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	Crawford With a Tremendous Challenge Click here to listen to an interview with coach David Sheldon There is going to be some big boy basketball played on Friday night as two outstanding teams battle in a division VI district final as Colonel Crawford plays Patrick Henry. There aren’t going to be many open shots available and kids will have to make shots with contact. Colonel Crawford sliced and diced Wynford (77-40) on Wednesday night and Patrick Henry demolished Toledo Christian (69-26) in semifinals. Coach David Sheldon says the Patriots are an outstanding team that is sed to success. “It's a very good team that's been successful over the years. Last year, they were on the other side of the regional at Bowling Green with us and they played Lima Central Catholic. With the new pod system they just to make choose to come down to Willard for the opportunity to play us in the district final,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday morning, “It starts with Reid Creager and Mack Hieber. They are unbelievable good basketball players. Two very special, two of the best basketball players that we've seen all year. Then they have really good surrounding parts around them as well. It's a tradition of a successful program with Patrick Henry all the back to the Dave Krauss era. This is a community that loves high school athletics and they've had huge success in multiple athletics.” Colonel Crawford (21-2) and Patrick Henry (20-4) won district titles last year and are used to these high pressure games. Sheldon says really they haven’t played a team like this yet this season. “It's a different animal. The Hieber kid reminds me of Toombs, but taller from Fredericktown. The Creager kid is a really good guard that reminds you of Washington a little bit from Margaretta. So, it's a little bit of both, so when you look at the talent that they have on this basketball team,” he said. Colonel Crawford has played eight tournament games in the last two years with Brayden Holt, Payne and John DeGray and Parker Weithman. Plus, many of the kids on the basketball roster played on a football team that went to the final four. Sheldon says they are ready to play in games like this. “It’s definitely plus. Four of these guys that start played for us the whole time last year during the tournament run. We've played against exceptional teams this year with our non league schedule. So, we want to worry about Colonel Crawford, but also respect that we kind of a good basketball team coming down to Willard Friday night in Patrick Henry,” he said. Published 3/06/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	South Central Rallies Past Crestline Click here to listen to an interview with coach Dallas Yost After tailing most of the first three quarters, South Central rallied in the final minutes and beat Crestline (62-58) in a district semifinal in division VII on Thursday night at Galion High School. They will meet Arlington in a district final at Lima Senior on Saturday night. Coach Dallas Yost says they were the best team in the late going on Thursday night. “It goes back to the old moto to survive in advance. I think Crestline led most of the game and a lot more time than we did. It's about making more runs and making the last one. I'm not even sure we made more runs than them, but we certainly made the last one and that was very important. The kids just were resilient. They kept responding to their runs and made some big shots late,” he told Swankonsports.com after the win Thursday night, “Dominic Paynter hit a three to tie the ball game up there I think 52-52 and then Wes (June) hit a big three for us to take the lead there. I think we went up maybe four points and we started spreading them out. Make them come out and guard us. We were able to take care of the ball in the second half. I think we had 12 or 13 turnovers in the first half and only two in the second and that was the difference for us. Defensively, they got some tough guards. They just as much deserved to win the game as we did. We made the plays at the end, which were crucial. Tanner Back got a couple big steals there at the end to ice the game and a big free throw to put us up four.” The Trojans (12-12) have played well in both their tournament wins and Yost says they are just enjoying the success they are having. “We are just enjoying this tournament run enjoying these moments together as a group. We hope to keep winning tight tournament games going in Saturday night against Arlington,” he said. Arlington (21-3) smothered McComb (49-27) in their district final on Thursday. They made it to the state final last year and are led by 6’10” Calvin Willow. Yost says they are going to have to do some different things on defense. “They have a big 6’10” kid that plays in the middle of their 2-3 zone. They let it inside to the high post and low post and they expecting him to guard there. They extend those wings out and really go to the three-point line pretty well and those four other guards have really active hands in their zone. They will play some 1-2-2 three quarter court trap. They have good shooters around him. So, that's going to make it difficult stopping him inside. We don't have anyone 6’10” to match up with him down there, so we are going to have to do some different things to stop him and also get out to their shooters. Hopefully, they don't get hot on us,” said Yost. Yost says nobody is talking about them winning Saturday, so they can be loose. “They're the number four team in the state for a reason and they're the team that is anticipated to win. I felt like we played a little tight (Thursday) night against Crestline in the first half. That shouldn't be the case on Saturday,” he said. Published 3/06/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	Defense Does it For Old Fort Click here to listen to an interview with coach Eric Hoover Old Fort held Sandusky St. Mary’s to only five points in the fourth quarter and they beat the Panthers (40-29) in a division VII district semifinal at Oregon Clay High School on Thursday night. They face longtime rival Tiffin Calvert in the district final. The Stockaders (16-8) trailed (24-23) entering the final quarter, but they were able to get the upper hand in that final stanza. Coach Eric Hoover they have been working hard on the defensive end and it showed Thursday night. “We did a good job of you know making everything pretty tough on them. Even in the first when we were struggling to score too, we held them to 17 in the first half. You got to be pretty happy about that. So, we've been working pretty hard at it defensively. We know that we have got to be able to get that done come tournament time. You can't count on being able to score a lot and even if you have a bad shooting night and you just have got to be ready to win it with defense,” said Hoover. Henry Beisner led Old Fort with 13 points on Thursday night, but Hoover says in games like this you have to have a lot of kids step up their game. “It’s a lot of times there's people that maybe you don't even expect to make plays. They're focused on taking away your main guys and other people have to be able to step up and a lot of times that’s the difference in a tournament game,” he told Swankonsports.com after the in Thursday night, “ We had our six man come in and have a really good fourth quarter and make some plays defensively got himself to the to the free throw line and really made some big plays and stepped up for us. So, somebody probably that wasn't heavy on their scouting report stepping up at the end and making a big difference.” Issac Gallagher added eight for Old Fort and Dimitri Carter had six. Calvert (16-7) beat Plymouth (48-42) in a district semi play at Galion High School on Thursday night. Logan Ritzler had 18 for the Senecas in that win. Now, the district final will be Saturday night at Galion. Old Fort won both of the meetings in the Sandusky Bay Conference River Division this year winning (65-58) at Calvert on December 20 and then (54-46) at Old Fort on February 3. Hoover says playing their archrivals in the tournament is kind of a tradition if you will. “I think we know each other pretty well. We've played two or three times a year for a decade now. Last year was the first time we haven't played in the tournament for a long time. So, here we are again getting a third match up with them. I think both teams will be ready to go and pretty familiar with each other and whichever team can go out execute the best will come out on top,” he said. Published 3/06/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports

	Crawford Cruises Again Click here to listen to an interview with coach David Sheldon Just like Chuck Berry with a guitar or a cold drink in your hand on a warm summer night, the Colonel Crawford Eagles are where they are supposed to be, in the district final. They cut up Wynford like you would a good steak (77-40) on Wednesday night at Willard High School in a semifinal game. There have only been two times since 2011 they have not been playing for a regional berth. That’s unreal consistency. Something that only a few programs in Ohio can claim. However, things are going to get much, much tougher on Friday night when talented Patrick Henry (20-4) will be at Willard Friday to provide a big challenge to the Eagles (21-2). The Patriots burned Toledo Christian (69-26) on Wednesday at Millbury Lake High School/ Wynford (7-17) actually scored first and the game was tied (5-5) with 5:25 to play in the first quarter, but Brayden Holt stroked a three, which ignited a (16-2) run an the onslaught was on. Coach David Sheldon says they played some pretty good defense and then left Holt take control of the game. “We really talked about getting off to a good start. With the previous two games we thought they might try to come out and hold the ball. We had some defensive pressure that we wanted to do. We didn’t want to start trapping or anything crazy, but I thought we did a good job with that. Then that defense turns into offense,” he told Swankonsports.com after the win, “The first time they were box and one and (Wednesday) night they went zone and it allowed Brayden to go to work and that’s pretty good. The biggest thing was he had seven, eight assists. He’s a good player. We were able to pull away be halftime. That’s what you want to do because we have a big one on Friday.” When watching the scoreboard on Wednesday night the most interesting thing was if Holt was going to outscore the entire Wynford team and it was a horserace. Holt had 37 points and handed out eight assists. When he sat down with 6;22 left and a running clock Wynford has one more point. Sheldon says Holt not only is a super scorer, but he is a facilitator. “He deserves all the accolades he gets. He’s over 1700 points for his career and he’s just special. This thing people don’t understands is he creates for everybody else. We only had four turnovers and that's because of the quarterback, the facilitator on the floor and that makes a big difference when he's making decisions because he has such a high basketball IQ,” said Sheldon. Wynford only made 14 field goals on the night. Sheldon says players know they have to play defense or they won’t get off the bench. “That’s the foundation the last 20 years I've been at Crawford. We talk pride in guarding every night. If we let them score the bald guy gets upset at times with guys. So, we take a lot of pride in that and our kids really do with the preparation and then going out and running it on game night,” he said. If there was anything that set off an alarm when it comes to the Eagles it was the free throw line where they connected on just 7-18 attempts. “It's a mental thing. We’ve shoot enough and I don't talk about it. Our guys know about it. Payne goes 3-3 and Braden Holt, 85 percent, goes 2-5. If he makes some free throws he would have had 40. So, I gave him a hard time a little bit about that,” said Sheldon. Yes, the Eagles tournament success is almost expected, but Sheldon you never take tournament wins for granted. “Last week we won our 15^th straight sectional and of those 15, 13 of them we have been in the district finals. Guys this is how it used to be back in the day when my father was coaching. The is the way I grew up. Don’t take it for granted and there's a bullseye on your back, so they know that. This is the game you want to get to. We’re going to have a heck of an opponent on Friday night, but you expect that in a district final,” said Sheldon. Published 3/05/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	Seneca East Sprints Past Crestview Click here to listen to an interview with coach Anthony Langhurst Click here to listen to an interview with coach Ben McClay If the first half was an ugly duckling, the second half was clearly a beautiful swan for Seneca East on Wednesday night as they rallied to beat Crestview (65-48) in a division VI district semifinal. The will play Van Buren for a district title on Friday night at Liberty-Benton High School. They used an (18-2) run in the final 6:57 seconds of the third quarter to make a 13-point deficit (37-24) into a (46-39) lead after three. They continued that surge in the final quarter as they began the final stanza with a (10-2) run to establish control of the game at (56-42) with 3:32 left after a Landon Hicks basket. Coach Anthony Langhurst says they came out the second half and were more aggressive in their zone. “We made some defensive adjustments. They were comfortable in the first half. Their role players play really well. You have got to worry about Goon and Wells and Spoerr. Then we turned the page in the second half and then our role players played really well. We made some adjustments defensively because they were a little too comfortable for my liking the first half,” he told Swankonsports.com after the win, “We had some defensive adjustments that the kids implemented that really helped out. Again, I just told our seniors you guys have got two more quarters and this could be the end your season. Brady Bloom if your open pull it. Don’t go out and be hesitant. Him and Landon Hicks stepping up and then obviously Luke (Mason), you never tell him to bring it. So, I'm just happy for the guys, it’s been a special group.” Crestview coach Ben McClay says they were not able to respond to the Tigers run. “I give Seneca East a lot of credit. We were up like 12 in the third and looking pretty good and they went on a big run and made some adjustments. I give those kids a lot of credit they played really hard for 32 minutes. Unfortunately, we just couldn't withstand that run. I thought our kids had a nice season. We gave a really good effort out there,” he said. McClay says they were handling the Tigers half court trap and that led to turnovers and many layups for the Tigers. “I saw a lot of us just struggling against their traps in that zone. The other thing I saw was we were missing a lot of shots that maybe we were making that first quarter and they were knocking in shots. The name of the game is basketball and unfortunately we missed the shot that would have put us up 15 and they just came out swinging,” said McClay. Feasting on those turnovers, the Tigers (18-6) were able to convert a lot of those turnovers into layups. “Crestview was taking advantage of our mistakes. If we get a couple stops, let's get out and run. So, I think they took that to heart. We were a little careless with the basketball that led to some easy baskets. I said that's not what we've been talking about, so the guys took pride in what they were doing in the second half and kind of flipped the script,” he said. Seneca East’s all-time leading scorer Luke Mason finished with 15 points, but six of them came on a 6-6 performance from the free throw line as the Tigers were putting the game on ice in the final two minutes. Langhurst says his is a leader that always does what is good for the team. “The same thing against Mansfield Christian. He scores 15 points in the first half and they go box and one and he doesn't score the second half. That's been the beautiful thing about this group is whether we're telling a guy this is your role they've been doing that. They're buying in, but then also they're expanding their role over the season and getting better. That's what’s the beautiful thing about coaching and seeing these young men kind of blossoming in their roles,” said Langhurst. Hicks had 17 to lead the Tigers. Freshman Jaron Depinet added 16. Andrew Spoerr led the Cougars (13-11) with 16. Crestview’s leading scorer Karter Goon was called for two charging violations with 60 seconds in the late third and early fourth quarter with the game still in question. Langhurst says that was big for them. “That was a big key was Goon getting that foul. We just know when he gets downhill. We've been a team that takes charges. We chart it. We make sure guys are recognized for that. That was a big play and making sure he had four fouls. Then you have got to go to your bench, so that was obviously a turning point for us. With the defensive adjustments we made it was just enough for us to keep strangling them,” he said. Published 3/05/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	Tygers Must Execute Click here to listen to an interview with coach Marquis Sykes Mansfield Senior meets Oregon Clay in a division III district semifinal at Ontario High School on Thursday night. They advanced to the district level with a (65-30) whipping of Norwalk at home last Friday. Coach Marquis Sykes says it was a good way to get the postseason started and they did play pretty well. “It was a great opportunity for us to play at home for one last time for our guys coming off for two week break to kind of knock off some of the dust and knock out any issues that we may have. I thought our guys after the first quarter put together three good quarters of basketball, Played well of the defensive end and played hard, defended well, rebounded well and eventually shot it pretty well the second half. So we were sectional champions and now it's time to move on to the districts,” said Sykes. The Tygers (16-7) will play Clay (17-6) on Thursday night at Balogh Court in Ontario. Clay edged Sandusky (50-46) last Friday in a sectional final. Sykes says they are balanced and tough to guard. “They’re long, they defend really well, they're really physical and they shoot it really well. So, it's just going to be a tough task for us. We're going to have to defend at a high level, we're going to have to guard the post, which is one of our weaknesses and we're going to have to defend inside in the pain and also guard the three-point line,” he told Swankonsports.com, “The team that imposes their style on the game is the team that will win. They do want to play a more deliberate style of basketball. A little slower. They will walk the ball up the floor if you allow them to. They have got some really nice sets that they run. If we allow them to run them it'll be a long night for us. So, we're going to have to make sure we try to push the tempo. We'll have to pressure the basketball and try to do everything we can to get them out of the flow of their offense.” Yes, Mansfield Senior would like a quick tempo, but Sykes says when it’s not there they must be able to execute in the half court too. “Want to want to play our style of basketball certainly, but on the flip side, we do recognize the tournament basketball is going to slow down and we're going to have to execute in the half court as well. So, it's going to have to be a good mix of both, which is transition basketball and then when the game does slow down, and we're in the half court, we’re going to have to execute our half court offenses,” he said. Published 3/05/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	Shelby Must be Physical Click here to listen to an interview with coach Greg Gallaway Shelby locks horns with Sandusky Perkins in a division IV district final on Saturday afternoon at Pete Henry Gym at Mansfield Senior High School. The Whippets (16-7) edged Ontario (43-41) in a semifinal on Tuesday night. Back on February 17, Perkins beat Shelby (60-47) in a regular season game. Coach Greg Gallaway says they kind of know what to expect, but there are also going to be tweaks by both teams. “It wasn't too long ago when we played them at our place. I think it was our senior night. It was a good game. Kind of a physical game, a game where there weren’t many fouls called. I think at half it was 20-20 and they were able to kind of able to extend their lead in the second half. So, we have a good idea who they are. We can't expect the same thing and they can't expect the same thing from us. So, just really looking forward to a great game Saturday for a district championship,” he said, Shelby, of course had a huge football season, and Perkins was really strong too. Some of those same kids are on the basketball floor. Gallaway says they have to be ready to be physical. “I think it's been something that’s kind of it's been a key to every game, especially when you're playing later in the tournament a lot of times those teams that can handle the ball and be physical defensively are going to give themselves and opportunity to win and that's definitely going to be one of our keys going into Saturday is we have got to be a physical defensive team,” he said. Perkins (22-2) destroyed Vermilion (78-39) on Tuesday night in their district semifinal at Fremont Ross. Gallaway says they must play great perimeter defense and have to work hard to get good shots. “They so much balance on their team. They have got five or six guys that have a chance to leave them in scoring any given night. I think their game the other night against Vermilion in the district semi one of their guys off the bench he had six threes. We have got to do a really good job guarding on the perimeter and doing our best to stay physical with some of the bigs down low and not give them a second chance opportunities. I think that's a huge deal for us, so we have got to keep them off the glass,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday, “The first time that we played them they threw a couple different things defensively at us. We have to do a much better job just recognizing what defense they are in and trying our best to get shots. We took good shots the last time we played them, but unfortunately some of those shots didn’t fall in the second half. So, we have got to keep looking to seek those great shots for us on the offensive end.” Published 3/05/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	Plymouth Healthy Again Click here to listen to an interview with coach Tim Brafford Plymouth takes on Tiffin Calvert Thursday night in a division VII district semifinal to be played at Galion High School. Last Thursday, they beat Mansfield St. Peter’s (63-45) to win a sectional championship. Coach Tim Brafford says the best news is they are healthy for the first time in about six weeks. “Everyone came energized. The locker room had a lot of energy in it. The big thing I think is Jarrett Burrer is about back to 100% and he's a huge part of what we do. He's very difficult to stop, whether he's out shooting a three or driving to the hoop and shooting the mid range jumper. He just opens up a lot of things for us and for the other players. So, having him back was huge. St. Pete’s played wonderful. #1 their 6’5” kid is one heck of a player, but we just made some big runs and once we made them it just started piling on,” he said. Plymouth (15-8) meets Tiffin Calvert (15-7) on Thursday. The Senecas demolished Lucas (59-12) to their sectional final. Brafford says they have a solid, balanced lineup. “Calvert is a very good team. They're the number one seed in the pool that we're in. We're number two. They passed us the last day of the season when we lost the Western Reserve, so they got that honor and we're going in against them. They're a tough team. They have Grady Otterbacher, 6’4” at the point, who's running the show. The (Logan) Ritzler kid is just unbelievable. Averaging 18 points a game. They're big and strong. Vincenzo Lyons is a great rebounder, big post player. Across the board they're loaded. Otterbacher is the coach's son, so whenever you have a coach's son playing you know that he's well schooled and he understands the game and has a high basketball I.Q. So, it's definitely going to be a challenge. but we're looking forward to it,” said Brafford. To be successful on Thursday night, Brafford says they have to be able to defend Calvert’s sets. “Well, they run sets and they have quite a few of plays, so we're going to have to come out ready to go and defend the plays. They love screens, they love to do some elbow screens off the high post and off the point and they love to shoot the three,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday afternoon, “We've got to be ready to move and talk that is our biggest thing that we've been working on. We'll probably run some zone, in fact I'm sure we're going to start in some zone, and see where we go from there. We might end up having to face guard one of the kids and if we did it would be Logan Ritzler that we face guard. We just have got to see what they going to bring and how we hold up against it, but I like our chances.” Published 3/05/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	Crestline Wants to Slow it Down Click here to listen to an interview with coach Paul Webb Crestline takes on South Central in a division VII district semifinal on Thursday night at Galion High School. Last Thursday, they stuffed Buckeye Central (43-27) in a sectional final game at their place. Coach Paul Webb says they did the job on defense. “I was very happy with our defensive effort. I was very happy to see our kids play through some adversity and find a way to win that game,” said Webb. Crestline (13-10) meets South Central (11-12) on Thursday night. The Trojans outscored New Riegel (67-43) in their sectional final. Webb says the Trojans want to get the ball down the floor. “South Central like to get up and down. They like to run the court,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday afternoon, “They have two excellent players and Chaffee and June. You have to figure out a way to contain those two. They're big, they're strong, athletic kids.” South Central won a regular season game (70-57) way back on December 2, three months ago. Webb says this time they have to control the tempo this time. “I think we have to stop them from getting so much downhill. We have got to take care of the basketball and stop them from getting downhill and try to play more than half court game

