The days are lengthening, the sun’s a little higher in the sky, and the birds are starting to chirp, so it must be time for the OHSAA boys state basketball tournament! The Final Four teams are set in each of the seven divisions as semifinals are scheduled to take place around the state this week with winners advancing to UD Arena on March 21st and 22nd to vie for state crowns. The format is different this year with the change from four to seven divisions, but the anticipation and excitement remain the same as it has every year since 1923.
1923 was the year of the first official OHSAA tournament with two divisions, Class A and Class B, playing semifinal games at the Ohio State University gym and the finals at the Ohio Fairgrounds Coliseum. Lorain claimed the first Class A title, beating Bellevue in a 15-14 thriller, while Plattsburgh edged Bellpoint 16-15 in a Class B barnburner.
The tournament remained two classes, larger schools A and smaller schools B, through 1956 at which time evidently the smaller schools got tired of being called B! Thus 1957 saw two divisions, AA and A, just in time for the incomparable Jerry Lucas and the Middletown Middies of Coach Paul Walker to continue expanding the Middie legend of winning seven titles in thirteen years.
1971 saw the expansion to three classes, AAA, AA, and A, which remained in place through 1987. Four divisions came into being in 1988 with the larger schools D-I and the smaller schools D-IV, divisions being based on the number of freshmen, sophomore, and junior boys enrolled at a school the previous fall. This year’s move to seven divisions has been the source of much discussion, with points both pro and con being made. Rest assured that there will most likely be tweaks made to the format!!
Let’s review the legendary teams of West Central Ohio who reached the promised land of the Final Four:
Anna’s Rockets made their sole appearance in 2008.
The Trojans of Arcanum claimed state titles in 1956 and 1969 among their four trips, the latest being in 1976.
Botkins Trojans have made two appearances, winning it all in 2021.
The Bradford Railroaders were among the first teams to be included in the 1923 tournament, returning in 1946 under the guidance of my wife Kathy’s Uncle Harry Moore, only to lose to eventual Class B champion Farmer in the semis held at Wittenberg University.
Camden Preble Shawnee had a memorable season come to an end in the 2024 semifinals. Casstown Miami East has been to Columbus three times, bringing home gold in 1996.
The Celina Bulldogs appeared in 1936 and 1972, and Celina Immaculate Conception traveled to Columbus in 1933 and 1964.
Coldwater’s Cavaliers have 1993 and 1999 appearances to remember.
The Eaton Eagles claimed a state crown in 1948 with a second-place finish in 1950 following an initial showing in 1936.
Fort Loramie has four appearances with titles in 1977, 1987, and 1993.
The Indians of Fort Recovery won it all in 1971 in three visits.
Gratis from Preble County made its only appearance in 1957 while Houston won a regional title in 2011 before losing in the state semis.
Jackson Center boasts of a 1985 trophy among four trips.
Maria Stein Marion Local will be seeking its fourth title this Friday in a 6:00 semifinal against North Robinson Colonel Crawford to be played at BGSU, making its sixth appearance and first since winning it all in 2018.
Minster can claim three rides to Columbus in 1952, 1965, and 2005 but has yet to bring home a trophy.
New Bremen has 1960 to look back on, while New Knoxville has a 1947 trip and a 2008 championship to remember.
New Lebanon Dixie has ‘62 and ‘66 titles to crow about among four tournaments. New Madison Tri-Village has an undefeated 30-0 title in 2015 with three other appearances. Piqua Catholic brags of 1964, Pitsburg Franklin-Monroe 1974, and Phillipsburg 1947.
Russia’s Raiders are looking for a first state title, making their third consecutive appearance this Friday at 8:30 against Arlington at BGSU’s Stroh Center. They also finished second in 2002.
St. Henry has four titles among six trips, 1979, 1990, 1991, and 2004.
The St. Mary’s Memorial Roughriders will always have 1993 to reminisce about, while the Falcons of St. Paris Graham Local will have 2008.
Tipp City Bethel has a 2001 crown and a trip in 1978, while Tipp City Tippecanoe has made five visits to Final Fours, the last in 1971.
2013 saw Troy Christian qualify, Union City in 1937 and 1939, and Union City Mississinawa Valley in 1975.
Versailles made two appearances in ‘04 and ‘13, West Milton in 1931 and 1939, Hollansburg Westmont in 1954, and Willshire in ‘38, ‘40, ‘55, and ‘56.
Finally, here are West Central Ohio players who scored over 30 points in state tournament action:
Dave Gray of Arcanum with 45 in a 1969 semifinal against Portsmouth Clay. Mike Post of St. Henry had 35 in the ‘79 championship game against Mansfield St. Peter’s.
Chuck Bihn of Coldwater had a great weekend in 1999, putting up 31 in a semifinal win over Berlin Hiland and 34 against Worthington Christian in a finals loss.
Ron Puterbaugh of Arcanum’s ‘56 titleists had 31 against Columbus St. Marys in the title game, while Jack Kuck of New Knoxville had 31 against Phillipsburg in a ‘47 semifinal.
The all-time record, you say? Jerry Lucas with 53 in a Middletown victory over Cleveland East Tech in a ‘56 semifinal!
Good luck to the Marion Local Flyers and Russia Raiders on Friday night as they hope to advance to next week’s championship games!
