Top early season surprise teams

The high school basketball season is less than a month old but some teams are already getting on the radar due to impressive performances. In this article, we’ll be looking at some teams that don’t usually receive headlines that are getting the job done.

Northeast Ohio

Walsh Jesuit: After a big victory over Saint Ignatius in overtime, Walsh Jesuit is in the headlines in northeast Ohio. I’ll get the chance to see them in person on Sunday when they travel to Columbus to take on Hilliard Bradley.

Shaw: A buzzer-beater lifted Shaw past Lutheran East on the road. Currently sitting at 5-0, Shaw has a huge game against Shaker Heights on Friday.

Fairview: My alma mater, the Warriors are making it rain from downtown and currently sit at 4-0. Despite being a Division III public school, the Warriors already have victories over two Division I opponents in John Marshall and Westlake.

Northwest Ohio

Monroeville: After finishing 12-9 and .500 in conference play last season, Monroeville is currently 5-0 with three of their victories coming by 19 points or more.

Swanton: Swanton is 5-0, winning every game by nine points or more, they could be a team to watch in Division III in NW Ohio that has Colonel Crawford and Ottawa-Glandorf as favorites.

Toledo Scott: An overtime victory over city league rival Rogers and road victory over Toledo St Francis has Scott as one of the surprise teams in NW Ohio. Romel Hightower Romel Hightower 6'5" | SF Toledo Start | 2023 State OH has been a great addition to Scott this season on the wing.

Lexington: Despite having three one-possession games, Lexington is still unbeaten. Marquee wins over Ashland and New Philadelphia headline their resume in the early season.

Central Ohio

Central Crossing: This season was the first time ever that Central Crossing has started 3-0 and it’s thanks to unselfish basketball and the play of transfer Sohn McGee Sohn McGee 6'4" | SG Central Crossing | 2022 State OH from Westland.

Centerburg: Victories over Division I foe Mount Vernon and Division III powerhouse Worthington Christian has put Centerburg on the map in Division III.

Bloom-Carroll: All four of the Bulldogs early season victories have been by double-digits. They will battle rival Fairfield Union for MSL supremacy.

Southeast Ohio

Lucasville Valley: The SOC II is going to be a battle this season, but Valley already holds key wins over Minford and South Webster, two teams that each only have one loss on the season.

Western (Pike): I’d be willing to wager that Western (Pike County) is the only team with eight wins already in the regular season.

Southwest Ohio

Russia: Currently sitting at 4-0, Russia is an early season surprise in the SCAL as the only other unbeaten is defending state champion Botkins. Russia also handed Fort Loramie their only loss of the season thus far.

Twin Valley South: In the 12 team Western Ohio Athletic Conference, Twin Valley South is the only remaining unbeaten. They have marquee conference showdowns with both Preble Shawnee and Tri-Village at home.

Western Hills: With their only loss to nearby powerhouse Elder, Western Hills is playing great early season basketball. Victories over Dayton Dunbar, Trotwood-Madison and Cincinatti Hughes are all impressive.