	Shelby Takes Down Ontario Click here to listen to an interview with coach Greg Gallaway Click here to listen to an interview with coach Jerry Moton Shelby outlasted Ontario (43-41) on Tuesday night at Pete Henry Gym in a division IV district semifinal. Brayden DeVito scored seven of his team high 13 points in the fourth quarter. Fellow senior guard Landon Foltz broke a (38-38) tie with a 10 foot bank shot in the lane with 2:46 to play and the Whippets (16-7) advanced their third straight district final. They will play Sandusky Perkins (22-2) in a district final back at Mansfield Senior on Saturday afternoon. Perkins destroyed Vermilion (78-39) on Tuesday at Fremont Ross. Shelby coach Greg Gallaway says they did a great job containing the explosive Warriors for most of the game. “We knew they were going to go on their runs. It’s more along the lines of we can't let those runs go from 4-0 and 6-0 to 12-0. I thought our guys did a really good job just handling that pressure, controlling the chaos. What a game, what an environment, proud of our guys,” said Gallaway. Ontario (15-8) only had one run in the game larger than 6-0 and that was late in the second quarter when they turned a five point deficit (17-12) into a four point lead (21-17) with 1:13 to play in the half. DeVito extended the Shelby lead to (42-38) with a driving basket with 2:25 to play in the game, Trindon Flenoury trimmed it to (42-41) with a three from the top of the key with :18 seconds left. DeVito converted the Whippets only free throw of the night with 15 ticks left to provide the final margin. Shelby was only (1-10) from the line. Cardae Brown missed a turnaround jumper from the lane at the final buzzer that would have tied the game for Ontario. Warriors coach Jerry Moton says they got a good look. “We got the shot we wanted, we just didn’t make it,” he said. DeVito gave Shelby the momentum early in the fourth quarter with back to back midrange jumpers to put Shelby up (34-31) with 7:14 remaining. Gallaway says DeVito can make those tough shots under pressure in the 10 to 15 foot area around the lane. “We just tried give him some actions to free him up and get to his mid range. That’s just a shot that a lot of kids in high school don't have,” he told Swankonsports.com after the win, “He feels really comfortable taking that shot off the dribble and after he sees one go through, he's confident that keep shooting more of them. We have got to do a better job as a team when we have the lead getting more meaningful possessions. When we're up six, but learning that we can take into this weekend.” Over the last 12 games, Shelby has averaged more than 60 points per game, but Gallaway says against Ontario and their style of pushing the tempo, they wanted a slower pace. “We were okay with playing that style. We were trying to force them to be more of a half court team because they're really good in transition. One of our biggest keys was when a shot goes up Shepherd are only guy rebounding. The rest of us got back trying to force them to be a half court team. We did a good job playing at our pace,” said Gallaway. Michael Shepherd did a lot of the dirty work for the Whippets as he had 13 rebounds and picked up some baskets around the rim and finished with 10 on the night. Gallaway says he tuned in a great performance in the painted area often being a lone warrior. “I thought he was a man all night. We knew if we're face guarding on the perimeter we're taking some guys out of rebounding phase. We knew “Shep” was going to have to be big on the glass and he did that. He made some big shots for us there in a second half. I know he wants to have some of those back, but we're fine with that. His confidence is going to continue to shoot up and we're going to keep going to him this weekend,” said Gallaway. Shelby made 19 of 37 field goals (51%) on the night. Ontario was 16 of 40 (40 %) for the game. Moton says Shelby made it difficult to get good shots. “Every possession mattered. I just felt like we couldn't get the usual looks. The defense pressure was pretty high, it was intense. It was just a great game to be a part of,” he said. Both teams were (4-12) on three point field goals. However, Gallaway says the Whippets made some at key times. “A lot of guys stepped up. (Kayden) Paz had two huge threes in the first half. Those were those were awesome for us. We were going through a little bit of dry spell on offense that he had two big threes. Then you talk about guys like Avery Lambert stepping up hitting a big three. Gavin Miller stepped up and hit big three in the second half. Everyone contributed and I'm really proud,” he said. Brown had 13 and Flenoury 11 for Ontario. Gallaway says he thought they made them take tough shots. “They're led by two guys that are only sophomores. It's kind of crazy they're that young and that talented. I’m not looking forward to having to play them in two more years. Paz and Avery Lambert they did a really good job just making those two guys take tough shots all night. They’re our defensive guys and they did a great job. They love that challenge taking on 20 points per game guys like Cardae (Brown) and Trindon (Flenoury),” he said. Published 3/04/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	Galion Downs Clear Fork in Districts Click here to listen to an interview with coach Tyler Sanders Click here to listen to an interview with coach Brandon Baumgardner Galion outscored Clear Fork (19-12) in the fourth quarter and beat the Colts (54-44) in a division IV district semifinal on Tuesday night at Pete Henry Gym at Mansfield Senior High School. With cross bracketing, the Tigers (8-15) will head for Paulding High School on Saturday for a district final matchup with Van Wert, out of the Western Buckeye League. Dominic Capretta scored seven of his game high 20 points in a (10-2) Galion run to open the fourth quarter and give the Tigers a (45-36) advantage with 4;18 to play. The Colts never got closer than seven the rest of the way. Galion coach Tyler Sanders says they did a really good job Tuesday taking the ball to the hole. “Well, me and Brandon have been joking for all three games it was the first person to 40, so (Tuesday) night we got to 50. I think we really executed late. We finally decided where to put our head down and go to the rim and not worry about contact and stuff,” he told Swankonsports.com after the win, “I mean we haven't shot the ball from outside the way that we'd like to this year, but I know we're good shooters. (Tuesday) night we just decided alright three point shots not falling for us lets get to the rim. Dom (Capretta) was massive inside finishing, Jay (Glew) had a couple big drives, Christian (Bare) got some good putbacks. Parker (Tinch) didn't shoot it the way it hoped, but he had a couple nice rebounds. Everybody just pitched in. It was a fun team win.” Clear Fork coach Brandon Bramgardner says they didn’t have an answer for Capretta. “They really focused on getting the ball down low. They haven’t done in the games past using more outside screaming and trying to get shooters open. We don't have that big that can handle that size and his strength and the talent that he has. So, he took over the game,” said Baumgardner. The game started slowly with Clear Fork leading (4-1) more halfway through the first quarter. Galion scored 10 of the final 14 points of the opening quarter and Sanders says they started to feel better. “I was a little worried when the game started just turning the ball over and not really ready for the moment, but I thought our guys responded quickly. There's just no words. I'm just proud of these guys for gutting it out. It was a tough season. Everybody knows we went 1-12 down the stretch, but it doesn't seem to bother our guys. So, they've just continued to grind and come to practice every day and get better,” said Sanders. Four times un the third quarter Clear Fork held the lead by two points or less, but it was their shooting that killed the Colts. They shot only 39% from the floor. Baumgardner says that has been a consistent issue this year for the Colts. “It's been a struggle most of the year. There's been a lot of games that we’re under 35% from the field. So, that was really nothing new. That's when we really focused on defense. We knew we weren't the best offensive team. That’s the game of basketball, you can run everything perfectly, but if you can’t knock down shots it’s a recipe for disaster,” he said. Jacob Brokaw and Trey Sellers both had 15 for the Colts. Published 3/04/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	Crestview Enters Districts With Confidence Click here to listen to an interview with coach Ben McClay Crestview meets Seneca East on Wednesday night in a division VI district semifinal at Willard High School. The Cougars (13-10) downed New London (53-41) to earn a sectional title last Friday. Coach Ben McClay says they put it away with defense in the second half. “I didn't think we really played a very good first half, but we went on a big run in the third quarter. Played really good basketball. You definitely need to play a lot better than we did in that game if we're going to beat Seneca East. I'm proud that we came out with the win. I thought our kids executed pretty well with defensive end for most part. We held then to 41 points and we held the (Henry) Thomas kid to eight, but we need to just click on all cylinders against the Tigers,” he said. Seneca East (17-6) dominated Mansfield Christian (67-32) in their sectional final. They are paced by the school’s all time leading scorer in Luke Mason. McClay says that Mason makes everyone around him better. “Luke Mason is really good. He got first team district six. He got first team all league. What makes him special is he's not only just averaging 17, but he averages seven assists. I think that's what makes him really potent is he is not only a really good scorer, but he’s also a really getting passer. He's an outstanding player. We know that everything they do goes through him. So, we have to be prepared that way. I think coach (Anthony) Langhurst has done a really good job with this group in general. (Mason) is really good. he's just really smooth, he has a really smooth dribble, he's got a really nice shot and he's pretty fearless,” said McClay. McClay says they have a lot of confidence in themselves going into this game. “We're just working hard every day. You know what else we're working on as we're working on? We’re working ourselves getting better because we do a lot of game planning. This game is our Super Bowl and we worked really hard on the scout, but at the end of the day we have good players too,” he told Swankonsports.com, “We have two first team all league kids, and that is released today, so I can say that, and we had an honorable mention all league kid. We have a kid averaging 17.5 points and 10 rebounds. So, they have to stop us and I think we've had a really good season. I think we've played it extremely tough out of conference schedule and we played it to get us ready for Wednesday night.” Published 3/04/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	Seneca East Must Make Clutch Plays Click here to listen to an interview with coach Anthony Langhurst Seneca East takes on Crestview in a division VI district semifinal at Willard High School on Wednesday night. The Tigers lost to Crestview in a district semifinal last year. Last Friday, the Tigers (17-6) crushed Mansfield Christian (67-32) in a sectional final. Coach Anthony Langhurst says they played with a lot of energy in that game. “It was a total team effort. Luke (Mason) got us off to a good start there and then our role players seem to be throwing everything in. So, it's nice to get off to a good start and our guys brought a lot of energy and playing at home probably played a factor, but yeah just overall our performance was a was a positive one,” he said. Crestview (13-10) downed New London (53-41) to advance to the district. Langhurst says they have good length and athleticism. “It's going to be a tough out for sure, they're pretty dynamic. They have got a three headed monster with Goon, Wells and Spore,” he told Swankonsports.com, “They're athletic, high skill level, so we'll have our hands full. Ben (McClay) has done a nice job of leading into those guys. They do a good job mixing up things defensively and like I said they're pretty dynamic offensively. So, we'll have our hands full see if we can do and make things harder for them.” It’s tournament basketball and Langhurst says they must handle the ball and make the plays down the stretch to get the win. “We're just going to have to value the basketball they are long defensively. Defensively, we have to make them earn it. If we can kind of control it offensively and get good shots and then get back defensively set up our defense up and make them earn it in the half court. I kind of like us keeping it close in the fourth quarter,” he said. Published 3/04/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	Fredericktown Gonna Play Fast Click here to listen to an interview with coach Derek Dibling Unbeaten Fredericktown, the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference champion, plays host to Fairbanks in a division V district semifinal on Wednesday night. On Saturday, they worked hard and downed a solid Marion Pleasant team (68-60) in their opening tournament game. Pleasant had won nine of 10 coming into that one. Coach Derek Dibling says they got a big boost from their bench. “It was one of those games that didn't exactly go how we scripted it, but it seldom does. I thought our guys did a good job of stepping up, especially our bench, our bench was huge. We had guys in foul trouble for most of the game,” he told Swankonsports.com, “Guys came off the bench did a great job of kind of holding down the fort till the end when we were able to pull away a little bit. A lot of credit goes to the Pleasant guards. They played really well and shot the ball extremely well.” The Freddies (23-0) play in a very tough district and Dibling knows they must continue to get better. “You have got to tighten things up as you go. You're room for error every step of the way it gets a little bit smaller because at this point everyone's playing for their lives. I think it shows. Teams show up, teams don't want to go home. So, you definitely have to tighten things up. You have got to be just that much better every game,” he said. Fairbanks (21-2) smoked Mt. Gilead, also of the “KMAC”, (78-44) in their tournament game last Saturday. Dibling says the Panthers have very athletic guards. “They're athletic, they got a lot of guards that are just fast, they're athletic, they're disciplined, they play high paced game. We're going to have to be ready. The same things that hold true against Pleasant hold true. We have got to be ready. We have got to be composed. We have got to be disciplined and just take care of what we can control,” said Dibling. The tournament seems to be more possession by possession, but Dibling says they want to continue to run. “It's hard to go away from what's worked so well for the first 23 games. I think at this point it's who we are, it's what we're about and that'll definitely be something we try to get in our favor and hopefully play fast,” he said. Published 3/04/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	New Philadelphia Has to Limit Turnovers Click here to listen to an interview with coach Zach Ross New Philadelphia, the co-champion of the Ohio Cardinal Conference, faces Marrietta in a division III district final on Wednesday night at Ohio University. The winner punches a ticket to the regional tournament next week. They smothered Zanesville (42-28) in a district semifinal last Saturday night at home. Coach Zach Ross says they took advantage of their strengths and executed pretty well in that game. “They were playing really good basketball. In their sectional final game versus Tri-Valley is the best I've seen them play. I thought they were really connected and put a lot of pressure on the rim. Our guys, to their credit, really executed the game plan. Defensively, I thought we were really good. Battled some early foul trouble. Had some guys step up for us, but all in all, I thought it really came down to our ability to execute a game plan and then actually put it into action. The way we rebounded the ball, 28-13 we had the advantage right there, so did a great job that way,” said Ross. Marrietta (20-4) advanced with a (55-52) win over Washington Court House Miami Trace on Saturday. New Philadelphia (17-6) beat Marrietta (52-46) in a game played on February 3. However, Ross says there will be some different looks from a personnel standpoint in the game on Wednesday. “There is a little bit of familiarity. We played them in early February. Now, they were missing probably their best player and then their sixth man during that game. So, they're a little bit different with those two guys on the floor. With us missing one of our starters, TR Harriman, it's just going to be a battle. We have just got to get tighter knit, represent our culture the best we can, and everybody's just got to be the best version of themselves. It's tournament basketball, that's why everybody loves it so much anything could happen,” said Ross/ Ross says tempo is going to be big here. He says they have to be able to slow down the Tigers. “I think we got to make it a half court game. That's who we are. We don't want to run with them. We have got to keep them in the half court. They're very good in transition. They put a lot of different pressures at you, a lot of different defenses that vary against you,” he told Swankonsports.com, “We have got to be able to handle that and make sure we're eliminating our live all turnovers, which helps it stay in the half court game. Then once we're in the half court, we have got to trust who we are. Find paint touches, find the inside out shots for us and make sure we're finishing at the rim and win the free throw battle as well.” Published 3/04/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	Defense the Key for Norwayne Click here to listen to an interview with coach Brian West Norwayne, the runner up in the Wayne County Athletic League, plays at LaGrange Keystone in a division V district semifinal on Wednesday night. They started the tournament with a (95-35) destruction of Warren Champion last Saturday. Coach Brian West says that was a good start, but things are going to get tougher quickly for the Bobcats. “I was proud of the kids after the tough end of the regular season. Sometimes you wonder how the boys are going to respond going into the tournament. We were preaching to them all week that everybody's 0-0 going into the tournament. We’re hoping to prove some people wrong. During the regular season, they thought we could not win the league. Those same people saying we can't make a tournament run. Our focus now turns to prove them wrong in our tournament run. So, we did have a good start. With Keystone this Wednesday we've got how much tougher task ahead of us. They have got two really, really good guards. Coach (Jeff) Holzhauer’s boy shoots it really well. So, they're a tough matchup for us, but I think our kids are excited about the opportunity and being able to play at Keystone in a nice facility. It will be good test for us,” said West. Norwayne (14-9) is at Keystone (18-5) on Wednesday night. West says the Wildcats remind him of “PAC” co-champion Akron Manchester. “I think they have some similarities to Manchester, who we played earlier in the year. The depth that they shoot the basketball and as well as they shoot it consistently. I think that would probably be, as far as the opponents on our schedule, would be Manchester. We did play them, but it wasn't since Christmas. We did play really well in that game, but obviously that was a long time. We've had some key injuries since then. So, we're kind of a different team again. We've had multiple injuries here the last couple of weeks. So, still trying to figure out different ways to score, different ways to defend and hopefully we can get that figured out for Wednesday,” he said. West says they can’t have a bunch of turnovers and they must at least contain the Keystone guards. “I think it's a lot of things we have to do. Number one, is take care of the basketball. They like to run 1-2-2 half court trap and they got some length up top. Coach Holzhauer puts the longer players at the top and then shorter guys in the back. So, we have to be able to get past the front line,” he told Swankonsports.com, “We have to be able to take good shots. I don't think we want to get the track meet with these guys. We have to execute offensively and maybe make two or three, four extra passes for a better shot and be able to knock that shot down. We said that the two kids they have, the two guards, they're going to score. They're very good and we're not going to hold scoreless, so let’s not be unrealistic, but let's try to pick a number to keep them under combined. We have that number in mind and hopefully just keep them off the offensive glass when shots do go up.” Published 3/04/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	Shelby Has to limit Ontario Runs Click here to listen to an interview with coach Greg Gallaway It’s the rubber match for the Shelby Whippets and the Ontario Warriors as they meet for the third time this season this time in a division IV district semifinal on Tuesday night at Pete Henry Gym at Mansfield Senior High School. Shelby (15-7) buried Kenton (70-43) in a sectional final last Thursday at Shelby. Coach Greg Gallaway says they were able to make some adjustments and pull away the second half. “Just extremely happy and proud of our guys being able to handle business on our home court. Proud that we were able to send four seniors off with a with a victory on their last game ever at Shelby. I thought we were able to make some adjustments and get settled in and we were able to extend that lead the way we wanted to in the second half. We're proud to play another game in the tournament right now,” he said. The two teams spilt their meetings in the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference this year, but they were dramatically different games. Ontario whipped Shelby (70-50) on December 23, but the Whippets played without two starters, including leader scorer and senior leader Brayden DeVito. In the second meeting, Shelby dominated the last 11 minutes in winning (55-46) on January 31. Gallaway says those previous games are meaningless now. He says they must play tremendous defense and handle the Ontario pressure. “Our guys are really familiar with them and they're extremely familiar with us. We split in the regular season. Quite frankly, anything that happened with our regular season schedule really doesn't mean anything right now. We're expecting a great environment. We both have a short trip over the Mansfield for a district game and I think it's going to be a great atmosphere,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “They're led by two their sophomore guards and Trindon Flenoury and Carde Brown. Two guys that can get you 20 plus any given night. Two guys that you really have got to make sure you got a good defensive plan for. They also have some nice role pieces that go with them. They got some athletic bigs and some guards that are able to shoot. So, we have got to do a really good job guarding them in the half court and taking care of the basketball on the offensive end.” The Whippets and Warriors are archrivals, but Gallway says they can let the emotions get the best of them. Plus, he says they have to limit the Warriors explosiveness. “I think the phrase that we're going to use is just to try to be able to control the chaos. There's going to be runs that that go on both teams. There's going to be something that negatively affects us throughout the game. Adversities are going to strike and how are our guys going to handle that? We want to make sure that we handle it positively. They’re a good team, they're going to go and runs. We have to do our best to make those 6-0 runs not extended to 12-0 and 15-0 runs. We're going to make sure that we stop those. Again, we don’t have to try to get our guys amped and ready for this game it's a game they're excited for. Just looking forward to a great night (Tuesday) night,” said Gallaway. Published 3/03/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	Ontario Must Play 32 Minutes Click here to listen to an interview with coach Jerry Moton Ontario takes on “MOAC” rival Shelby Tuesday night in a division IV district semifinal at Mansfield Senior High School. With the new tournament structure, Ontario (15-7) is one of the area teams that did not play last week. Coach Jerry Moton says they took that time to become a better basketball team. “I think it was definitely a plus. I think having the luxury of having time it's all about how you prepare and what doing with that time. I think we put it to great use,” he said. The Warriors and Whippets split their regular season games with both winning at home. Ontario smoked Shelby (70-50) December 23 in a game that Whippet guards Brayden DeVito and Kayden Paz did not play. Shelby erased a nine-point deficit with 11 minutes left to beat the Warriors (55-46) on January 31. Shelby (15-7) finished second in the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference and they blew out Kenton (70-43) in a sectional final last Thursday. Moton says they have to disrupt what the Whippets are trying to do in order to have success. “They have got a good, solid team. They have a veteran team and they're going to come ready to play. Our job is to disrupt everything that they do. Control the tempo, control the boards, limit their driving lanes and contest all threes that they take,” said Moton. Making reference to the loss at Shelby, Moton says they must play four quarters of basketball if they are going to have a chance to win. “We have to play two halves of basketball. If you look at that game in the first half, we did exactly what we wanted to do. We ended the half up nine points. We started the third quarter of up nine then things changed,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “They ramped up the defensive pressure. We didn't handle it too well. We weren’t organized on offense and it showed. So, that's one of the emphasis we've been trying to instill into our kids during the break is that at tournament time every possession counts.” Published 3/03/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	It’s Clear Fork and Galion Again Click here to listen to an interview with coach Brandon Baumgardner Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference foes Clear Fork and Galion square off in a division IV district semifinal on Tuesday night at Mansfield Senior High School/ The Colts (9-14) outlasted Fostoria (57-54) in double overtime to advance in the tournament. Coach Brandom Baumgardner says they had to give it every ounce they had to win that game. “I think we kind of start off flat with those 12 days off not playing games. I felt like it kind of showed. I think guys kind of came out and the pressure of the opportunity of cutting down a net in your own home court might had us playing a little more tense than we would have liked to have been playing,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday night, “We keep grinding. We got behind early just kept fighting away. That has been the mode of this team all year long. They don't quit, they keep going to the final whistle. We had to have three final whistles though. It was one of those games. The fourth quarter, the first overtime and the second overtime there's moments in all three phases. Oh man, it looks like we're going to possibly lose this one and oh now we got this thing wrapped up and now it's tied back up again. It was a crazy experience, but great atmosphere in the valley and I'm glad we came on top.” The Tigers (7-16) edged Upper Sandusky (60-57) in their sectional final game last Thursday. In close games, Clear Fork beat Galion twice in “MOAC” games (45-36) on January 9 and (47-40) on February 13. Baumgardner says the coaching staffs and the teams know each other pretty well, but there could be a few surprises too. “It's a little bit different preparing for them than it was Fostoria. Fostoria was a totally different opponent. Had to complete a game plan for everything. Where with Galion it was more just tweaking things here and there from the previous games. We always say, expect the unexpected and they might throw a couple of new things at us, but at this point coaches don't want to over coach it. They want to do what they're good at. We sort of know each other pretty well going into (Tuesday) night,” said Baumgardner. Like a lot of games, Baumgardner says it’s going to come down to turnovers and who can make shots. “We kind of joked about the last game of the season. It kind of going to be a race to 40 with the way both of these squads play defense. They're both pretty good defensive squads. I like my thing it's going to come down to turnovers and whoever shoots the ball the best, the highest percentage, I feel like,” he said. Published 3/03/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	Galion Feeling Loose Click here to listen to an interview with coach Tyler Sanders Galion tangles with Clear Fork on Tuesday night in a division IV district semifinal at Mansfield Senior High School. The Tigers (7-16) downed Upper Sandusky (60-57) to win a sectional title last Thursday night. Coach Tyler Sanders says the key was playing well early. “I was just proud of our guys for getting a hot start. Anytime you're able to get a good start like that and go up big early it always helps. I wish we would have ended as strong as we started, but you know just happy and proud of our guys for there was a win,” he said. Clear Fork (9-14) survived and edged Fostoria (57-54) in double overtime to win their sectional title last Wednesday/ Now, the Colts won both of the regular season meetings between the two teams. Both were close and came down to the end. Clear Fork won (45-36) on January 9 and (47-40) on February 13. Sanders calls rebounding and making some shots the keys for them. “Both games came down to the last two and half minutes. It was a tie ball game. Clear Fork was the better team in those last two and half minutes of those games. So, I think the guys were excited about the opportunity to play them a third time. Obviously a “MOAC” rival, we know everything about them and they know everything about us. It's going to come down to rebounding and hitting shots (Tuesday) night,” said Sanders. With Colts winning those two regular season games, Sanders says the pressure to win on Tuesday night is on them. I think there's something to that. I think the pressure is off a little bit for us. They're the ones that beat us twice this year and stuff, so they're expected to win this that third time,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday night, “We're able to go out there and play freely. I think when we are able to play free we're a much better team. So, I don't think if you're just a basketball fan, and you've seen the scores from the first two games, you probably think Clear Fork has got the nod in this one. So, that allows our guys to kind of loosen up a little bit and just go out and have fun.” Published 3/03/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	Focus Again Key for Crawford Click here to listen to an interview with coach David Sheldon Colonel Crawford meets old rival Wynford in a division VI district semifinal on Wednesday night at Willard High School. The Eagles (20-2) are the defending district champions. Coach David Sheldon says they have great tournament experience. “When you look at the four of the guys that our starters for us playing major minutes last year in our tournament run and just the success we've had at the sectional level over the years. I think it definitely helps because we're used to being in district tournaments and know the preparation and the attention to detail it takes this time of year,” said Sheldon. Now, Crawford destroyed Wynford (6-16) twice during “N10” play this season, (77-27) on December 30 and (76-29) on January 17. However, Sheldon believes his team will have the maturity to not look past the opponent. “I think they understand the importance of this is the next step in the district semi. This is the most important game come Wednesday night right now. That’s the way you've got to look at this. I thought we did that last week when playing Bucyrus. We've got to come out and get off to a good start and be prepared for whatever we can see come Wednesday night,” said Sheldon. They smoked Bucyrus (76-33) in a sectional final last Friday. Also, Crawford has enjoyed great success at Willard in tournament play in recent years and Sheldon says that helps too. “It's a great atmosphere in the “Haas Gym”. It's an old school gym. not these new gyms that we see. It's a great atmosphere with so much history and the environment is always good for kids to compete on at the district level,” he said. Wynford comes in off a (65-56) overtime win over Mohawk in their sectional final. Sheldon says this is a team that shoots the ball well and has become more competitive over the last month. “First of all, I think it's a team that's gotten better. It's a young team and they've won three of their last four. Throughout the year they were in a lot of close games and now they've been finishing those,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “They really shoot it well. You have to guard the three-point line. They have got five guys shoot over 30 percent. They're a very guard oriented and can really shoot the basketball. They’re shown different things, Zone, junk, man, they show man they show a lot of different defenses that you have got to prepare for. You can't take anybody easy this time of year when you get to a district tournament because they've already won a championship in the sectional level.” Published 3/03/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	Ashland Must be Very Good Click here to listen to an interview with coach Jason Hess Ashland faces Toledo St. John’s in a division II district semifinal at Toledo Central Catholic High School on Wednesday night. The Arrows (14-8) shared the Ohio Cardinal Conference title with Mansfield Senior, New Philadelphia and Dover. Coach Jason Hess says making the two hour trip, while St. John’s is going a few streets over, isn’t ideal, but they have to deal with it. “There's a lot of things out of our control in this situation. The location that the Northwest District, or state, chooses is one of them. So, we have to go play the game. We've talked to our guys a lot all year about being able to control the controllables. This is one of things that we can't control. So, now it's just a matter of as coaches practice what we preach a little bit and get our guys ready the best that we can and ready to go play this game,” he said. St. John’s (17-5) plays a very aggressive schedule. They play in a league with Detroit area catholic schools. In fact, their two losses to rival Toledo Central Catholic are the only ones against teams from Ohio. Hess says they are big and skilled. “They are probably the best team, or second best team, we've seen all year. Top one or two for sure. We have not seen anything really comparable as far as just the size and length that they have. They start 6’8”, 6’6”, 6’6” with long arms and skilled. They're very disciplined team. They won't beat themselves and there's not a lot of weaknesses when you watch them on film and with the way they play the game. So, they're really good defensively. Offensively they execute and they can make shots. So, it's definitely going to be our biggest challenge of the year,” said Hess. Ashland has made more than 200 three point shots this season with Reed Edmonds, Gabe Baith and leading scorer Paxon Ediger all making more than 40 this year. Ediger averages 23 ppg and had a school record 44 this year. Hess the three pointer is the great equalizer. “We've talked to our kids this week and about when you look at “March Madness” and the upsets that happened in the NCAA tournament. The 15^th beating the twos and the 16^th beating the ones and all those things. The mid major teams beat the major conference teams the one great equalizer that's allowed all this to happen I think in the last 30 plus years, these upsets in these tournaments. is the three-point line,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “I think for our team with our ability to shoot the three and be able to space the space the floor a little bit. We've got multiple guys that can get hot and make shots. I think it could be a fun game for us, but we're going to have to go up there and really stick to our game plan and play our best game of the year.” Published 3/03/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	River Valley to Play New Look Eastmoor Click here to listen to an interview with coach Rodney Brown River Valley hosts Columbus Eastmoor in a division IV district semifinal on Tuesday night. They are defending district champs in the Central District. Last Friday, they destroyed Columbus International (85-44) to open the tournament. Coach Rodney Brown says they went out and executed the game plan. “I thought we came out ready to play. We executed what we wanted to do well and what practiced all week. Just just really proud of the boys for staying the course and like I said executing what we what we worked on,” he said. Eastmoor (11-10) beat Buckeye Valley (50-42) in their opener. Now, River Valley beat Warriors last year in the tournament and Bown says they do have some guys back from that team. “They have got a 6’10” kid in the middle. We played them last year he was one of the guys that started for them. They have another kid back that started for them too. They have a couple of young kids playing. Their athletic, they're long and a lot of ball screen sets. So, we’re trying to work on our ball screen coverage and make sure we're ready for them. We have just got to hopefully shoot it well and defend them,” said Brown. Brown says this is really a different team from the one they played last season. “I'd say last year's last year and this year is this year. They have got a new coach. Coach Miranda was there for a long, long time, I don't even know how many years it was,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday night, “They have got a new guy and a little bit different system. So, right now we're trying to get familiar with the new regime. Hopefully, we can rebound and defend what they do and make some shots. It’s the last home game for these seniors ever, so hopefully we're ready to go.” Published 3/03/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	Defense a Priority for Margaretta Click here to listen to an interview with coach Steve Keller Margaretta locks horns with “SBC” Bay rival Huron on Tuesday night in a division V district semifinal at Kansas Lakota High School. They overwhelmed Edison (88-42) in a sectional final last week on their home floor. Coach Steve Keller says they had the right approach. “We were able to kind of have a mindset to start the game that was really good. We just came out really executed and made shots and got up early and kind of rode that momentum through,” he said. Margaretta (20-3) had beaten Edison twice during the regular season and that is the case with Huron too. They beat them (78-55) on December 19 at home and (69-36) at Huron on January 23. Huron beat Pemberville Eastwood (68-67) in a sectional final last week. Keller says the Tigers have some kids that can play. “First foremost, they a nice player Quinn Conway, a 6’1” guard. Also, have got a nice player in 6’5” Parker Schafer. They have some pieces around that. A young man by the name of (Nixon) Dike, who is a sophomore. They have got some nice pieces,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday evening, “They have overcome some adversity this year, fought through some adversity, which I think always makes you stronger in the long run. Finally, coach (Toby) Miller does a great job over there. Gets kids to play hard, plus he also does a nice job of having them defend in multiple different defenses and he likes to play through his best players on the offensive end.: Keller says Huron is their biggest rival, but he cautions that you can’t live on emotion alone. “We talk about it being an equilibrium. You can't get too high and you can't get too low. You have got to go out and just compete and play hard. Really just the one constant that has to be there always is guarding. If you can guard, regardless of what else goes on in a game you can potentially have success,” he said/ Published 3/03/26 © Swankonsports.com “Out of Bounds” airs every Friday 10 PM to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM “Your First Choice for All Things Sports”

