20 regular season, a lot was expected out of North Union this season. They’ve delivered so far with their only setback coming to Fairbanks by four points.

Morgan (7-1) A two point loss to Meadowbrook is the only loss for Morgan so far this season. The MVL-Small division has some solid players and Carver Myers Carver Myers 6'4" | SF Morgan | 2021 State OH is the best. Recently setting the school record for scoring at his school, division III programs should be making him a priority with his size and scoring talent.

Columbia (3-1) Columbia is one of the highest scoring teams in the entire state. The Raiders fly up and down the court and put the pressure on defense. A small-school team that would be fun to catch on live-stream for basketball junkies.

Western Reserve (Collins) (6-1) A four point loss to 10-0 Colonel Crawford is the only loss for the Roughriders. Luke Rowlinson Luke Rowlinson 6'4" | SG Western Reserve (Collins | 2021 State OH is drawing interest from a few NAIA schools for his shooting ability.

Fairland (5-3) Tough losses to Fort Frye, Buckeye Valley and Olentangy Berlin are disappointing, but the Dragons returned their entire starting line-up from a 24-2 season. I think this team figures it out sooner rather than later and that should be scary for Southeast Ohio foes.

Centerburg (7-1) A 49 point loss to Worthington Christian is really ugly, but a 7-1 record overall in the KMAC is nothing to sleep on. They have a huge battle with 8-0 Fredericktown. The winner of that game will be on the watch list, with the loser likely falling out.