With the high winds that were prevalent throughout the region on Friday, wreaking havoc (and more promised to be on the way), here’s one thing that I thought to be a little humorous amidst a host of power outages, downed trees, scattered patio furniture (ours included), and upended semitrailers. While attending the OHSAA boys regional semifinals at Vandalia-Butler Wednesday evening play was interrupted for almost half an hour by the fire alarms going off in the Student Activity Center.
With thoughts of prevalent tornado warnings in most people’s minds, the SAC was cleared, and almost 4,500 fans were sent outside. What was interesting was the sign by the main entrance that stated “Severe weather safe area,” and here we were being sent outside! Fortunately, the weather wasn’t the problem, and no signs of smoke or fire were found after being checked by the Fire Department, and fans were allowed back inside. As of now, there has been no information on what caused the alarms, but most folks I talked with were of the impression that some prankster pulled a handle somewhere! Evidently, there are interior cameras throughout the building, so there’s a good chance someone will be charged.
There will be a special edition of SHOTS in the next week or so, following the conclusion of the boys season, taking a look back at the 2025-2026 high school basketball campaign, but for now, congratulations are in order for the area girls teams that hoisted state championship trophies. Kettering Fairmont (D-I), Chaminade-Julienne (D-III), and St. Henry (D-VI) all ended tremendous seasons that will long be remembered by players, families, and fans as a result of the weekend’s outcomes.
Also, special mention should be given to the Lady Raiders of Russia, who earned runner-up honors in D-VII, falling to Strasburg-Franklin in the title tilt by a 38-17 count.
On the boys’ side entering state semifinal play this week at both the Nutter Center and UD Arena, Trotwood-Madison in D-III and Marion Local in D-VI, along with MAC champion Delphos St. John’s in D-VII, all will take to the hardwood looking to play in the finals scheduled for the Arena Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. For a complete listing of games, sites, and times, check the OHSAA website or local sources. Always a great time of the year for high school basketball enthusiasts!
The State wrestling tournament was held this weekend, and congratulations are extended to Greenville’s Kaylin Bradburn, who became the first GHS girl to make it to the state meet. Kaylin ended her junior season winning one of three matches in the 120-pound class and gaining valuable experience for next year.
Versailles had two boys on the podium in D-III mat action as Trent Huber took a third in 106 and Landyn Knapke claimed a sixth at 165, while the Tigers as a team finished tenth overall. Now everyone can eat without worrying about making weight!!
Here’s some trivia for you—St. Paris Graham Local has now won 25 or 26 state team titles (depending on how you count them). What Ohio school holds the record for most team championships?
The Mens Division I basketball brackets are set and millions around the country will be filling out projected winners in hopes of winning office, family, or other forms of “bracketology pools”. The usual first and second round upsets will occur amidst the gnashing of teeth and pulling of hair by entrants, a few top seeds will squeak by first round mismatches, and everyone who considers themselves a college aficionado will by mystified why they had fewer winners in the first week than those who picked teams based on mascots and/or colors!
I’m thrilled to see Miami make the tourney after losing their first game of the season in the opening round of the MAC tournament, Wright State staking a claim after winning the Horizon League, and Ohio State being picked as an eight seed. Unfortunately, the UD Flyers came up short in the A-10 final, but their fans will have the First Four starting Tuesday at the Arena. With Akron winning the MAC title, the league has two picks for the first time in a long time, while the Big Ten placed nine on the lines. I’ll hold off on my fearless picks until the “Sweet Sixteen” is set, although I have a rough idea of how the first two rounds will go. Don’t want to give any bad advice to other entrants, pros and novices alike!
The Women’s D-I bracket also was released, with Ohio State and the Lady RedHawks of Miami making the field, which has perennial powers UConn, UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina earning first-seeds in the four regionals, which begin play this week at various sites.
Lakewood St. Edward has an almost unbelievable 38 state team wrestling championships, according to the OHSAA, although the Eagles saw their run of ten consecutive titles come to an end this weekend as Perrysburg pulled off the upset in claiming D-I laurels.
Finally, this is good news for nostalgia buffs and pizza connoisseurs alike, courtesy of the Dayton Daily News. Pizza Hut, which closed 250 franchises nationwide last month, is making a comeback of a fashion as 144 stores have been converted back to ‘80s and ‘90s glory as Pizza Hut Classics. The red-roofed, low-slung buildings are back in style, featuring red vinyl booths, red checkered tablecloths, Tiffany lamps, red plastic cups, and even a return of the Salad Bar!
After trying a less-than-successful takeout model of business with thin-crust pizzas and folded melts, among other attempts to woo the consumer, the decision was made to play on the past experiences of patrons and bring back the traditional favorites again. What are some of your memories of a Friday or Saturday night expedition to the Hut? Mine would have to be the cavatini and the creamy Italian dressing from the salad bar, in addition to a sausage, onion, and green pepper pizza. Good luck finding a Classic restaurant as their locations aren’t widely known yet!
Have a great week, stay healthy and active!