	Willard Wants to Get in Transition Click here to listen to an interview with coach Joe Bedingfield Willard welcomes Liberty-Benton on Friday night for a sectional final game in division V. The Flashes (18-4), #4 in the final Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, have played a tough schedule this year, especially out of conference. Coach Joe Bedingfield feels that prepares them well for the tournament. “We played Margaretta twice in our league and towards the end of the year that was one of our one of our last three games. They've been one of the better teams in the state. Ontario with the kind of team that they have this year. Aggressive with good guards that get after you and that was a good challenge for us. Overall good game for both teams this time of year. Bellevue is playing really well. They played a really tough schedule and that was kind of a back and forth game that got away, but credit to them and their defense. We didn't particularly shoot it that well that night, but they also were able to defend and take some things away from us that we can usually get. Those are the types of teams that you want to see at this time of year. Well coached teams that play hard and have a lot of wins. It does challenge your kids and it gets them in that mindset that we play tough before and we've overcome it in some regards and we also know how we got beat by it. So, it's all a learning experience and this the time that it really matters,” said Bedingfield. Liberty-Benton (15-7), the Eagles finished third in the Blanchard Valley Conference, have a solid basketball tradition. Bedingfield says they have height and shooting ability. “Well, a 15 win team playing in the “BVC”. They have good length and they have good experience. Older kids that have played varsity basketball for a while. Their 6’6” forward Holler really can play inside out. We'll have to do an excellent job on him and limit his touches. They have a nice shooting guard in Thomas, who does really good job going strong to the basket, but also can shoot the three at a high percentage, over 43% on the year. They have another (Luke) Gerken, who is a coach’s kid, who has kind of been battling a little bit of injury back and forth. He’s 6’6” and can go a little bit outside and in too. They have good length. They mix up their defenses. They're well coached, they execute their sets really well. It's going to be a battle,” he said. Bedingfield says they need to rebound and handle the ball, but most of all have fun and lose. “It's going to be a challenge for our young guys to come out there and try to take some of their sets and things away. We have to come out and push the pace a little bit more in my opinion. They're a very good defensive team only giving up 40 a game. So, we want to make it a high aggressive game and play lose. This time of year I think you got to play lose. You have got to have fun,” he told Swankonsports.com om Thursday evening, “When you have a young team in a test like this. We want them to understand that we have played a good schedule. We've beaten some fairly good teams and we should be tournament ready with how we played throughout the year. So, we're going to have a difficult time keeping them off the boards, but this time of year rebounding is imperative and taking care of the ball, handling their press is really important. So, valuing the basketball and rebounding basketball as well as shooting with confidence is how we would be successful.” Published 2/27/26 © Swankonsports.com Tune in for a special edition of “Out of Bounds” Saturday night at 10 PM “Your First Source for All Things Sports”

	Fredericktown Wants Quick Tempo Click here to listen to an interview with coach Derek Dibling Fredericktown plays at home against Marion Pleasant in a division V tournament game on Saturday afternoon. After smoking Mt. Gilead (72-35) in a Knox Morrow Athletic Conference game on Tuesday, the Freddies finish the regular season at (22-0). Coach Derek Dibling says it has been a special year for the Freddies. “It’s been a lot of fun. A lot of credit goes to our guys for coming in and working hard and buying into what we're trying to get across. Obviously, it doesn't hurt having seasoned guys who have been there and done that,” he said. Pleasant (14-8) has won nine of it’s last 10, their only loss in that period came to Shelby (59-48) last Saturday in a Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference game. Dibling says they must at least contain Evan Sickmiller, the Spartans leading scorer. “They've been really good down the stretch. They have got a big in Sickmiller, who is a tough matchup. He's a three dimensional guy that can score from the outside, inside and has got a little bit of a mid-range game,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday afternoon, “Probably number one for us in terms of slowing him down. They've got a trio of guards that can do some things pretty well. So, for us we've got to be fundamentally sound. We've got to do the little things well and really continue to just play well together and share the ball and try to work the game in our favor in terms of pace.” Tempo will likely be an issue in this game. Dibling says they want to get the game moving if they can. “We definitely want to get up and down. Thay suits our guys and the style we have played all year. I think we have the most success when we make it a 90 foot game. So, that's again one of the priorities trying to get that pace in our favor,” said Dibling. Published 2/27/26 © Swankonsports.com Tune in for a special edition of “Out of Bounds” Saturday night at 10 PM “Your First Source for All Things Sports”

	Pleasant Likes Underdog Role Click here to listen to an interview with coach Ben Snively Marion Pleasant will be on the road Saturday afternoon to take on unbeaten Fredericktown in a division V tournament game in the Central District. The Spartans (14-8) have won nine of their last 10. However, coach Ben Snively stresses this is a very, very tough district. “We went to the draw and we had won eight games in a row. We were just behind Mt. Gilead for the seventh seed. We ended up with the eighth seed. The top six seeds in our district were all ranked in the top 25 in the State of Ohio according to MaxPreps. So, it didn't matter once you got beyond the seventh pill. You're going to be playing somebody very good right from the get go. So, you nowhere to hide in this with only 14 teams in there,” he said. Fredericktown (22-0), #1 in the final Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, is the outright champion of the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference. They hammered Mt. Gilead (72-35) in a “KMAC” game on Tuesday night. Snively says they have outstanding players at all of the positions. “Anybody that can run the table and go 22-0 there doing something right. They have got nice size. They have got a big kid in Toombs you can play inside and out. The guards are all quick and can shoot the basketball. They beat the Harvest Prep and Colonel Crawford this year, which are two really good wins for them,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday afternoon, “They play physical, they play good on defense. They're just a tough matchup for anybody because they have got four guys in double figures, so you have got to guard everybody. You have to be really solid against them. I think it'll be a game where we need to, not necessarily slow the tempo, but we have got to make it a quarter court basketball game for sure.” In those last 10 games, Pleasant has only scored over 60 points twice, one of those was an overtime (66-56) over North Union, and the other was (70-64) over Ontario, a team that really likes to push the pace. Snively says the pressure is on Fredericktown here. “We have discussed that in our huddles at the end of practice every time. Sure everybody's 0-0, but you can't hide the fact that you're 22-0. So, we have actually talked about the closer we can keep it for a longer amount of time. Again, coming into the game all of pressure is on them. They're the team that's 22-0 and regardless we know that at the end of the day, we're going to have to play our “A” game against them but, if we can keep it close into the fourth quarter then things can tense up for everybody,” said Snively. Published 2/27/26 © Swankonsports.com Tune in for a special edition of “Out of Bounds” Saturday night at 10 PM “Your First Source for All Things Sports”

	Tygers have to Play Four Quarters Click here to listen to an interview with coach Marquis Sykes Mansfield Senior plays at home against Norwalk on Friday night in a sectional final in division III. The Tygers have not played in two weeks. Their last game was February 13, a (69-61) win over Madison to earn a piece of the Ohio Cardinal Conference title. Coach Marquis Sykes says he hopes they come out ready to play. “We'll know (Friday) early on in the game whether us coaches knew what we were doing over this break or not. We really started to I think after Wednesday's practice. I really felt like okay it's time to get back to playing because I felt like we were all kind of getting on each other’s nerves a little bit. Almost a preseason vibe where we've been beating up on each other for the last couple of weeks. I think our guys are locked in and ready to get a new opponent on the floor. Certainly, excited about the opportunity to win sectional championship on our home court,” said Sykes. Mansfield Senior (15-7), #3 in the final Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the large school division, has Norwalk (1-21) on Friday night. It has not been a good season for the Truckers, but Sykes says they are not a team that’s just going to mail it in. “I know those guys are going to play hard and they're certainly not going to come out just lay down and let us do what we want to do. I know they're probably going to throw them kitchen sink out as defensively. Probably mix it up between some different zone defenses and different man-to-man type defenses. So, we've got to be ready to go. It’s tournament time, we know that we're going to get Norwalk’s best shot, their best game. So, we have got to make sure we're locked in and focused and ready to give our best game in return,” he said. In tournament games, the start of the game is important, but Sykes says if they get a good start, they must sustain that momentum. “I think we've had a good couple of weeks of practice, so I really feel like we’re going to be focused and going to be ready and in turn I'll feel like whenever we've had good weeks of practice and whenever we've been locked in and engaged and ready to play the game we've gotten off to solid starts,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday night, “(Friday) that's not really my concern. I feel like our guys are starting to get anxious and they're really ready to play. So, I think we'll get off to a good start. I think we have to maintain and sustain that good start. So, if we can get off to a good start let's not take our foot off the gas pedal. Let's play a full 32 minutes of good quality Tyger basketball.” Published 2/27/26 © Swankonsports.com Tune in for a special edition of “Out of Bounds” Saturday night at 10 PM “Your First Source for All Things Sports”

