Notable Division Movements Among Schools
Thursday, June 13th things were shook up a bit in the boys basketball metric. Getting us all excited for the HS season, which is a ways away still.
The OHSAA announced the movements in each division, due to competitive balance and enrollment.
D2 to D1:
• Columbus South – Going up a division to D1 is a big move for South. Falling just short in the D2 championship to Trotwood Madison, many felt South was right where they belong. Due to competitive balance, 20 students were added to Souths enrollment, making them the smallest D1 in the Central District. Expected to be a threat in D2 again, South will face a tough road in the D1 Central District. With the likes of Pickerington Central, Pickerington North, Hilliard Bradley and Thomas Worthington, things are going to be tough for the Bulldogs. That is, the postseason we’re talking.
With Taquan Simington, Trevell Adams and Samuel Barton returning, South will look to take the City League once again. Walnut Ridge will be their main competition, as they were also last season. This move will definitely make South a more competitive team, and a tougher road to cross is also laying there. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.
D3 to D4:
• Grandview Heights – A year removed from a D3 Central District Championship, Heights is down to D4. Shrinking in size, Grandview Heights makes the drop. The Bobcats will be just as talented, led by Luke Lachey and Brian Collier, two standouts in the hardwood. You could expect them to battle Berlin Hiland in Athens, for a chance at the State Final Four. In D4, Heights could likely see Richmond Heights or Convoy Crestview, all though they did graduate Javin Etzler, and a coaching change. But, some talent surrounding Kalen Etzler could get them back to the Schott, no doubt. It will be interesting to see how Grandview runs things in the D4 bracket.
A tough breaks for Columbus Independence and Olentangy Berlin, two programs looking to get on the right track. Both moved up to division one, because of numbers.
D4 to D3:
• Centerburg – Playing in the KMAC, Centerburg is in that small school setting. Making the jump from D4 to D3. Centerburg led by WF Carter Jones, should be much improved, but any postseason run would be tough in the D3 bracket.
D1 to D2:
• Akron SVSM – Akron SVSM is returning to division two, where they will be the heavy favorite. Malaki Branham will be the alpha of the Irish once again. After a state-runner-up finish last season in division one, SVSM is back to D2, where they previously ran things.