Surprise Division III and IV Teams
Sleepers have emerged across the state in Division III and IV as teams we expected to lose a little juice from last season — like Africentric, Archbold, and Ottawa-Glandorf — have rebounded from losing their 2018 class. Then, Johnstown-Monroe, Berlin…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSleepers have emerged across the state in Division III and IV as teams we expected to lose a little juice from last season — like Africentric, Archbold, and Ottawa-Glandorf — have rebounded from losing their 2018 class. Then, Johnstown-Monroe, Berlin Hiland, and Delphos St. John’s are simply better than expected.
Johnstown-Monroe (6-0)
It’s not a surprise that Johnstown is good; it’s surprising they’re Division III-State-Championship-contender good! The backcourt talent might be lacking, but their wins in the early season are undeniable, including a dominate performance against Grandview Heights last night.
West Liberty commit Owen Hazelbaker, a 6’7” forward, has led the way up front with his ability to call out coverages, extend his range while still scoring inside, and dominate the boards. They’re allowing 34.3 PPG with teams like Columbus DeSales, Jonathan Alder, and Grandview Heights on the schedule.
Africentric (5-2)
Africentric is sitting pretty before the New Year considering their inexperience and departures in the 2018 class. Their underclassmen have developed ahead of schedule, led by junior 6’1” guard Cali Davis. A standout defender at the point of attack, Davis has also developed into a good set shooter who can finish with elusiveness in the paint.
A pair of speedy, versatile 6’4” forwards Hervon Jacobs (2020) and Lyheem Hilliard (2019) allow the Nubians to switch everything man-to-man. Their collective defensive length and quickness is their greatest asset and forces opponents to have a patient and smart ball-handler on the roster.
They still might be a year away from a deep run but Africentric is way farther ahead than expected.
Archbold (7-0)
Despite sending off their entire starting backcourt from a year ago, the Blue Streaks are ripping through their schedule once again. This season, they’re led by their senior frontcourt duo of RIgos Ramos and Austin Wiemken. Controlling the boards and winning the battle for points in the paint will be crucial for them all season. Quality wins have come against Wauseon and Ottawa-Glandorf.
Berlin Hiland (9-1)
Hiland, our no. 4 team in Division IV, has a 26-point win over Grandview Heights and their only loss is against 10-0 East Tech, a D-I team. Andy Miller and Kendall Hochstetler lead the way for the Hawks.
Delphos St. John’s (6-2)
The Midwest Athletic Conference always produces at least one team who threatens for a Division IV State Championship. We just didn’t think DSJ would be in the picture as a possibility. Led by senior guard Jared Wurst, DSJ sits atop the MAC at this point. They have, though, lost their last two games against two top ten Division IV teams — Ottoville and Crestview.
Ottawa-Glandorf (6-1)
It always feels wrong to a call a historically successful program a “surprise,” but the graduation of 2018 forwards Jay Kaufman and Jake Dible makes it appropriate. The Titans haven’t skipped a beat and are knocking off noteworthy opponents like Perrysburg. A one-point loss to Archbold is the only ding on their résumé.