	Colonel Crawford Has Focus Click here to listen to an interview with coach David Sheldon Colonel Crawford, the Northern 10 Athletic Conference champion, hosts Bucyrus in a sectional final in division VI on Friday night. Last year, the Eagles advanced all of the way to the state semifinal and have all but one player from that team back. Coach David Sheldon says his kids understand tournament basketball. “The good thing with this is tournaments are always special, but our guys have been through it. So, this isn't the first time for this group. They understand how important every possession is and the attention to detail when you get the tournament basketball. So, it's an exciting time for the kids, the community, but ultimately it's the next opponent who you're playing and right now it's Bucyrus for a sectional championship,” said Sheldon. Crawford (19-2), #2 in the final Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, beat Bucyrus (62-34) on December 27 in North Robinson and (69-18) on February 6 in Bucyrus. Sheldon cautions this is a new season. “It's the old coaches cliché, everybody's 0-0 now. You look back to last Friday and Bucyrus goes to Upper Sandusky and plays a four point game. So, this is a team that's gotten better, they're healthy, and you have got to take everybody serious and first is Bucyrus Friday night,” he said. Bucyrus (2-20) is seeking to do something they have never done before and Sheldon knows they will be fired up to play them. “They've got a senior that's very good all league player in Dlyan Coppler, who was out a few games and he played really well last weekend. So, you have got guys playing you know their senior year. We've got to make sure we come ready to go,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday afternoon, “You can't look back at the first two games. We're trying to win our 15^th sectional championship in a row and Bucyrus is trying to win number one. So, this is a huge game for these kids to make a statement for their school.” Playing at home in the tournament is a reward and Sheldon says they look forward to it. “When the Northwest District went to this a few years ago and you get the high seed you get to play at home. It's always nice to play on your home floor and one last time the last time we'll get to play at Colonel Crawford for these seniors in front of your community. So, it's special when you have the body of work and have a good season you get rewarded is playing the home tournament game,” said Sheldon. Published 2/27/26 © Swankonsports.com Tune in for a special edition of “Out of Bounds” Saturday night at 10 PM “Your First Source for All Things Sports”

	Crestview Ready for Tournament Click here to listen to an interview with coach Ben McClay Crestview will be up at New London, a Firelands Conference rival, for a division VI sectional final on Friday night. Coach Ben McClay says they are peaking at the right time of the year. “We're definitely playing our best this time of year. We started 4-7 and we finished 8-3. We started 0-3 and finished 3-0. So, we made a lot of progress this season. We are definitely played our best basketball and we're really excited for (Friday),” he said. Crestview (12-10) and New London (13-8) spilt during the regular season with New London winning at home (63-53) on December 12 and the Cougars returning the favor (72-55) on January 17. McClay says they have to contain Henry Thomas and run the Wildcats off the three point line. “I think coach Tom Howell has done an excellent job. They're very fundamentally sound basketball team. They have one player, Henry Thomas, who is really good. He's just a really athletic kid and he has a high motor,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday evening, “I think he's going to be just a really special player. He's only a freshman. He's definitely their best player. I think one of the keys is just containing the three-point line. Not letting them get hot, especially on their home floor and just playing our game.” McClay is relying on sound advice and wants to do the things they have good at executing. “I think a lot of guys in basketball, and sports in general, try to really overcomplicate things x’s and o’s wise and everything that way. We just want to stick to what we've been good at this year. I was talking to Joe Balogh, one of my mentors, and he was just kind of saying just stick with what you guys have had success with and go from there. So, I think that's just going to be a key for us,” said McClay. Tournament games between conference rivals usually end up being close games and McClay says they have played a lot of those. “We've definitely been in a lot of close battles this year. If you look at our games we've only gotten blown out once and then I think we've had three or four or five blowouts on the season on our end. So, we've been in a lot of games where we have to make decisions in the fourth quarter, so we're kind of used to being in those games. With our out of conference schedule, it's really tough, and that's definitely battle tested us for moments like (Friday),” said McClay. Published 2/27/26 © Swankonsports.com Tune in for a special edition of “Out of Bounds” Saturday night at 10 PM “Your First Source for All Things Sports”

	Seneca East Stressing Defense Click here to listen an interview with coach Anthony Langhurst Seneca East hosts Mansfield Christian in a sectional final in division VI on Friday night. The Tigers (16-6) fell to Northern 10 Athletic Conference champion Colonel Crawford (61-48) in their final regular season game last Friday. Anthony Langhurst, the “N10” coach of the year, says he was exited by how well they played in that game. “I was really happy with our effort. Colonel Crawford kind of brought the best out of our guys. A lot of factors went into it, I think Crawford was on the tail end of a long stretch of games, so we kind of caught them on a night where their legs probably weren't there. Our guys played really tough. We had mini cheer, plus with Crawford, the crowd they bring, there's really great atmosphere. The guys fed off that yeah. We were just there. Crawford is a great team. They make some plays there again and that's kind of the difference in the game, but I was happy with our overall performance,” said Langhurst. It is the second time in three years Langhurst has been so honored by his fellow coaches. Mansfield Christian (12-10) comes out of the Mid-Buckeye Conference, where they finished second in the league behind Kidron Central Christian. Langhurst says Mansfield Christian can do a lot of things on offense. “You just look at everybody in our district. Everybody underneath Crawford I think they think they have an opportunity to beat that team they're up against. This is no different. They're to me a scary team. Josiah (Schleusener) is just a good athlete, tough box out he's really good finishing around the basket,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday night, “With our zone, we have got to worry about guys like Cyphers and Morrow. Those guys can really get hot and fill it up. So, it's one of the things where we’re just going to have to communicate defensively, locate their guys. When they throw different looks at us, I'm sure they'll try to do their best to take Luke (Mason) away. So, one of the things where role players have to step up and our stars are going to have to do their thing. It should be a good match up.” Luke Mason is the all-time leading scorer at Seneca East and Langhurst says they need to find ways to get him shots. “We knew that going in that was a game plan. He probably gets sick of it and just getting dogged the whole time. He's used to it. Our guys kind of recognize we have got to get it to him. If he’s not open, we have got to find ways to get him open. It's not going to be any different than every other game we played this year. We're not worried about him stepping his game up. He's been a rock for us this whole year. He's going to bring his game, so hopefully like he's been doing the whole year just elevate everybody else around him,” said Langhurst. Published 2/27/26 © Swankonsports.com Tune in for a special edition of “Out of Bounds” Saturday night at 10 PM “Your First Source for All Things Sports”

	New Philadelphia to Play Athletic Zanesville Click here to listen to an interview with coach Zach Ross New Philadelphia will entertain Zanesville in a division III tournament game in the East District on Saturday night. The Quakers (16-6) shared the Ohio Cardinal Conference title with Dover, Mansfield Senior and Ashland. Cach Zach Ross says their schedule this year has prepared them well for the postseason. “I think our league and our non-league really sets us up to play a lot of different styles and teams. I think Zanesville is definitely a team you would face in our league night in and night out. Dynamic guard play, a lot of good foot speed that they have on the offensive and defensive end. There is a reason you schedule those non-league games. We're in this league and you have got to make the most of it. Hopefully, your non-league can kind of help prep you for the tournament,” said Ross. Zanesville (13-10) beat Dresden Tri-Valley (55-47) in their tournament opener on Tuesday night. Ross says the Blue Devils are going to bring a lot of athletic talent to the floor on Saturday night. “Tuesday night probably played their best game this season, which is any coach’s dream that you’re at your best at tournament time. I thought they played really well. They have got two guards averaging 18 plus. They have got a lot of different guys that can shoot it around them. They have size and their bigs can shoot it as well,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday afternoon, “They really challenge you with their space. Very good offensive rebounding team. Defensively, they really like to get into you and create as much chaos as possible in trapping you in full court and half court. Whatever that may be and just using their quickness to their advantage. They really jumped on Tri-Valley and took a good lead. So, we're going to really have to handle pressure. I maintain it's a game of runs. They have built some confidence already with a tournament win. New Philadelphia beat Zanesville (59-46) in a regular season game on December 30. With the way the tournament is set up in their part of the state, Ross says you have to hit the ground running. “It's unique with this new seven divisions. You win 16 games regular season you usually you get to play a lower seed, but the way it's set up in Division III only five teams right off the get go you have got to be ready to play because you’re playing somebody good,” he said. Published 2/27/26 © Swankonsports.com Tune in for a special edition of “Out of Bounds” Saturday night at 10 PM “Your First Source for All Things Sports”

	River Valley Has to Keep it Going Click here to listen to an interview with coach Rodney Brown River Valley, the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference champion, puts out the welcome mat for Columbus International on Friday night in a division IV tournament game. The Vikings (17-5), #2 in the final Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the large school division, has only lost once in the last seven weeks. Coach Rodney Brow says they wanted to take as much momentum as possible into the postseason. “We tried to finish strong. Wanted to be heading in the right direction moving into the tournament. We’ve really been able to do that beating some pretty good teams down the stretch. I'm just proud of them for keeping the course and working hard,” said Brown. Columbus International (2-18) finished last in the Columbus City League. Brown says they have some athletic guys. “They're athletic, they play in the Columbus City League and they don't have a lot of wins to show for what they've done,” he told Swankonsprts.com on Thursday night, “They have good looking, athletic players. It'll be one of those games where we just have got to take care of business and make sure that we're ready to play and not take anybody for granted.” Brown says they don’t want this game to be in doubt in the second half Friday night. “We talked about that (Thursday). It feels like it's been a month since we played. We haven’t played for over 10 days. Just trying to keep that mental toughness and that focus on every day and trying to get ready and having a good start (Friday) and just kind of set the tone early in our own gym leaving no doubt for us,” he said. Published 2/27/26 © Swankonsports.com Tune in for a special edition of “Out of Bounds” Saturday night at 10 PM “Your First Source for All Things Sports”

	Plymouth Expects Battle From St. Peter’s Click here to listen to an interview with coach Tim Brafford Plymouth plays host to Mansfield St. Peter’s on Thursday night in a sectional final in division VII. With an chance to share the Firelands Conference title, the Big Red was bullied last week by Western Reserve (71-35) on Friday night. Coach Tim Brafford says they didn’t have any intensity in the game. “It was very, very, very disappointing from a coaching standpoint. We were not ready to play. Our intensity was at zero and as far as I'm concerned we just gave up before the game ever started. We got down and never fought to come back. They pushed us around on the floor and we allowed it to happen. Probably my fault, I didn't have them ready to go, so we're working on our intensity and hopefully we come out ready to play. Ever since Jarrett (Burrer) sprained his ankle we've been down and we need to turn this around in a hurry,” said Brafford. At one time, Plymouth (14-8) led the Firelands Conference standings, by three games, but they have lost six of their last eight. Brafford says they have turn the car around right now. “They've got to come out ready to play. St. Pete's is no joke. Roy’s got them playing well. They've got some nice players, they run the floor, they get back in transition, and they play good defense,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday afternoon, “One thing I noticed is they're going to stay until the end of the game regardless of the score. They've only won eight games this year, which is still a good number of games, but once the tournament starts it's a brand new season. Everyone's 0-0, you lose and you go home, so we better come out ready to go.” Brafford says the Spartans have some size and athleticism. He says they get all over offensive glass. “I think it'll be huge. Number #1 is a 6’4”, 6’5” kid is just a great player, runs the floor well can, shoots it, they've got a 6’3” kid that comes in and also is a great rebounder. They've got some speed, they've got some ball handlers, play good defense, it's going to be a battle,” he said. Published 2/25/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	St. Peter’s Must be Really Good Click here to listen to an interview with coach Roy Shoulders Mansfield St. Peter’s is up at Plymouth for a division VII sectional final on Thursday night. Coach Roy Shoulders, in coaching since the 1980’s, says the tournament is about handling nerves. “The whole theory and thought of surviving advance. There's a big different feel for a tournament game than a regular season game just from the standpoint you know regular season game, unless it’s the last game of the year, a regular season game good, bad, or ugly, no matter how you play you always have this knowledge that we're going to be able to get back in the gym and correct some things and make some changes and get ready for the next game,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday evening, “With the tournament game there really is no tomorrow. I think the teams that get past that and that's not a focal point. You have got to go out and play basketball. There's going to be nerves on both sides. I really do believe the first team to let the nerves wash away and just relax and play basketball and really handling that pressure down the stretch. That fourth quarter the reality is someone moves on and someone goes home. How you really handle the stress and the pressure of the fourth quarter I think that says a lot. So, you really do have to be calm and composed and self assured and sometimes just have to sit back and figure breath and relax.” St. Peter’s (8-12) is at Plymouth (14-8) on Thursday night. Plymouth, once (12-2), has lost six of it’s last eight. Still, Shoulders says they are loaded with talent. “They have had some injuries along the way. They are a very good basketball team. Jarett Burrer is as good as anyone will see all year. .Reynolds is really, really good, he's improved so much the sophomore. You look at their perimeter play with Bates, Winfield and Beverly and Kilgore. You can't forget Grose. I mean they have got guys who are athletes. Who can play the basketball game. They're very good off the dribble and they really force you to sit down and play the drive and also really force you to make sure your heads on a swivel away from the ball so you can be there in position off the ball. So, offensively they're just such a very aggressive offensive team, but I don't think they get enough credit for things they do on defense. They really get after it defensively with quick hands getting in passing lanes. So, they're a very good basketball team and we know that,” said Shoulders. Shoulders says they will give it all they have, but they are dealing with some adversity. “We have to be at our best. The sad reality for us is we're going through a really bad bout of sickness on our team. Wednesday is the first day that we've had everybody in the gym. This is our first day of practice all week and so really we have to, in a sense, cram three days of prep into one. The guys really came locked in to do our job. The one thing I love about the group that we have in this that we're a very resilient group. Regardless of the situation we're going to buckle the chin strap and go in and get our knuckles dirty and get our knees dirty. We know we're going to have to be at our best playing against Plymouth,” he said. Published 2/26/26 © Swankonsports.com Tune in for a special edition of “Out of Bounds” Saturday night at 10 PM “Your First Source for All Things Sports”

	Western Should be Relaxed Click here to listen to an interview with coach Chris Sheldon Western Reserve is looking to be the giant killer on Friday night as they play at undefeated Genoa in a division V sectional final. The Riders (11-9) are coming off maybe their best performance of the season in rocking Plymouth (71-35) in a Firelands Conference game on Friday night. Frankly, the kind of outing that basketball junkies thought might be more like what Western Reserve could be this year. Coach Chris Sheldon says they were outstanding on both ends. “I thought offensively we really shared the ball and got great looks, made the extra pass. Again, we've talked about when we don't take bad shots, we're way more efficient offensively. Defensively we're really outstanding in getting to shooters and really shutting down Burrer. That was key for us to be able to you go ahead and stay in the game and then it really got away. We really were able to go on some runs that they just couldn't answer. So, excited to end the regular season that way and now you get the #2 team in the state that’s 22-0,” said Sheldon. Sheldon says Genoa has a great big, a tremendous point guard and a number of shooters. “I wish I could tell you what wasn't good about them. Jeff. It starts with the Ashland University commit 6’8” Walter Plantz, he can do it all. He is a load, he's really good off the bounce and he’s got great footwork for a low post guy and great touch,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday evening. “He's going to get a lot of our attention, but their point guard (Ryan) Routson kid really makes them go. He’s their engine. He’s a 5’8” version of Aaron Craft is what I like to call him. Plays at a high motor, pushes the ball offensively, gets it to the front of the rim or sets up the post guy or their shooters. Then that's the third component, they have got multiple shooters around those two.” Sheldon says their defense must be on point, they have to rebound misses, but overall the pressure in this game is squarely on the shoulders of Genoa. “We're going to have our hands full trying to cover them offensively with making them take tough shots, contested shots and then if we can do that can we rebound the ball because they got some size besides the 6-8 kid. So, it's a tremendous task for us, but as I told our guys we have got nothing to lose. They're the team that’s 22-0 and ranked two in the state. We need to go play free and easy and that should be our mindset walking in there,” he said. Published 2/26/26 © Swankonsports.com Tune in for a special edition of “Out of Bounds” Saturday night at 10 PM

	Upper Has to be able to Handle it Click here to listen to an interview with coach Jeff Winslow Upper Sandusky travels to Galion to face the Tigers in a division IV sectional final on Thursday night. The Rams have a very young team this season and when it comes to the postseason coach Jeff Winslow says sometimes that can be good. “Yeah, they don't know what's going on. They just want to go out and play, so it's just another game to them. They can't wait to get out there. We've had a really good week of practice again, so I'm doing some good things right now hopefully we can play well (Thursday) night,” said Winslow. Upper (8-14) is at Galion (6-16) on Thursday night. The Tigers have won only one game since the new year. However, Winslow says they have some guards that can play. “They have some good guard play. They have got some guards that can shoot it. They have got a couple that can get to the rim really well. They're one big guy can go inside, outside, he's a big, strong kid. He played linebacker for them on the football team,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “They have an athletic five man that can rebound and score inside. So, they're going to be physical with you at the defensive end and play a lot of half court man, get up then you. They like to run a little bit, but they do a really good job of the guards shooting basketball.” Winslow says they put a lot of pressure on the ball and Galion rebounds pretty well too. “They really put a lot of ball pressure on you in the half court and do a good job of trying to take away your stuff. Their two post players are about 6’3” and they rebounded pretty well. So, it's a lot of one and done. They've created some problems with their pressure on the basketball. So, you have got to be able to handle that to score,” he said. Published 2/26/26 © Swankonsports.com Tune in for a special edition of “Out of Bounds” Saturday night at 10 PM “Your First Source for All Things Sports”

	South Central Wants to Play Fast Click here to listen to an interview with coach Dallas Yost South Central will be on their home court Thursday night when they play New Riegel in a division VII sectional final. They almost pulled the big upset, but fell to Firelands Conference champion Monroeville (59-58) last Friday. Coach Dallas Yost says they had a really good chance to win that game. “They were conference champions for a reason. They have got so much debt and balanced scoring offensively. I thought we really in a way outplayed them for four quarters and found a way to lose it there at the end. We had the lead most of the game and that was with Bryan Chaffee picking up a couple quick fouls there in that first quarter. He went out with like maybe a minute left in that first quarter. He didn’t play at all in the second quarter. Actually, I planned on putting them back in there, but we were playing so well and we were able to extend our lead there in second quarter. That's probably when we played our best basketball with our best player on the bench, which is kind of crazy to think about,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “We were up seven at halftime. They made a nice run and cut the lead down and tied it up, or they might have even took the lead by one there in the third quarter. My kids just kept battling, kept responding to every punch that they threw. We were able to retake the lead in the fourth quarter. It was kind of back and forth and then we went up six with like three minutes left. You have got to find a way to win those types of games.” South Central (10-12) entertains New Riegel (6-16) on Thursday night. The Blue Jackets have lost their last five games, but all of them to good teams. Yost says New Riegel is big and physical. “I think they're a really good basketball team. I think their 6-16 record can be a little deceiving, that's for sure. They play in the “SBC” River Division, that's a very competitive league. So, a lot of good teams in which they're very competitive. They’ve got good size. When I first started watching film that's something that I was surprised with. They start 6’4”, 6’4”, 6’2” and 6’1”, which is pretty good size. So, we're going to have to be able to match that physicality a little bit. We can't really match their size, but we're going to have to play a lot bigger than we are so to speak. They have got some good post players inside and they're going to look to throw it into them. They play a slower pace, slower style game,” said Yost. Yost says they don’t want to get into a halfcourt kind of game against New Riegel. “I think pace and tempo is important in this game. Who can dictate pace and tempo. We want to play up and down and create more possessions like a couple games ago against Rittman we shot 76 field goals. I don't know if we'll quite get to that number because we did have a good amount of offensive rebounds that night. We need this game to get it up and down a little bit. I think if we can get that pace and tempo where we like it that's important. I think we can get up and pressure and a little bit and try to take them out of some of those sets and try to speed them up and make them uncomfortable a little bit. Make them make one-on-one plays would be huge for us,” he said. Published 2/26/26 © Swankonsports.com Tune in for a special edition of “Out of Bounds” Saturday night at 10 PM “Your First Source for All Things Sports”

