OHSAA Division IV Playoff Preview: Regions 15 + 16

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're previewing each region of the OHSAA playoffs prior to the start of the playoffs. We already did the first two regions in Division IV and it's time for the other two regions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Region 15 (Southeast)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Favorite</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berlin Hiland: Despite an injury to their big Alex Yoder, Hiland has ran this region before and it goes through them until further notice. [player_tooltip player_id='2138691' first='Sammy' last='Detweiler'] is a creative lead guard and they beefed up their schedule to prepare for another deep playoff run. They'll face some tough obstacles on their potential trip back to Dayton, but make no mistake, you have to snatch the crown off their head.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Contenders</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Monroe Central: One of just three remaining unbeaten teams, Monroe Central got the top seed in the east district and could meet Hiland in a district final. [player_tooltip player_id='2729724' first='Tucker' last='Howell'] has had a big season for Monroe Central.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Webster: [player_tooltip player_id='1432019' first='Eli' last='Roberts'] might be the most talented individual player in this region as he's been dominant as a Junior. South Webster has also faced a tough conference schedule with games against top Division III teams in the region, they'll be battle tested heading to the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leesburg Fairfield: A team that's hit a rough patch, losing three of five after starting 16-0. We'll see if they can find their groove again once the playoffs come around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sleepers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Galion Northmor: The 3 seed in the Columbus Division IV bracket, Northmor is tied atop the KMAC with Fredericktown and also pushed Colonel Crawford early in the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Federal Hocking: The Lancers won a district title last year and have senior duo [player_tooltip player_id='1349312' first='Tariq' last='Cottrill'] and Andrew Airhart back for a senior season push. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Region 16 (Southwest)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Favorite</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Russia: The defending regional champ is sitting pretty with the number one seed and a 19-1 record, they look determined to make it back to UD Arena.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Contenders</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Troy Christian: They took a tough loss to Russia early in the season, but a win against Ottawa Glandorf got them back on track. A strong senior core led by [player_tooltip player_id='1467911' first='Parker' last='Penrod'] is looking to make a run to the final four.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Botkins: They've played two tough games against Russia already this season and could meet them for a third time in a regional final, they'll have some tough teams to get past just to get to that point though.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sleepers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson Center: Don't let their record fool you, with wins over Anna and CCPA, Jackson Center has proven themselves to be a tough out. They've played Russia, Botkins and Troy Christian within 8 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->