December Power Rankings: Division IV
After one month, let’s try to answer the most important question in high school basketball: Who’s the best team in Ohio? Here’s our top ten based on wins and losses in December, margins of victory, and talent level.
1. Fort Loramie (9-0)
Quality wins: Bethel, Franklin Monroe, St. Henry
Point differential: +27
Top prospects: Evan Berning (2018), Dillon Braun (2018), Tyler Siegel (2018)
2. Mansfield St. Peter’s (9-0)
Quality wins: Mansfield Senior, Hiland
Point differential: +21
Top prospects: Jared Jakubick (2018), Mason Campbell (2018), Elijah Cobb (2018)
3. McDonald (8-0)
Point differential: +25.6
Top prospects: Zach Rasile (2020)
4. Colonel Crawford (8-1)
Loss: Northmor
Point differential: +24.3
Top prospects: Cameron McCreary (2020), Jordan Fenner (2020)
5. Minster (4-1)
Quality win: Wapakoneta
Loss: Anna
Point differential: +24.3
Top prospect: Jarod Schulze (2019)
Notes: Minster had a late start to their season because of the football team’s State Championship run.
6. Cornerstone Christian (3-5)
Quality win: St. Ignatius
Losses: Lakewood St. Edward, Cleveland Heights, Cleveland Central Catholic, Cardinal Stritch, Killian (FL)
Point differential: -2.3
Top prospects: Mike Bothwell (2018), Martel Ferrel (2018)
7. Franklin Monroe (5-2)
Losses: Fort Loramie, Bethel
Point differential: +6.9
Top prospect: Ethan Conley (2019)
8. Pandora-Gilboa (7-1)
Loss: Upper Scioto Valley
Point differential: +14.3
Top prospect: Drew Johnson (2018)
9. Malvern (6-2)
Quality win: Strasburg Franklin
Losses: South Range
Top prospects: Mark Mayle (2018), Drew Hutchinson (2018)
10. Strasburg-Franklin (7-1)
Quality win: Hiland
Loss: Malvern
Point differential: +16.1
Honorable mention (alphabetical): Bristol and Marion Local