	Mohawk Needs Better Start Click here to listen to an interview with coach Paul Dunn Mohawk plays at home against Wynford in a division VI sectional game on Friday night. These two teams just played last Friday in a Northern 10 Athletic Conference game and the Royals (6-16) hung on to win (63-56) in the end. Coach Paul Dunn says they have play better early in the game. “It's kind of a weird circumstance and how that played out. Some definite familiarity with both teams. The game last Friday, kind of similar to honestly how we played the first game. Didn’t start off well. Credit to Wynford, they came out and played really well right off the get go. So, that's going to be one of our focuses for sure going into the game this Friday is a much better start, much more aggressive start for ourselves,” he said. Dunn says Wynford has some kids that can score and they can get on a roll. “It's a credit to Wynford. They're very young, very talented team. I think Drew Stanek, if he's not one of the most prolific scorers in our league this year, he's going to be for sure the next two years. He just possesses a huge threat. You try to focus on him, but then they've got three guys around him that can fill it up from the outside. So, I think we've got to come out with much more aggressive offensive. I think if we can find a way to get ourselves going on that end of the floor and kind of get ourselves settled in. I think we were down in first game was 12-2 and last game was 11-0. So, anytime you start off like that that's a tough hole to come out of,” said Dunn. Earlier in the season, Mohawk (10-12) rallied from 25 down to beat Wynford (59-58) on January 9. Dunn says they also had some defensive issues they need to clean up. “That was another problem for us. A lot of live ball turnovers that led to them getting some easy transition buckets. Defensively, we didn't do a great job of getting back in transition and stopping the ball and finding the guys,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “It was a multitude of things that we've been really working hard on. Our kids understand it. We've talked about it. We watched the whole film Saturday and tried to zero in on the things that we can control. They're a good team, they're going to score their points, but there's things that we can improve upon to give ourselves a better chance against a team like that.” Published 2/26/26 © Swankonsports.com Tune in for a special edition of “Out of Bounds” Saturday night at 10 PM “Your First Source for All Things Sports”

	New London Must Rebound Click here to listen to an interview with coach Tom Howell New London will be at home for Crestview in a sectional final in division VI on Friday night. Veteran coach Tom Howell says it’s the tournament and teams have to have a different approach. “We've been talking about it. I mean everything is important, it’s always important, but it's a little bit different right now. You're getting into the second part of the season, which you either win and advance or you lose and you go home. There is a different attitude that needs to be brought into this practice week,” he said. New London (13-8) hosts Crestview (12-10) on Friday night. They spilt their two meetings in Firelands Conference play, each winning at home. New London (63-53) on December 12 and Crestview (72-55) on January 17. Howell says Crestview is very athletic all over the floor. “They're pretty good, they're playing pretty well right now. They've had a great second half of the season. They have got one of the best players in the in the area in Karter Goon and they got some guys that go along with it,” he told Swanknsports.com on Wednesday afternoon, “They're very long, very athletic kids. We split with them during the season. Everybody looks at that, but it's one game, it's one game and you have got to come ready to play. Hopefully on Friday, we're going to come and see what we can do.” Howell says one thing is for sure, they have to keep the Cougars off the offensive glass. “We have got to keep them off the offensive glass, that's the first and foremost. That's what we've been talking about all week. We have got to limit them to one shot. With their athletic ability they rebound on the offensive end and put it back in. That's going to be huge for us. I think that's what we're focusing on right now. There's other things we need to do well, they drive the basketball well, but man if we can't rebound, we're going to be in trouble,” said Howell. Published 2/25/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Calvert Respects Lucas Click here to listen to an interview with coach Jon Otterbacher Tiffin Calvert entertains Lucas in sectional final game in division VII on Thursday night. Calvert (14-7) has won its last four, including a (58-48) win over Lakota in a “SBC” River Division game on Friday night and five of its last six. Coch Jon Otterbacher says they are starting to peak at the right time. “We're doing a lot of good things, a lot of little things to get better, our rotations getting fine-tuned. The kids are making plays and when you have kids that do what they're taught and coached and praised to do, then things go well,” said Otterbacher. Lucas (0-21) has obviously had some problems winning games this season, but Otterbacher says they will do some things that could give them some issues. “Well, let's be honest they have as many tournament wins as we do right now. So, actually they have some nice athletes. They have a nice big post. I really love watching their film and coach (Corbin Toms) does a lot of nice stuff, a lot of nice sets,” said Otterbacher. Lucas may be winless, but Otterbacher says he believes it is going to be a battle on Thursday. “Maybe they might not have as many wins as what they wanted to, but they play good basketball. I'll be honest about that. They have two nice guards, both upperclassmen,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “Cooper Day is a dynamic athlete. He leads them the best he can. Like I said the big post Haden Maloney is 6’6” and a lefty. He can finish around the rim. He's got nice moves. He can jump. It's going to be a battle regardless of what their record is.” Published 2/26/26 © Swankonsports.com Tune in for a special edition of “Out of Bounds” Saturday night at 10 PM “Your First Source for All Things Sports”

	Madison Has to Make Plays Click here to listen to an interview with coach Davey Hipp Madison travels across town to face the Lexington Minutemen for the second time in less than a week. This time Wednesday night in a division III sectional final. Last Friday, they beat Lexington (48-45) in an Ohio Cardinal Conference game. Coch Davey Hipp says they played some pretty good defense. “I think the biggest thing for us is we battled back. We got down early and we kept chipping at the lead. When we got the lead I thought we played well and took care of the ball,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday night, “We got good shots. Defensively, we didn't give him open shots. I noticed with Lex, when they get open threes and you give them wide open shots, they tend to make them. If you contest you can live with them making a few shots, but ideally you don't give them wide open looks.” They also beat Lexington (64-60) in double overtime on January 17. Hipp says he expects some adjustments to the Lexington game plan, little ones. “Playing them twice already, being in the same league, third time around is always a little different. I’m sure there'll be some different looks. I think our guys are ready and prepared for anything they can throw at us. I'm sure they'll be very prepared for us this time around too,” said Hipp. Hipp says they are going to again have to be able to make plays at the end of the game. “We were just talking, the first two games we won by a combined seven points. The first time by four and then three on Friday, so obviously we're well matched, they're a good team and you can pretty much expect another thrilling game,” he said. Published 2/25/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Shelby Has to be at Best Click here to listen to an interview with coach Greg Gallaway Shelby welcomes Kenton in a division IV sectional final on Thursday night. The Whippets ended the regular season in second place in the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference after beating Marion Pleasant (59-48) in a conference game last Saturday. Coach Greg Gallaway says they played some good basketball. “We were really pleased with their effort. I thought our guys just had an urgency on the road. It's extremely tough to play over at Pleasant. Plus, a team that's playing really good basketball. I think they won ten of their last 12 going into that game. So, just really proud of our effort and concluding the regular season on a strong note,” he said. Shelby (14-7) has Kenton (2-19) on Thursday night. The winner will advance to play Ontario next week in the district semis. Gallaway says there is no question the Wildcats have been tested. “With them being in the Western Buckeye League that tells you right there that they're battle tested. Just always a really good league on the basketball floor and other sports as well. Whenever you are able play an Ottawa-Glandorf every year, Van Wert, Lima Shawnee, Lima Bath, Elida, you're going to be playing against some really good teams throughout the regular season. So, they've been through a tough schedule. They have got some good athletes, and they have got some size. We're really fortunate to be able to play at home and to be able to host the sectional final game. So, we have got to be ready to go here Thursday night and hopefully we can put together a four quarter game,” said Gallaway. Gallaway says they will see a lot of defensive looks from Kenton. “It's kind of a little bit a different animal. Things by this course of the season. We are at the end and you've seen a lot of different things thrown at you defensively with man, with zones, so they do a combination of both,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday night, “There's some different player comparisons that we were able to talk about with our scout with some of the guys that they have in their lineup. So, we're able to try to put together things like that within our scouting report. Ultimately, we've told this to our guys after we left the locker room at Pleasant. This is a whole new season. It doesn’t matter how many wins we had throughout the season or how many wins they had we have got to show up if we want to play another week. So, that's really our mindset right now.” Published 2/25/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Crawford to Face Crestview Pressure Click here to Listen to an interview with coach Zac Bauer Colonel Crawford, the Northern 10 Athletic Conference champion, plays Crestview, of the Firelands Conference, in a division VI district semifinal at Shelby High School on Wednesday night. They hammered Bucyrus (49-17) on Saturday in a sectional final. Coach Zac Bauer says it was a good way to get the tournament started for the Lady Eagles. “I heard something the other day after our sectional final game. The hardest tournament game sometimes to play in is the first one because it's so different than the regular season. There are a lot of similarities with your first tournament game and your regular season. You played at home and a 6 PM start. It is just the routine is a little bit different. It was nice to get a game in and to get that tournament feeling before we play on a neutral floor with a little bit more change. So, it was a good win against the well coached Bucyrus team. It was nice to get the experience and win a sectional for our young team and now we're ready to look forward to the game against Crestview (Wednesday) night,” said Bauer. Colonel Crawford (21-2), #2 in the final Swankonsports.com girls’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, faces Crestview (13-9) on Wednesday. Bauer says the Lady Cougars will show them a lot of pressure. “Crestview is a really competitive group that is coached really well. They play really hard defensively and they're really disruptive and kind of chaotic on that end. I think that that kind of helps their offense flow downhill. Stymieing some of their opponents with their with their pressure on the ball,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday afternoon, “I've been really impressed with how well they pressure the ball in the passing lanes. That's something I've kind of enjoyed watching them do and kind of studying how they do that. They play really, really hard. I've watched him play a few times and they compete for 32 minutes and that's a statement to the culture they've created there.” Bauer says especially in the postseason, you have to take one possession at a time. “That just comes from living in the moment. Something we've kind of tried to shift our focus to as we get into tournament atmosphere is like be present in the moment because even if you do find yourself in a deficit you can't make up an eight point deficit in one possession. It comes with one at a time. A good start starts with winning the first possession and then winning the second possession, the third. That would be the same as kind of digging your way out of the deficit it starts with winning the next possession and then the one after that and the one after that,” he said. Published 2/25/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Wynford to Play Improved Buckeye Central in the Districts Wynford meets Buckeye Central, two teams in the Northern 10 Athletic Conference, at Shelby High School on Wednesday night in a division VI district semifinal. The Lady Royals (18-5) destroyed South Central (44-12) in a sectional final last week. Coach Amy Taylor-Sheldon says it was good to play at home. “The advantage of your sectional now is the high seed hosts and gives the kids another opportunity to play on their home court and cut the net down and their own gym, which is very exciting for a championship. So, get past that first hump and get on to the next game as soon as the net comes down,” said Taylor-Sheldon. Buckeye Central (6-17) has played some of the better teams on their schedule pretty tough the second half of the season. Taylor-Sheldon says they know each other pretty well. “There are no mysteries. They have steadily improved all season long and had some great outputs from some of their best players. They have been within 10 points of some of the best teams in our area. Colonel Crawford and Willard in the last couple weeks of the season and our playing their best basketball right now,” she said. Buckeye beat Mid-Buckeye Conference champion Mansfield Christian (57-33) las week in a sectional final. Wynford won both regular season meetings (47-30) December 12 in New Washington and (38-24) on January 16 at Wynford. Taylor-Sheldon says they can’t take anything for granted. “That's a big mental part of the game. We try to show it as this is season two and we're 1-0 season two. Have the perspective on going through your clips of the first two times and who that have played since then,” she told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday evening, “All of the teams that played since then trying to consider how they've improved, what's changed since the last time that you played and just do the preparation as best you can.” Published 2/25/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	New London to Play Athletic Woodmore New London, the Firelands Conference champion, takes on Woodmore, of the “SBC” River, in a division VI district semifinal on Wednesday night at Fremont Ross High School. Last week, the Lady Wildcats (20-3) drilled Western Reserve (46-18) in a sectional final. Coach Eric Mitchell says they defended well and were able to get the ball inside. “It was one of those games. Early on they did a very good job. Seeing an opponent that many times you're bound and determined to know what each other is going to do. Like I said, he does such a good job up there with Western, but you know once we settled in defensively, I thought that second half. Really the way that we played inside basketball with Pailee (Wilson) and Gracie (Thomas) we just did a tremendous job. They honestly, I mean no disrespect, but they just had no answer for our inside game and that allowed us to kind of build that lead and carry it off get that win,” said Mitchell. Woodmore (17-6) beat River Division Gibsonburg (50-42) in a sectional final. Mitchell says they are athletic and they want to run the floor. “A very athletic team. They come out of that “SBC” River Division up there. They’re athletic, have a lot of seniors, very similar to us. I think they start five seniors. They’re a little deeper than us. I think they play about nine girls and rotate them in awful quickly. They are an athletic team. They want to get out and run and transition a little bit. They do a pretty good job defensively. They mix up their defenses quite a bit. So, it's one of those games if we just settle in and can try to control the pace I think we'll be okay out there because size wise I think we have an advantage there. We just have to be able to handle it slow down their speed a little bit,” he said. Mitchell says this kind of approach isn’t new to them. “No disrespect to Woodmore, but and in a sense a little bit of Norwayne in the way that Norwayne got out and ran. I haven't played a team this year that that ran and transitioned like Norwayne. The good thing was we were able to settle in and adjust to what they did. Really, we played him even for three quarters. Just we got behind and lost that game by nine,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday night, “I would say some of that, but doesn't have the skill set. I think the way that they want to try to get out and run a little bit. We have seen some teams that want to try out getting out and run with us. I think a lot of teams just underestimate us maybe because we do have size. My six girls, they're conditioned. They've played 23 games now. They're not getting as tired a lot because they know they have got to run up and down the court.” Published 2/25/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Clear Fork Ready to go Clear Fork plays at home against Fostoria in a division IV sectional final on Wednesday night. After finishing the regular season February 13, the Colts did have a game last week, but coach Barndon Baumgardner says they got some good work in to keep in a grove. “It was good for us to get our legs little healed up, but we were also worried about losing our game legs a little bit. I was not able to get a scrimmage during the week, so we decided to do an intersquad scrimmage on Thursday, middle of the week last week, just try and play a game like situation and keep the guys legs fresh. It went well, actually ended up going to overtime, it was that competitive. It was good for them to actually play in a game like situation and we were lucky to get out without having injury,” said Baumgardner. Clear Fork had won their last three regular season games before that break. The Colts (8-14) are at home for Fostoria (2-20) on Wednesday night. The Redmen have had some problems in getting results this year. However, Baumgardner says they do have a player in Jayceon Tucker. “I’m sure coach (Cody) Johnson is going to have the ready to play. They have the 6’6” athlete Tucker, a 1000 point scorer in his career. He's going to be a tough guard for us. They’re a team you don't want to overlook. You throw records out the window come tournament time. We just got to be ready to go and see what happens,” he said. There have been some games this season when Fostoria has tried to force the tempo, but Baumgardner says not always. “Watching film on them it's depends on who they're playing. Some teams they try and press and push the tempo and other times they sit back in a 2-3 zone most of the game,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday evening, “They scored some points in some games where it's been high scoring where the other team is scoring 80, 90 points and they are scoring in the 60s and 70s, but in other games that are held in the 30s and 40s as well.” Published 2/25/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Bellevue Defense Will be Stretched Bellevue entertains Vermilion in a sectional final in division IV on Thursday night. The Redmen (13-9) are coming off a (56-52) win at Willard in a non-conference game on Friday night. Coach Ed Rich hopes they can carry some momentum into Thursday night. “That's what we preached about in practice (Monday) is just playing with some confidence. I thought we played with good confidence, good energy against Willard. We found a way to find a way to beat them. We're going to have to get the same type of game to beat the Vermilion team who shoots a lot of threes and can make a lot of threes,” he said. Vermilion (9-13) won five of their first six games, but they have been inconsistent since that time. Rich says they have the capability to make a lot of threes. “Earlier they were kind of had a record similar to ours. I think their schedule got a little bit tougher. They also dealt with some injuries and maybe a suspension from an episode in the Willard game. They're playing well,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday afternoon, “They love the three ball. There's only about two guys in their in their seven, right man rotation who won't let it fly. So, they kind of live and die with it, but they all they also can get to the rack. They get to the rack and you have to defend them getting there. They're going to kick for the three balls, so they're definitely dangerous.” Now, Rich says the Sailors also have a post presence and that can open up some of those perimeter shots. “They bring a big kid off the bench who 6’6”, 6’7” gosh 260, 270. They're going to try to get it down low and if you double down on him, they're going to kick it out and shoot three balls. If they get hot, they can be really, really dangerous,” he said. Published 2/25/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Old Fort to Play its Game Old Fort plays host to Fremont St. Joe in a division VI sectional final on Thursday night. Last Friday, they played one of the best teams in this region in the Margaretta Polar Bears. They lost (72-53), but coach Eric Hoover says it was a good learning experience. “They're obviously outstanding and they're going to give us challenges that we’re not going to see probably or little more difficult than we're going to see. So, it was a good way to get a tune up in. I thought we played pretty well for the most part. I mean certainly had a really good first quarter. We didn't come out intimidated at all. Last year, I felt like we were not confident in ourselves when we played them, but that wasn't really the case this time. We gave up too many layups ultimately in the end. Kind of letting them see mistakes happen over and over again, but that's why we did it. For teams like that to be able to find weaknesses that maybe we weren't sure about so we can clean those up before the tournament,” said Hoover. The Stockaders (14-8) overwhelmed St. Joe (1-21) when they played them in the regular season to the tune of (74-15) on January 6. Hoover says they Crimson Streaks are going to play hard. “I think coach (Jabryis) Heidelberg does a great job with them. I think he's in a tough situation for sure. One thing when we played them the first time is they play hard. I mean they're not going to lay down for you. They're going to go out there and play hard. They played hard the entire game. They went out there and battled,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday night, “That's what he can expect from them and that's what we expect from them. So, you're going to have to be ready to go. If you don't take care of business, you don't want to create any bad habits either. Even if you get a lead, you have still got to be able to play with the lead and just have that mentality of tournament basketball.” Hoover says they want to play to their standards. “I think that's something we talk about in our program a lot. We always want to play to our standard. We don't judge a game based on whether we win or lose. We judge it based on how we played in comparison to what we're capable of. So, I don't think Thursday will be any different,” he said. Published 2/25/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Flames Have to Contain Mason Mansfield Christian visits Seneca East for a division VI sectional final on Friday night. The Flames (12-10) spilt their games on the final weekend of the regular season in losing (47-45) to Cardington Friday and beating Bucyrus (52-31) on Saturday. Coach Cary Craner is pleased they were able to take some momentum into the postseason. “We were hoping to get two wins last weekend. Finish the regular season with two wins, but we weren't able to get it done Friday night. We came back Saturday and played pretty well. It was good to have that game Saturday night because they play a lot like Seneca East as far as the type of defense they’re running and whatnot,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday evening, “It was good to see the boys come back and get that win and then play pretty good. So, just hate to lose that one, but we didn't get a win going into tournaments.” Seneca East (16-6) lost to “N10” champ Colonel Crawford (61-48) on Friday. They finished third in the conference standings. Craner says their big guns are Luke Mason, their senior point guard, and freshman Jaron Depinet. “They have got a couple big boys up there. Two good kids, one that can just shoot from anywhere on the floor. We just have got to make sure we stick with him at all times. Then they have got a freshman that's really athletic and just plays really well. A couple boys around them too that can shoot on a given night. It's the two that we have really got to stop. The point guard and then the wing, the freshman,” he said. Craner says they need to they can to keep the ball out of Mason’s (17 ppg) hands. “He constantly moves. I've watched plenty of film. He just doesn't run out of energy. Just all the time on the move. You can stop him maybe by face guarding and stuff, but he's going to get to the basket,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday evening, “He's going to clean up dirty and rebounds and he's going to get buckets that way. We've been working on some things this week to try to contain him. I think if we can do that we might be okay, but he's a good ball player. I know he's the all time leading scorer up there at Seneca East and so it's going to be a tough chore for us to stop him.” Published 2/25/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Galion Has to Make Shots Galion hosts Upper Sandusky in a division IV sectional final on Thursday night. The Tigers (6-16) have only won only one game this calendar year. Coach Tyler Sanders says they have just struggled to put the ball in the basket. “There's really two ways you can look at our team this season. You can look at the defensive side and you probably give us a pretty decent grade and then you could give us an offensive grade and it wouldn't be as pleasing. So, we just have really struggled to put the ball in the hoop. The good news is our defense has kept us in a lot of games. I think if we can find some consistency on the offensive end then we put ourselves in an opportunity to win most games,” said Sanders. Upper Sandusky (8-14) really chased powerful Ottawa-Glandorf hard last week before losing (45-44) in overtime. Sanders says they have good perimeter shooting. “They're kind of similar in they're young. Coach (Jeff) Winslow does a great job. I think his boys are all very fundamental. Do a good job of taking care of the basketball that goes and they know their roles well,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday afternoon, “They're streaky and they can really shoot the basketball. They have got guys that play really hard. I think what's most impressive about them is they play really hard for 32 minutes and it doesn't matter the opponent. So, we will definitely have our hands full on Thursday night.” Sanders says they have played a tough regular season schedule and he hopes that helps them in this game. “I think that's kind of the beauty of playing in the “MOAC” is I think you have some high level games all the time and there's always a lot on the line. We were really challenged here with our strength schedule stuff. We had a lot of those nerve wracking games against some really tough opponents. Unfortunately, we didn't come out on the end we’d like, but it’s a new season and both teams are 0-0 and we look forward to the to the challenge on Thursday,” he said. Published 2/25/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Clear Fork is Going to do What They do Clear Fork locks horns with Willard in a division V district semifinal to be played on Tuesday night at Kansas Lakota High School. The winner gets either Archbold or Delta in a district final back at Lakota on Saturday afternoon. Coach Scott Sellers says this year their district pod is loaded. “We cross bracketed this year, so we brought in eight more teams. You have got to kind of pick your path. It just so happens that Ottawa Glandorf had the year that they had and a lot of teams went opposite of them. So, there was a sectional final the other day that was 18-4 Delta versus 20-2 Paulding and Delta won. We're facing Willard, who’s 19-4, just like us. The winner that's going to take on the winner of the Archbold-Delta game and that will probably be a 20 team or a 17, 18 win team there. So, it's definitely tough and the path this year is tough. We're looking forward to it. It's tournament time and you have got a lot of good games now,” he said. Clear Fork (19-4) hammered Galion (60-31) last Friday night in sectional final. Willard (19-4) likewise drilled Huron (52-21) in their tournament opener on Saturday afternoon. The Lady Flashes finished #3 in the final Swankonsports.com coaches poll in the small school division, Clear Fork was #5. Sellers says Willard has a lot of size. “Well, they're huge, they're really big. They know how to win. They have got five seniors coming back. We played them last year when they were all juniors, but they were missing Reese Bedingfield. They've had a tremendous year, they really have. They've played a lot of close games and some of their losses that they've had and they've taken care of business like they can as well. They start yeah 5’9”, 6’0”, 5’11”, 6’0”, somewhere in there. It's just a team that you don't see a lot just with that much size and they're good basketball players. They have got a lot of skill. They can pass the ball around and they can handle some pressure, so big time challenge for us,” said Sellers. Clear Fork has been a team that has forced tempo and Sellers says they are not going to stop doing that now. “If you watch us on film and scout us and things like that we like to do a certain number of things a game and we don't deviate a lot from it. I don't try to trick people or things like that. We try to get up and play with some pace and push the ball and shoot it and trap and defend as much as we can,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “That's worked out well for us. Even in some of our losses I wouldn't say it's because of that style. Some of it is you're playing a better team or they just get you on that day or you don't shoot the ball well, what have you. It's served us pretty well in the last couple of years playing the way we've played and I don't see anything changing.” Published 2/24/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Willard Has to Handle Clear Fork Pressure Willard tangles with Clear Fork on Tuesday night in a division V district semifinal at Kansas Lakota High School. The Lady Flashes (19-4), #3 in the final Swankoonsports.com coaches poll in the small school division, crushed Huron (52-21) in a sectional final on Saturday afternoon. Coach Alanna Bedingfield says they played well on both ends. “I thought our girls did a pretty good job. Huron was really ready to go. They came out of the gate and hit some good shots and we responded really well with some defensive pressure and defensive intensity. Then we made some shots on the offensive end as well that that opened it up a little bit for us. So, I thought our girls played well down the stretch and we're able to come out with a good win,” she said. Clear Fork beat Willard (61-39) in a district final last year, but the Lady Flashes played that game without Reese Bedingfield, who did not play due to a knee injury. The Lady Colts (19-4), #5 in our poll, also had an easy time in their sectional final in thrashing Galion (60-31) on Friday night. Coach Bedingfield says Clear Fork’s approach to the game has not changed much. “They're very similar to last year's team. They have great shooters, they shoot a lot of threes, they drive really well to the basket, they get downhill really well and then they convert,” she told Swankonsports.com on Monday evening, “On the defensive end they do a really good job pressuring the ball and getting in the passing lanes. They move really well on the defensive end and they crash really hard. So, they're very good team and they're really well coached. So, we're hoping to handle the ball, handle their pressure and then give them some defensive intensity on that defensive end and try to get some turnovers as well.” Bedingfield says they need to defend the Clear Fork shooters and handle their press. “They definitely like to push the tempo. We've seen on film a lot of times where they take it from end to end and if nobody stops the ball and they just go into the score or pull and shoot a three. So, they do push the tempo, they like to get a lot of possessions in. We've got to negate that with playing our offense and making sure that we're taking care of the ball, we're moving the ball well and doing what we need to do on the offensive end. Then defensively, we've just got to make sure that we're giving them pressure, we're out on their shooters, we're boxing out and only allowing one shot opportunity,” said Bedingfield. Published 2/24/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Madison Must Play Well Madison faces Tiffin Columbian on Tuesday night in a division III district semifinal at Buckeye Central. This winner advances to a district final at Buckeye on Saturday afternoon against either Toledo Central Catholic or Toledo Rogers. Madison (14-8) has not played a game since February 12, which is almost two weeks. They have won nine of their last 11 and coach Doug Rickert says they have tried to keep that momentum the best they could. “We tried to do the best we could of trying to keep practice similar to what it was. We gave the girls a day off here and there just to keep their legs rested and still run them enough to keep them in shape. Yeah, it's always something that you are just concerned about. You're in a nice flow, you've been playing good basketball and you wish you were playing, but there really wasn't a whole lot we could do about that,” he said. Tiffin Columbian (14-9) edged Ontario (38-36) in a sectional final last Thursday. They beat the Lady Rams (55-41) on December 27. Rickert says that loss was kind of a turning point for them. “Well, I think they're a good basketball team and they did beat us. I think we were down one or up one of at the half. We didn't play a really good third quarter against them. I thought it was a period where we weren't playing really good basketball. It was over break. The funny thing was that was the game that we kind of used to propel us a little bit. The film session wasn't good that night. We talked about how lazy we were and a lot of possessions and we had to work harder. We kind of turned it around after that game. Now, with that said, they're a good team, like I said. They've got a district first teamer on there that gave us some fits the last time. We're going to have to play our best basketball to win,” said Rickert. On Tuesday night, Rickert says they have rebound and they can’t have a bunch of silly turnovers. “Well, first of all they're very good on the offensive glass. We have got to keep them off the offensive glass, that's number one. I think we have to know where their shooters are. They have two really good shooters from the outside. The girl that plays inside is just really good at going to the basket. We know a lot of their tendencies now. We've watched a lot of film. We were able to play them,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “The girls know everything. We've got what we feel is a good game plan, but at some point you have got to execute it. We've got to take care of the basketball. When we get ourselves in trouble, we turn the ball over and a lot of times it's not forced turnovers. That's the frustrating thing, so we've got to protect the basketball and we've got to keep them off the offensive glass.” Published 2/24/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Ashland Must Rebound Ohio Cardinal Conference champion Ashland meets Norwalk, the “SBC” Lake runnerup, in a division III district semifinal at Buckeye Central High School on Tuesday. The winner of this game will play either Defiance or Elida on Saturday night at Columbus Grove High School in a district final. The Lady Arrows beat Norwalk (58-44) in a district final last year. They smoked Sandusky (79-31) in a sectional final last week. Coach Renee Holt says they came out and did what they needed to do to win. “I thought we came out and we really executed what we've been talking about this past week. We shot the ball well, we played defense, we're doing the right things at the right time,” said Holt. Ashland (20-3), #2 in the final Swankonsports.com girls’ basketball coaches poll, tangles with Norwalk (17-6), #4 in our poll, for the second straight year. The Lady Truckers buried Mansfield Senior (69-17) in their sectional final last Thursday. Holt says they have players all over the floor. “They're going to be tough. They’re a great program, great coach, just strong kids. They have post players, they have a strong point guard, and it's going to be a tough competition. I think my girls are going to rise up rise up to the challenge and battle it out for the district semis,” she said. When it comes to keys, Holt says they had to defend, but first and foremost they have rebound the basketball. “I think overall we have to get the first rebound. Those second chance points I think Norwalk kills teams on the second chance points with those post players down low,” she told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “We just have to play great defense. Play Ashland basketball. What we've preached about all season. Just putting things together and of course we got to shoot the ball well.” Published 2/24/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Shelby Has to be Patient Shelby takes on Genoa in a division IV district semifinal on Tuesday night at Fostoria High School. The Lady Whippets (13-10) knocked off Clyde (50-47) in a sectional final on the road on Saturday afternoon. Coach Natalie Lantz says they weren’t clean, but they were pretty good against the Lady Fliers. “It was a good win. I thought the girls played hard and played well. It was definitely their best third quarter of the season. They came out focused and ready. We definitely made our mistakes, but we stayed tough and strong and had each other's backs to finish the game,” she said. Genoa (17-6), the second seed, smoked Sandusky Perkins (72-33) in their sectional final on Saturday. Lantz says they show some balance and have good size. “They're a good team. They're very good team. They've got sisters that are probably their top two players, but they're very well-rounded. They're a strong defensive team, they're good rebounding team, they've got size. They've got three girls that can knock down the three ball pretty consistently. So, we're definitely going to have to play some top ball to get the “W” (Tuesday) night,” said Lantz. In order to win, Lantz says they have to get possession of the ball and when they have it, show good patience. “Our defensive talk and rotation is huge. Limiting the number attempts that they get at the basket will be very important as well,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday evening, “Offensively we need to be patient. If we get pressure, it's fine we just have got to continue to stay composed and make the right plays. We need to be patient and work for great shots that helps increase our shooting percentage. We'll definitely want to get kids on offensive boards, but at the same time we need to be ready to get back in defensive transition they are a good transition team.” Published 2/24/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Rebounding a Big Key for St. Paul Thursday night will be the third time around for Norwalk St. Paul and Monroeville, this time in a division VII sectional final at Monroeville. Coach Steve Minior says this rivalry is really like no other in North Central Ohio. “We hope it lives up to the hype. I'm sure everybody thinks they see those two names. There's only a couple other names that I relate it to Ohio State and the other team and maybe Duke-Carolina. So, I'm sure other people will disagree, but in my universe those all go hand in hand, those rivalries right there,” he said. St. Paul (12-10) lost for the first time in six games when Crestview beat them (67-57) in a Firelands Conference game last Friday. Monroeville won the conference title when they edged South Central (59-58) last week. Minor says the Eagles (17-5) have all the elements of a good team. “They are big, they have good guard play, they have depth and they have great leadership. They've got a senior laden team. They check all the boxes, that's for sure. It's also a group of kids that have carried success over from the football season as well. So, they're used to success. Just the same as they're used to having to play us a lot. So, there's not a whole lot of build up for it, it is what it is. Everybody knows what they hope it's going to be and then you never know which way it goes once the ball goes up in the air,” said Minor. Minor says the Monroeville kids are winners and that is important. “Going back to some other things with them I wanted to mention this. Good teams win when they don't need to. I'm sure people were updating them on the Plymouth game and they could have very easily said oh well Plymouth out of that with a quarter to go we're just going to take it easy,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “They didn't want any part of that. They clawed and scraped and fought their way back for that hard fought win last Friday. So, when they won when they didn't have to. I liken that to what we did the last couple of years when we were up. We went out and won when we didn't have to because the kids don't want to lose. They're certainly not going to want to lose to us. Hopefully, not as much as we don't want to lose to them.” The two schools spilt their regular season games, each winning at home. The Eagles won (57-47) on December 12 and St. Paul came out on top (44-38) on January 17. Minor says they have to rebound and take smart shots. “First and foremost, you've got to limit their shots. We can't get beat in the rebounding, that was huge last time we played them. With the size that they have, and the depth that they have, we have to keep them off the boards. We have to play smart on both ends of the floor. Take a good shot not a risky shot and don't waste fouls because we don't have a whole lot of giveaway,” he said. Published 2/24/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Sandusky Wants to Throw it Inside Sandusky plays host to Toledo Woodward in a sectional final in division III on Wednesday night. With a (70-44) win over Bellevue last Wednesday the Blue Streaks earned a share of the Sandusky Bay Conference Lake Division title, their fifth in a row. Coach DeMar Moore says his team has gotten nothing but better this season. “Like I tell everybody that I've been talking to. If you could just see us from the start of the season until (Monday) just the growth in our team has been amazing to be a part of and to top it off with a conference championship for the fifth year in a row is amazing,” said Moore. Five straight titles is a testament to what they do at Sandusky, according to Moore. “It really is. We keep our guys in the gym. We stress excellence. We set the standard high and our guys from day one they bought into what we're what we're trying to sell them,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday night, “It's really fun to coach. I think of all the five years this has probably been the hardest year. That's why the end is the most rewarding with the conference championship this year.” Sandusky (14-7), #5 in the final Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the large school division, will host Woodward (5-14) on Wednesday. Moore says the Polar Bears will put some athletes on the floor. “I watched a little bit of film on them. They're athletic, they play hard, they don't have very much size, so hopefully we can pound the ball inside and have some success there. I think if we can turn them over a little bit and create some offense from our defense, I think we'll be fine,” he said. Published 2/24/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Crestline Just Might be Peaking Crestline will be at home for Buckeye Central in a division VII sectional final on Thursday night. The goal is to be peaking at this time of year and coach Paul Webb says they are doing that. “I think there's a confidence factor. You look at kind of our top two, Kieran Barnett and Cody Lawhorn have been guys that have played a ton of basketball and they play at a high level. We had Weston (Clark) transfer in and getting to play for a new system and a new coach it just took him a little while. Now you look and he's really locked in on what we're doing and getting after it. Quentin Kapp has been on an absolute tear the last 10 games the way he's played. Then Kordaie Robinson who was a JV player for us last year has had a great impact playing defense and starting for us this season,” said Webb. Crestline (12-10) has Buckeye Central (3-18) in the postseason opener on Thursday. Webb says they are coached well and have an outstanding guard in Hunter Caudill. “Coach (Chris) Moyer is an excellent coach. He does a great job with scouters. He's one of those coaches that you call out a set and he's yelling what we're going to be doing, where we're going to be going and what we're looking for. So, he doesn't excellent job,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday night, “Hunter Caudill is a really good guard and he's been giving us problems since he was a sophomore. There's a lot there that that he does for that team. They ask him to do a lot. Jeremiah Fishpaw is another kid that has played a ton of basketball. We've been going against him for three years now. They have got a young kid like Hayden Hafner. He's a big kid that does a really nice job of finishing inside, shoots well over 50%. For a freshman that's pretty excellent. It really starts with trying to shut down Hunter.” Crestline destroyed Buckeye Central (67-38) on January 31. Webb says they can’t be thinking about that. “We've been preaching that since the draw that that first game means absolutely nothing. This is a 0-0 contest. Buckeye Central to proud program. Again, they have an excellent coach and they're going to come out well prepared and going to give us everything they have got,” he said. Published 2/24/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Clear Fork to Start Second Season Clear Fork, the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference champion, hosts Galion in a division V sectional final on Friday night at Les Hauenstein Gym. Coach Scott Sellers says they have accomplished their first goal of the season, now they start working on the second. “Now it's you win or you're done playing basketball. So, for us we look at it a couple ways. We were 14-0 in our conference play. We were 4-4 in non conference play, but our losses were just some really good teams that I thought made us better throughout the year. We always have two goals, it's to win a conference championship and it's to get to a state final four. Before this year we were 0-10 on that. I think it's something we're going to keep striving for. The kids are excited, the coaches are excited, it's just a special time of year,” said Sellers. Clear Fork (18-4), #5 in the final Swankonsports.com girls’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, will be at home for Galion (7-15), the Lady Tigers finished at the bottom of the “MOAC” standings. Sellers says they were more competitive in the league this year than they have been. “I tell you what, I think they have won more games this year than I think they've won in the past seven years. They played with a lot of pace and pressure. I think they were within River Valley twice by six or eight and Harding by a couple points,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday afternoon, “They've certainly have improved. For us, it’s the old cliche of one game at a time. It does ring true. You never want to have a slip up in a game like this even though it's one versus eight. So, I know that they'll be ready. We'll be ready to go.” Clear Fork beat Galion (64-19) on January 3 and (62-27) on February 5. Sellers says it’s good to be at home and they are excited to start tournament play. “It used to be all sectional games were on a neutral floor. It is nice now that the northwest district does have the sectional final at your home floor. We get one more game this year, which is really nice. I think that that will help us, but I also think that just our preparation for this season and kind of what we put into it. Again, the kids are ready we've had nine, 10 days off and we play (Friday) night at 6:00 PM and I know that they'll be ready,” he said. Published 2/20/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	Western Reserve Must Execute Late Western Reserve is down at Plymouth for a game with the Big Red on Friday night in Firelands Conference play. It’s a chance for Western to play spoiler as Plymouth must have a win to have a chance to share the conference title. Last week, the Riders got a good win over Crestview (64-56) in conference play on Friday, but lost (69-66) to Edison in non-league play on Saturday. Coach Chris Sheldon says it comes down to execution when the pressure is on late in the game. “What was most impressive was we really executed in the fourth quarter with the game on the line on both sides of the ball. Something that has really handcuffed us in the previous couple games and then unfortunately it turned around and did it again Saturday night with the game on the line. Last week it was a microcosm of our whole year. Play really well Friday and can't put it together on Saturday and then finish a game we've got the lead in. Unfortunately, we split on the weekend,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday evening, “I guess that's the beauty of coaching high school basketball is you never even know what you're going to get. Right now, going into game 20 that's where we're still at. So, we know it's going to be another great game and we're excited to get an opportunity to compete in it.” Western (10-9,8-5) is at Plymouth (14-7,9-4) on Friday. Plymouth fell out of a share of first when they lost (62-60) to Norwalk St. Paul last Friday. The Riders won the first game (82-72) on February 2. Sheldon says it will be more difficult this time around with the presence of Plymouth’s leading scorer Jarrett Burrer. “Well, they're very spurty and they can really shoot the basketball and score in a lot of ways. We saw that in game one where they hit something like 16, 17 threes versus us and they didn't have Burrer. So, the ability to knock down shots allows them to go on runs. Now, this time you have Burrer added to the equation. You have got to try to stop him, but still get to those shooters and that makes them very, very dangerous. Then defensively they have got some good length and that could cause people some problems. So, for us it's the ability trying to make some key reads offensively where we want to attack them defensively, but in the same token it's really going to come down to how well can we defend,” said Sheldon. Sheldon says the key is they have to make plays on both ends down the stretch. “We know no matter what it’s going to be a close game and it's just going to come down to can we execute. On nights we've done that we've been able to pull away with good wins in close ball games. Other nights that we haven't we were really on the short end of it and it's really because of our own doing in a lot of ways. We don't expect Friday night to be any different,” he said. Published 2/20/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	Upper Has to do Stuff Right Upper Sandusky is at home for Bucyrus in a Northern 10 Athletic Conference game on Friday night. They lost a tough one to traditional power Ottawa-Glandorf (45-44) in overtime on Tuesday night. Coach Jeff Winslow says they had every chance to win. “We played really well and we pretty much had the game in hand all we had to do was make some free throws and just did not make free throws down the stretch, it's a shame. We had a chance to win it with a free throw and regulation didn't do that. Overtime was quite a battle. There's a loose ball foul call with no time on the clock and they made a free throw. So, it was a game with the way we played and the way it was going we should have won. We've had the lead in the fourth quarter in eight of our losses this year, so we have got to figure out a way to get over that hump against the good teams. We have got to finish it off with holding that lead,” he said. Winslow says they need to continue to work on ways to develop and win games at the end. “We have got a lot of young kids that haven't been in those situations before and they're learning on the fly. It seems like every time you solve one situation a different one comes up there. So, it was a great learning experience. It was a tournament atmosphere, a tournament like game,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday night, “We played really well against a team that’s 15-5 and plays in a tough league and plays a tough non league and they're really big, athletic and traditionally has been really good. It would have been nice to get over the hump, but we got to use that to keep playing well and start pulling some wins out and those situations.” Upper Sandusky (7-14,6-7) plays host to (2-18,1-12) on Friday night. Carey hammered the Redmen (61-34) on Thursday night. The Rams smoked Bucyrus (70-28) on January 9. Winslow says they Redmen actually do some good things. “We played really well that game. They didn't have the (Dylan) Coppler kid in that game. He's now back, I just went and saw them (Thursday) night. He makes a big difference because he can rebound for them, score inside, athletic kid, their leader, so he makes them a lot better. He's been back a couple games, so that poses a little bit of a threat for us because we don't have a whole lot of size. So, we have got to make sure we take care of him. I just think their coach does a really good job. They run a lot of good stuff, a lot of good actions. They're just really young and inexperienced as well with a lot of positions. I think he puts them in good spots. So, we have got to be able to just be fundamental on both ends of the floor and rebound and we should be okay and if not then, it'll be a game,” said Winslow. Published 2/20/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	St. Peter’s Must Finish Mansfield St. Peter’s has its final preparation for the tournament at Northmor in non-conference play on Friday night. They have already played two games this week. They lost (52-41) in overtime to rival Mansfield Christian in a Mid-Buckeye Conference game on Monday. Coach Roy Shoulders they didn’t make the plays in crunch time. “It really was a tough pill to swallow Monday because we felt for 32 minutes we really played well and did a lot of the little things well. Then going into overtime we felt good. We were up seven at half and it ends up going into overtime, but then overtime we got outscored 16-5. It really was extremely disappointing because for all the good things we did for 32 minutes we went the exact opposite for the final four in overtime. I give Mansfield Christian credit, their players. They stepped up, Morrow and Cyphers hit some big shots and that's what big time guys do in clutch moments like that,” said Shoulders. The Spartans did bounce back and beat Mapleton (71-51) in a non-league game on Tuesday. Shoulders says they played much better late in that game. “I was very happy with how we responded Tuesday night. You’re concerned you're going on the road after a tough loss (Monday) night taking it on the road and go play an away game. You never know how your team's going to respond, but I was really happy with how we played especially in the fourth quarter. We were up between eight and 11 most of the game, but then up six going into the fourth. We really played well in the fourth quarter and put it away the first three minutes of the quarter. So, now we're just hoping that in this long grind that we've had we go to Northmor on Friday to play a very good Northmor team. I tell folks don't let their record deceive you this is a very good basketball team,” he said. St. Peter’s (8-11) will be at Northmor (11-9) on Friday night. The Golden Knights Shoulders says they have a lot of skill on offense and will show them some zone defense. “I think they have five guys that can handle it, five guys on the floor who can shoot, five guys on the floor who can get to the basket. They play a very effective 1-3-1 zone. You watch them play they're just very efficient basketball team,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday afternoon, “It's going to be their senior night, their last home game, so you can imagine the emotion that's going to be there. We really do feel this is a great game for us to play in preparation for our tournament game against Plymouth because there's so many similarities between these two teams. I really like the idea of playing a very good Northmor team on the road and then we have to play a very good Plymouth team on the road and in the sectional championship.” Published 2/20/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	Madison to Play Rival Lexington Madison plays down at Lexington against the Minutemen in an Ohio Cardinal Conference game on Friday night. They will also meet in the division III tournament next week. On Wednesday night, they lost (72-65) in double overtime to Crestview, of the Firelands Conference, in a non-league game. Coach Davey Hipp says they just couldn't get over that last hurdle. “I thought we played a pretty good game there for 95 and 98% of the game and made a lot of good plays and had a couple chances to win. A bad shooting night and some untimely possessions that gave Crestview the win. Crestview was a quality team too they have got a couple all kids are really, really good,” said Hipp. Madison (7-14,3-10) is at Lexington (8-12,5-8) on Friday night. This is makeup game from a couple of weeks ago. Lexington played perhaps their best game of the year in beating Ashland (69-64) last Friday. Hipp says this is a good Lexington team. “Any Lexington team is dangerous. With them earlier in the year we went double overtime and ended up winning that one. They have got Dantrell Hughes, who is playing really well, first team district,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday night, “Then a couple young guys that are helping them out and they're starting to figure it out. It took a little bit of adjustment losing their best player, but they're playing well right now.” Madison won (64-60) in double overtime on January 17. Hipp says the Minutemen show some versatility offensively, but they want to push the pace. “They have got a lot of guards that are quick and know how to play. They want to get up and down, that's for sure. They run some good sets, but they get a rebound and push it transition try to catch us off guard,” he said. Published 2/20/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	Trojans Have to be More Physical South Central wants to play the role of spoiler as they travel to Monroeville for a Firelands Conference game on Friday night. Monroeville can win an outright title with a win. On Tuesday night, they lost (74-58) to New London in a conference game. Coach Dallas Yost says they allowed the Wildcats to get on too many runs. “New London played well and we struggled to guard defensively. We tried to do some different things this time around. They had success shooting from three, especially there in that first half. I think they hit nine threes, but maybe six or seven of them probably came in that first half. My kids responded well to adversity and to some runs. They came out hot. I think they were up 10-2 when I called my first time out. We responded to that and then they made another run there in the second quarter, but we ended the second quarter well and cut it to three at halftime,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday night, “Then we kind of traded baskets with them there in that third quarter. I think the last two minutes of the third quarter they went on another run. That's the game of basketball, it's a game of runs, a game momentum and who was going to make more runs and who's going to make the last one. I think it was a three-point game, 42-39, maybe with two minutes left and that third quarter and I think they had an 11-2 run at the end of the third quarter, including a buzzer beater from Grady Hielman to go up 53-41. Once they went up 12 there at the end of the third it was tough for us to get back in it. We did cut it I think back down to five or six at one point there in the fourth quarter. They kind of started having longer offense possessions trying to stall it out a little bit there with two or three minutes left in the fourth.” South Central (10-11,4-9) plays at Monroeville (15-5,10-3) on Friday night. The Eagles clinched no less than a share of the conference title when they beat Mapleton (72-60) last Friday. In the first meeting, Monroeville won (70-57) on January 21. Yost says the Eagles bench hurt them the first time. “They're playing good basketball as well. They beat Edison (Wednesday) night and I want to say that's their eighth win in a row, so they're hot basketball team. They certainly got healthy the last time we played them. Derek Ackerman had just came back. I think that was the second or third game back way back in January when we played them. Then the (Ethan) Pomerrich kid, who killed us, it was his first game back and he missed a couple weeks with an injury as well. So, they got healthy at the right time the first time we played them and I thought those guys that got healthy were the difference. I mean Pomerrich had 18 points and Ackerman had 16 and Cook had 15. We actually held down their best two players. The first team all district players, Cole Perry, I think he only had six points and Maverick Myers had eight. We did a great job on their best two. We have got to do a better job on the other guys as well because they're so deep,” said Yost. Yost says they kind of got pushed around the first time and they can’t let that happen again. “We're going to have the match their physicality. We have got to stay in front of the basketball and keep out of the paint because once they get the paint they’re really good finishing inside and also they are really good offensive rebounders. Sometimes they will shoot it until they make it so to speak. So, we're going to have to keep them off the offensive glass, match their physicality and play much better defense this game. At their place they're playing for a lot. They want to win that conference title outright and we're trying to spoil that in a sense. They're going to have a share regardless, but we want to play spoiler a little bit,” he said. Published 2/20/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	New London Has to Keep at it New London will be at home for Mapleton in Firelands Conference play on Friday night. They have won three straight games after a (74-58) win at South Central in conference play on Tuesday night. Coach Tom Howell says really it was one their better efforts of the season so far. “I'll tell you what we played pretty well on Tuesday. Probably one of the best all around games that we played. It was fun. Our guys had to do some things that we were hoping that they would do all year and they all came together in that night and we really played well,” he told Swankopsports.com on Thursday afternoon, “South Central, they’re a good team, we knew that going over there. It's a rivalry right around the corner from us. So, it was good to go there and get a win and come home and celebrate with these guys.” Howell says they want to take that momentum going forward. “We seem like we're doing some things right at the right time. (Friday) night, Mapleton is going to come over here and they're going to play hard and it's going to be a competitive game. Hopefully, we can take care of business there and then we turn around and get ready for Crestview the following week,” said Howell. New London (12-8,6-7) just beat Mapleton (81-50) last Monday, but Howell says they can’t just take a win for granted. “If you do, you're going to set yourself up for failure because any sport it’s game by game and you prepare like you would for anybody if you're planning to Cleveland Cavaliers. So, it doesn't matter who you're playing, you have got to prepare and get ready for to play. It's not easy because winning isn't easy, and we just got to keep working,” he said. Published 2/20/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	Plymouth Needs Quick Start Plymouth must win Friday night at home against Western Reserve to have a chance to share the Firelands Conference title. They also need South Central to upset Monroeville. Tuesday night, they beat Crestline (73-61) in a non-conference game. Coach Tim Brafford says their press was the difference. “It was a great start to the week. We have not been playing well since Burrer got hurt and he has been trying to come back and get back to 100%. I think (Tuesday) night he was as close as he's been in a while. We came out cold. On threes we couldn't buy a bucket and we were at home. We did much better with twos. The thing that really got us going is we went into a 2-2-1 three quarter court press at the beginning of the third quarter and Crestline had great difficulty with it. We went from a one point lead to 20 relatively quickly, so that's really what saved the day,” said Brafford. Plymouth (14-7,9-4) is at home for Western Reserve (10-9,8-5) on Friday night. The Riders beat Crestview (64-56) in a league play last Friday night. Western won the first matchup (82-72) on February 2. Brafford says their full attention must be on Western. “You can only control what you can control and that is the game that's at our forefront right now. The one we're getting ready for now that Crestline is behind us. We have to get out quick and stop Chase Hipp from getting open threes, which he's very good at. When we played at Western we did not have Jarrett and ended up losing by 10, but did hit 17 threes at Western, which was a new school record. We just have to come in prepared and ready to go from the jump. We have a tendency to start slow and you can't afford to do that against a good team like Western,” he said. There has been some inconsistency in play from both teams this year and Brafford says that’s life with a teenager. “I think when they have a big game, they get up for it. Sometimes you play to the level of your competition and there's motivation that's lacking and we've experienced that as well. They come out slow, they think we're going to win this game easily and you end up losing the game,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday afternoon, “I think it's just dealing with 15, 16, 17, 18 year-old high school kids and getting them to understand the importance that every game is an important game regardless of the level, or what you perceive it to be, and I'm sure that Chris (Sheldon) is dealing with the same thing. I believe all coaches probably deal with some of that at some point or another during the season.” Published 2/19/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Shelby Wants to Finish Strong Shelby will be at Marion Pleasant for their final regular season game on Saturday night in play in the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference. On Tuesday night, they fell (60-47) to “SBC” Lake co-leader Sandusky Perkins. Coach Greg Gallaway says the game was a great tool to get better. “It was a great game for us now getting ready for this postseason. They're really good and coached extremely well and it's not just one or two athletes they have got like seven or eight. All their guys off their bench are extremely talented. They go 13, 10, 11, eight, seven a game and that's always tough for opposing coaches that you have got to guard multiple guys. So, they did a really good job. I thought we came out in the first half with some good energy, especially on the defense end. I think we went in at half 20-20 and then they kind of ramped it up and changed some different things defensively that hurt us in the second half. We had some shots that didn't fall. It's a great learning experience for us. Something that we can really work on moving forward for our last game against Pleasant then going into the tournament,” said Gallaway. Shelby (13-7,9-4) is at Pleasant (14-7,7-6) on Saturday night. The Spartans beat North Union (66-56) on Tuesday night in non-league play. The Whippets won the first matchup (70-51) on January 2. Gallaway says they are hard to guard and are playing as well as anybody in the league. “Coach (Ben) Snively does such a great job. It’s my fifth year coaching in the league and have nothing but a lot of respect for him and what he's able to do at Pleasant and they're playing really good basketball right now. Nine in a row and I think 11 of the last 12. They might be the hottest team in the “MOAC,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “They continue to get better and every game this year. They are kind of led by their senior Sickmiller. Being 6’8” has the ability to score inside and outside and he’s almost like a 6’8” guard and he puts a lot of pressure on defenses. So, we have got extremely tough task. Going over there is never easy, so we have got to make sure we have a good couple of days of practice here to prep for them and try to finish out the regular season strong.” Gallaway says Sickmiller does a lot of things and is hard to guard. “I'm going to say he's more comfortable not with his back to the basket and just with his ability to score from the outside to get to in the mid range to get to his spots. He's a three level scorer and he crashes the glass really hard. So, we have to do it great job defending him,” he said. Published 2/19/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 P

	Ashland Tips Off Tournament With Sandusky Ashland, the defending district champion, plays at home on Thursday night against Sandusky in a division III sectional final. If they win, they will likely play “SBC” Lake runnerup Norwalk next week in the district semifinal. They beat the Lady Truckers last year. Last week, they lost two games to outstanding teams in Harvest Prep (68-55) and Dresden Tri-Valley (68-57) in non-conference action. Coach Renee Holt says that could end up being a plus for them. “I told the girls even though we lost these past two games I think we really won in the long run. It's setting us up for a tournament run hopefully. We have the opportunity to host Sandusky (Thursday) and we're excited and we're ready. We're ready to rise up to the challenge,” said Holt. Ashland (19-3), #2 in the final Swankonsports.com girls’ basketball coaches poll in the large school division, hosts Sandusky (3-18) on Thursday at Arrow Arena. Holt says they can do a lot of things with the ball. “They're run and gun, brick and board, but we can't take them lightly. A girl just came off, I think she had seven threes a couple games ago. So, we got to be willing to guard the three point line, but also great drivers. So, we just have to play Ashland basketball,” she said. Ashland returns a lot of talent from last year’s regional run and that’s a plus, Holt says they will miss a key component. “I am really excited, we do have our core back. We're still missing one of our main scorers, Madison Hoffman. She played the first 10 games and tore her “ACL,” she told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday afternoon, “She was averaging 14 points for us. We’re still trying to figure out how to play without her, filling in those gaps of her scoring and then pushing the pace. I think we're starting to gel together at a perfect time to start tournaments.” Published 2/19/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Willard Focused on Huron Willard is at home for Huron in a division V sectional final game on Saturday night. The Lady Flashes (18-4), #3 in the final Swankonsports.com girls’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, were runnerup in the “SBC” Bay, and winners of the 10 of their last 11 games. Coach Alanna Bedingfield says this is a team that really has improved a lot as the season has gone on. “Yeah, I feel like we've definitely gotten better as the season has gone on and we've gelled a little bit better. I think we've really focused on defensive intensity and getting touches on the ball, really pressuring the ball and moving the ball. We've added a few new defenses and so I think our girls are feeling comfortable defensively and that leads to some good offense. When you're playing good defense it leads to good offense. I think our girls are really doing a great job of just hustling their butts off on the defensive end and that leads to good offense,” said Bedingfield. Huron (7-15) finished at the bottom of the Bay Division standings. However, Bedingfield says likewise the Lady Tigers have improved too. “They have only gotten better as the season has gone on and that's what you want. You want a good game and so they have a lot of great shooters. They have really athletic post players that do a really good job inside, they rebound well, and they run the floor really well. So, we've got to make sure we're back in transition, we've got to make sure we're out on those shooters. They have multiple people who can hit the three and so that's one of the things that we focused on in the past and we will continue to focus on on Saturday,” she said. Willard won both regular season meetings (57-15) December 5 at Willard and (56-36) on January 10 at Huron. Bedingfield says her team as to have focus. “We've gone into our last several games with the championship mindset. Even when after we were going through the “SBC” championship and we were searching for the “SBC” championship we were talking every game prior to the Margaretta game about that this is the championship game and you have to come the championship mindset and a championship start every time you step on the floor,” she told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday evening, “It's not just the game day, but you've got to prepare yourself for that team with that championship mindset and that winning mindset every day in practice. So, that's something we have focused on and we definitely got to be focused on it on Saturday because I'm sure that Huron will be prepared. They know everything we're going to do and so that makes it a little bit more challenging the third time around, but I think our girls are focused and ready to go.” Published 2/19/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Wynford Thinking Consistency Wynford hosts South Central on Thursday night in a division VI sectional final. The Lady Royals (17-5) finished third in the tough Northern 10 Athletic Conference and have won seven of their last eight games. Future hall of fame coach Amy Taylor-Sheldon says she likes the attitude that her team has been showing. “I think that we're doing a lot of things well right now. Primarily, I think our attitude and our effort are both pretty great and I don't think there's a lot more that you can ask than that. We've had some hills and valleys this season that took us a little bit to get over, but I think we focused on what our comeback would look like from those setbacks and focused on that to keep getting better and developing this team,” said Taylor-Sheldon. South Central (6-16) was the seventh place finisher in the Firelands Conference. Taylor-Sheldon says this is a team that’s going to give great effort in the game. “Well, we have some familiar opponents in the Firelands conference with Crestview and Western Reserve and New London, so we're pretty familiar with the Firelands conference even though we haven't played South Central this year. I think their kids play super hard,” she told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday evening, “They're led by Lamoreaux, who was their leading scorer and leading rebounder, just kids who play hard and compete. We're hoping that we can just be consistent and give us the opportunities to score that we want and do our best to set the pace on defense.” Taylor-Sheldon believes getting off to a good start in the game is going to be important for them. “I think especially if you’re on your own floor where you have have had the chance to be the most consistent. I think coming out of your own locker room and in front of your home fans I think puts everything in the right direction to begin season number two,” she said. Published 2/19/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Norwayne to Play for Co-title Norwayne is at Hillsdale on Friday night in a game in the Wayne County Athletic League and at stake is a co-championship of the Bobcats. Smithville has already secured at least a share of the title. The Bobcats lost (60-58) to Harvest Prep in a non-league game on Tuesday night. Coach Brian West feels they played pretty well. “I thought our kids were not intimidated and that was kind of the goal going into it. It's a game that we're going to play after the draw, so it really is not going to affect anything as far as the tournament goes. It's not going to affect anything as far as league standings. We like to get our kids a different type of test with different types of style than we normally play in our Wayne County League. So, if we're fortunate enough to make another tournament run, we'll eventually see teams like that. So, that was the goal just to compete. I thought the kids did a really nice job and actually had to lead with three minutes ago and just weren't able to hang on,” said West. Norwayne (13-8,11-2) is at Hillsdale (14-7,9-4) on Friday night. The Falcons beat St. Thomas Aquinas (72-56) on Monday. Hillsdale won the first meeting (67-64) on January 16. West says there are some things they have to do better. “They’re very strong. They are very physical. The (Lowen) Ferguson boy shoots it really well and gave us a lot of fits the first time around. I didn't think we defended very well. I thought we gave them too many free points at the line. We think we've gotten a lot better since then defensively,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday evening, “I thought offensively we didn't push tempo as much as we would have liked. So, it's going to be a fun atmosphere. I’m sure a lot of people there is a lot on the line. Our kids are as we've talked here the last couple of weeks that our kids are a lot more excited about and have a lot more energy in the gym. So, you never know and we're looking forward to it. It's always fun to control your own destiny.” West says this is a good game to have going into the tournament next week. “There is pressure on the game Friday and you're leading right into the tournament. I think it's a great game leading into it because the season is not over if we don't pull it out, but you want your kids to play in those type of situations that type of pressure before it really truly matters as far as they're the senior season ending if they don't come through and execute down the stretch,” he said. Published 2/19/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Carey Wraps With Two “N10” Games Carey plays back to back Northern 10 Athletic Conference games coming up in Bucyrus on Thursday and Buckeye Central on Friday. They beat Mohawk (47-40) in a conference game on Tuesday night. Coach Zach Bame says it was their pressure that turned the tide. “I thought the first half we struggled a little bit defending. We kind of let them control the pace as far as the way the game went. At halftime, we kind of decided to go to a more up tempo man to man, full court pressure, which sped the game up a little bit and the tempo that we wanted to. We forced a lot of turnovers. I think we forced like 22 turnovers. We didn't shoot the ball extremely well, but we defended really well. To hold somebody to 40 points, that's the kind of thing that we've been hitting on here lately is being able to defend everybody that we play,” he said. Carey (11-9,10-2) plays at Bucyrus (2-17,1-11) on Thursday night. The Redmen lost (63-55) to Wynford last Friday. They have not won a game since early December. Carey beat them (69-27) on January 18. Bame says they have shown signs of improvement. “We talked about that as a team (Tuesday) night. We talked (Wednesday) at practice that the first time doesn't mean anything. We have got to come in focused. With teams like that we kind of said this about us when we played Crawford, was we got nothing to lose and everything to gain. They've got a couple guys, the (Dylan) Coppler kid, I think has been playing here recently, so that adds another scorer and another athlete to their lineup. They've got a couple kids that can score. They just played Wynford the other night and played them tough. Wynford played us tough the last time we played them, so you just can't walk into the gym and think that the game is over. We're have got to show up for 32 minutes and play,” said Bame. Buckeye Central (3-17,2-11) will be at Carey on Friday. The Bucks beat Lucas (53-38) on Tuesday night in a non-league game. Carey also beat the Bucks the first time (59-25) January 9. Bame says Buckeye possess some problems for them. “I tell you what they've got a ton of size the first time we played them the (Hayden) Hafner kid didn't even play and they were still tall then. Then you add him to the mix and that's a lot of size inside. They sit in the zone most of the game, so you got to work the ball around and find some driving lanes, hit some outside shots,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday afternoon, “They're going to propose a little bit of a problem and a little bit of a different look that we haven't seen because we haven't played very many teams with that kind of size other than maybe Crawford here recently and Liberty Benton. That's something that we're going to have to go through. Unfortunately, we kind of don't have a lot of time to prepare. When you play Thursday night, Friday night you just kind of have to talk about it, watch some film and go through some things (Wednesday), but it's two totally different teams. So, it's going to be a little bit different look each night.” Published 2/19/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Old Fort to Play Talented Margaretta Old Fort will host “SBC” Bay Division champion Margaretta in a non-conference game on Friday night. Coach Eric Hoover says they want to play really good teams because that’s how you get better. “That's the hope. We have had a tough non league schedule and Margaretta is as good, if not better than all of them. So, it’s going to be a challenge for sure. One of the best teams in Ohio with one of the best players in Ohio. There will be things that we can work on as far as being able to slow down a big scorer like Julian (Washington) and to give yourself a chance to win the game. They do a lot of different things and play very good defense too, so we're going to have to really improve on the things that we've been working on. We’ll have to show improvement in the game. It's good opportunity to show some of the things we've been working on this week. So, we'll see where we are and how much more we need to focus on those things and or if we can start to look to do other things,” said Hoover. Margaretta (18-3), #2 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, walloped Willard (90-45) to win the outright Bay title last week. Hoover says they are very athletic and their press is hard to prepare for. “They're long and athletic at every position really. Julian (Washington) poses a different threat. That's not something that we can emulate in practice. We could put more guys out there, but we can't be bigger and more athletic. Some passes that we are able to make in practice are not going to work,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “You try to express that to them in practice. We have played them before. We've played every year, so we have some experience with that. We'll try some different strategies and we tried last year, but certainly something that we're going to have to really be able to do. They score a ton of points in transition off of steals and off of their defense. So, we're going to have to be able to eliminate that to give ourselves a chance to win.” Hoover says the timing of the game, right at the end of the regular season, is a plus too. “It certainly will help prepare us and give us a better look than probably we would see, maybe ever, I don't know in division VII. That’s why we scheduled and I was glad that we were able to move it to the end. We both had a week off would hold this whole week off, which I think would have been awful and with only one game again next week. So, I was glad we were able to move it to this this time of year and really should help us both out,” he said. Published 2/19/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Crestview Excited Going Forward Crestview plays at Madison in a non-conference game on Wednesday and then hosts Norwalk St. Paul in their final Firelands Conference game on Friday night. They were eliminated from the conference title chase by losing (64-56) to Western Reserve last Friday. Coach Ben McClay says they were very disappointed in the outcome. “Really, really hard fought game. Really disappointed in that one. We had every opportunity to win it. We're up six with I think 6:00 left and Western made the plays that we didn’t. I was really disappointed, I'm going to be honest. Western’s a good team, but we are too. Those kinds of games are just frustrating as a coach, but then we bounce back Saturday night. We had a good one against Mansfield Christian. So, have got to look for positives. We are playing good ball right now. I think we're like 6-4 our last 10, one of those losses being to the Colonel Crawford Eagles. We are really excited for the tournament coming up,” he said. Madison (7-13) lost last weekend (69-61) to Mansfield Senior in “OCC” play on Friday and (58-53) to Shelby in non-conference action on Saturday. McClay says they will be a tremendous challenge. “Madison is solid. I think anytime in boys basketball what do you play a team that is just like significantly bigger than you in student enrollment I don't care what their record is they're going to be competitive on the floor. That's just kind of how high school basketball works. You get more kids to choose from. They’re toward the bottom of their league and we’re toward the top of our league. Throw the records out the window, they're good ball team. They have got athletes,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday evening, “The McCraney kid is really solid. I really like his game. He kind of reminds me of Goon honestly. They have a really, really lightning quick point guard and other good athletes around him. So, it's a really good challenge for us headed to the tournament. I really like the timing that one because it's right before the division VI NW tournament. That's a team that really prepares you for those games. So, it should be a fun one and Madison (Wednesday).” Crestview (10-10,8-5) plays at home against Norwalk St. Paul (12-9,7-6) on Friday. The Flyers knocked off Plymouth (62-60) in conference play last Friday. The Flyers won the first game (53-44) on February 3. McClay says they need a better effort this time. “We need to actually wake up and play. I think that the first time we played them our kids were looking ahead to the Plymouth game. They played terrible in the first quarter. I think Steve Minor did a heck of a job. That dude, I mean, he's a great coach and his kids are improving. They beat every team at the top the second round, so that shows you good coaching right there. Also, that dude can just manage the clock man. Like they were up with like six and he just milked the clock. He is doing a heck of a job over there. So, it’s senior night and it's our kids last opportunity to play on our home floor. They're going to be ready to go, so we're excited for this week and then excited for the tournament,” said McClay. Published 2/18/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	St. Paul Closes Regular Season at Crestview Norwalk St. Paul, a winner of their last five games, plays down at Crestview in a Firelands Conference on Friday night. Last Friday, Nate Griffin two free throws with a second left lifted the Flyers to a (62-60) win over Plymouth, knocking the Big Red out of a share of first place. Coach Steve Minor says they made the plays at the end. “I was really proud of the guys you know we were able to get a decent lead, but a championship caliber team like that they're going to fight their way back. They're fighting for a championship. They almost found a way to do it. Luckily, we were able to make a just one more play than they did, so we're really happy with the outcome,” he said. St. Paul (12-9,7-6) is at Crestview (10-10,8-5) on Friday night. Western Reserve knocked the Cougars out of the league race with a (64-56) win last Friday. Minor says they need to learn how to win on the road. “It's hard to gauge the temperature of a game like that. Of course, you want to win being a senior it’s your last game at home in the regular season. The rest of the team finds themselves is where were last week. Our guys wanted to win and send our seniors out with the win. So, we know what it's like. We're just going to be on the other side of that. Really a lot of our success is coming at home this year, so we got to try to fix what happens on the road. So, this would be a good time for us to work on that this week,” said Minor. In the tournament draw on Sunday, with other options, St. Paul decided to play at Monroeville, their archrival and the top seed. Minor says that was the best choice for his team. “There was a little bit of back and forth between who was the one. Was it Monroeville or was it St. Mary's and once they got that straightened out. I know having played St. Mary's I just don't favor that match up if I have another match up, not that I look at Monroeville and say yeah that's definitely us,” he told Swakonsports.com on Tuesday afternoon, “It's close and we've split with them. There's familiarity and it's a rivalry game where no matter even if they would have swept us this year you know you never know what happens between two arch rivals. I just had no desire to travel to Old Fort or travel to Cardinal Stritch. It's hard to get on the bus and going that far and getting off and getting kids ready for a first round like that. So, that's the path we chose to take,” Published 2/18/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Shelby Ready for Second Season Shelby travels to Clyde for a sectional final game in Division IV on Saturday night. That’s a four seed at a three seed. The winner would play either Genoa, the second seed, or Sandusky Perkins in a district semifinal. Coach Natali Lantz says her girls are excited to have a clean slate. “I think our girls are pretty excited about it. I think we for the most part had a pretty darn successful year with the experience that was lost from last year season I think this team has continued to grow throughout the season. I feel like they're dialed in and focused right now and I think that gives us our best shot to even into the tournament,” said Lantz. Shelby finished the regular season (12-10) and in a share of second place in the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference. Lantz says in the tournament you have to have great focus and you must take one game at a time. “We're excited about the opportunity and it's not necessarily an easy road any means. Each game is going to be a tough one, but with the tournament obviously you got to focus on one game at a time,” she told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday afternoon, “Clyde might have lost they're their top dog, but at the same time they're a good team they're well coached by Brian Heck up there. We're going to have to be firing on both ends.” Clyde (14-8) finished in third place in the competitive Sandusky Bay Conference Lake Division. Lantz says the Lady Fliers are going to be well disciplined and also have some sooters that will need to be defended. “I expect them to be a very disciplined team, strong, athletic. I know they've got a couple kids that can shoot the ball. They'll be very disciplined on defense and they'll try to limit our looks and try and keep us off the offensive glass. I think we could technically be a couple really well matched teams and we'll just see what happens,” she said. Published 2/18/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Bellevue With Good Tests Bellevue plays two of the better teams the area this week as they host Sandusky, the “SBC” Lake Division leader on Wednesday, and play at traditional rival Willard on Friday. Last Friday, they had a 13 point halftime lead, but scored only seven points in the second half in losing (52-40) to Perkins, the other co-leader, in a division game. Coach Ed Rich says they just couldn't seem to do anything right in the second half. “I think we ended up going up 17 points in the third quarter and then they picked up the pressure a little and we really didn't turn it over a ton, but we got sped up a little bit and score kept getting closer and closer and we can get tighter and tighter. At that point, I felt bad for my kids I was trying to put them in positions. We just couldn't hit a basket. It seemed like we couldn’t do anything right at times. So, it hurts because we were playing really well and then we just kind of hit a wall and just fell apart.” Bellevue (12-8,5-4) plays at home against Sandusky (13-7,8-1), #5 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the large school division, on Wednesday night. The Blue Streaks beat Clyde (84-71) in a division game last Friday. Sandusky won the first matchup (60-52) on January 16. Rich says Sandusky is a solid team. “It was good game. Another game when we were up at half, but it wasn't 13, I think we were up two or four at half. They picked up the half court pressure. They got into us a little bit in the half court and caused problems I think we ended up losing like I would say like 10, 12 right around there,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday afternoon, “They're good, everyone that doesn't really watch them says Sandusky is down, Sandusky is not down, Sandusky just doesn’t have to experienced player that they've had. They've played a brutal schedule and they're a tough matchup.” Willard (18-3), #4 in our small school poll, waits on Friday. The Flashes beat Ontario (74-71) in overtime on Tuesday night. Rich says it will be another good test. “Me and coach (Joe) Bedingfield talk quite a bit and we like the game at the end of the season there for both of us. Hopefully, it's you know tournament prep for both of us. It should be a fun one, it's always fun in Bellevue and Willard get together,” he said. Published 2/18/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Seneca East Looking Forward to Friday Seneca East hosts Northern 10 Athletic Conference champion Colonel Crawford in a conference game on Friday night. The Tigers, in third place in the league, downed Buckeye Central (52-40) last Friday in an “N10” game. Coach Anthony Langhurst says they made some good adjustments. “It was their senior night, so they were playing with a bunch of energy, a lot of emotion. We had just went through the same thing at our place and got a good win against Arcadia. So, we knew they'd be up for it, but we just had to kind of buckle down a little bit and make some halftime adjustments there defensively. Offensively, get out and run a little bit make their bigs get down the floor. So, happy with the adjustments and kind of happy the way the kids responded,” he said. Seneca East (16-5,10-3) hosts Colonel Crawford (18-2,13-0), #1 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, on Friday night. The Eagles lost (57-53) in overtime to Fredericktown on Tuesday night. Langhurst says Crawford will be ready to play on Friday night. “I don't think it's going to hurt their confidence too much. If anything, they'll be more fired up. You're going to get the Crawford team that you know you're always going to get. It'll be a nice challenge for our guys with the with the tournament right around the corner,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday night. “Just try to put some good possessions. Just let the guys know if you make good plays it's probably the best team on the schedule. So, that's kind of the mindset we're going to be taking into it.” Next Friday, the Tigers will host Mansfield Christian in a sectional final in division VI. Langhurst says it’s great to have another home game. “There wasn't a whole lot we could do. We just wanted to kind of stay away from Crawford, that was a no brainer and the kind of chips fell the way they did. We feel fortunate that the seniors get another home game front of our fans. Give our fans another chance to see them on their home floor. Just getting started gathering some information on Mansfield Christian. They're kind of long and athletic, have bigs and guys that can shoot it. So, we'll take a deep dive on them after the game on Friday night,” said Langhurst. Published 2/18/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	River Valley Smoking River Valley will be moving into the postseason carrying an eight game winning streak after beating Johnstown-Monroe (63-60) in overtime on Tuesday night. Coach Rodney Brown says they were outstanding. “That was a really good win. It was physical and hard fought. We got in some foul trouble. Our starting point guard fouled our two minutes to go in the fourth, Then Chase Smith, who scored his 1,000 point (Tuesday) night, fouls out about a minute and a half to go in overtime. So, it was gutsy and I was really, really proud of the boys and how they grinded it out, fought, hard never quit,” said Brown. Both Smith and Carter Myers scored 23 points in the win. Brown says the way they played Tuesday night is the way they always want to play. “We try to have it that way. We try to be tough and try to never quit and battle to the end. (Tuesday) night we were able to do that against a really good team in their gym. Just a super good win for us going into the tournament,” he said. River Valley (17-5), #2 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the large school division, will play at home next Friday in a division IV sectional final against Columbus International. Brown says he was not too surprised with how the brackets were drawn in the Central District. “I think it kind of fell similar to how I thought it would with us being the two and pulling away from Jonathan Alder I thought that it was possible that a decent amount of the higher seeds would jump in there with us,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday night, “That's kind of what happened. I'm not surprised by anything that happened, I guess. I would say maybe a few teams that I thought might go the other way, but it is what it is and you have got to beat somebody good to win, so that's what tournaments are for.” Published 2/18/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Mansfield Christian Working on Things Mansfield Christian plays at home for two non-conference games over the weekend with Cardington on Friday and Bucyrus on Saturday. On Monday night, the downed rival Mansfeld St. Peter’s (52-41) in overtime in Mid-Buckeye Conference action. Coach Cary Craner says they ground one out. “We didn't play very well the first quarter. Looking at stats (Tuesday), we shot like 20% from the field. I think through like 2-18 or something, so it was a rough start. We were able to get it done. St. Pete's isn't the team they used to be for sure, but they played pretty good ball. We were able to walk away with a win,” said Craner. The Flames (11-9) host Cardington (5-15) on Friday night. The Pirates are coming off a (62-34) loss to Libert Union last Friday night. Craner says they have a young squad. “They're young and inexperienced, but they play hard. The games I've seen, they've been in it. They just make some young mistakes. We're going to have to play well and just continue to work on the things we need to work on and get better at them. It ought to be a close game I believe,” he said. Christian will play at Seneca East in a division VI sectional final next Friday. Craner says the draw went pretty much as well as it could. “In my opinion, we got the best we could get with our seed. We got Seneca East at their place. They're a tough team but it was go there or maybe you could get a home game with one game and then maybe you're going to get Colonel Crawford,” he told Swankpnsports.com on Tuesday evening, “We decided to take our chances and go to Seneca East and see what we can do. Maybe get a win there. Then we would get the winner of Crestview and New London. Crestview beat us the week before by 10, but I think we were in it. Other than the second quarter we were in that game the whole time. So, we have got to get to that first tournament game and see what happens after that.” Published 2/18/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Conference Champs to Clash Colonel Crawford, the Northern 10 Athletic Conference champion, plays at Fredericktown, the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference winner, on Tuesday night in a very interesting non-conference matchup. The Eagles (18-1), #1 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, smoked Carey (77-51) Friday night to win the “N10” outright. Point guard Brayden Holt has 32 points in just three quarters. “Carey made a couple threes and got some great offensive possessions. We called time out and really came out and guarded. We had our offense going. Holt and both DeGrays were very good. Holt goes for 32, Payne 20 and John 12 and they only played three quarters,” said Colonel Crawford coach David Sheldon. The Eagles have won four outright conference title in six years and shared in another. Colonel Crawford got the number one seed in group C in the Northwest District in division VI. They will play Bucyrus for the third time. They beat the Redmen by 51 points (69-18) on February 6. Sheldon says you kind of put you name on a line and wait to see what happens. “We were fortunate to get the one seed and that's a product through the body of work you did over the last two months of the season. We put ourselves on the line and you wait to see who comes your way. You don't have a lot of say as a one seed. We're familiar with this situation being in this over the years. We'll turn the page after Friday night and move on to a special time of the year with the tournament,” said Sheldon. Fredericktown (19-0), #3 in our poll, handled East Knox (57-49) on Friday to secure the “KMAC” title. Sheldon says the Freddies are very good. “They are just so explosive offensively. It's not just one guy. They've got multiple options. They can take it inside and they're good shooters. It's just a very good experienced basketball team. When I look back these are the same guys that we played against last year. They've been successful. You look they're undefeated and it's a very good basketball team,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “It’s a good non league game for both of us a week before the tournament. The conferences are already decided and this is a great non league test for us. For us to go on the road into a tough environment and that's good because that's what the tournament is like as well for us. So, we're looking forward to the opportunity to play against a very good basketball team.” Last season, with basically the same lineups, Crawford won (69-53) in North Robinson. Sheldon says the Freddies are one of the very few teams they play that can match their size. “It's very cloned with their size and our size. It'll be two good basketball teams going at it and it will come down to kids making plays. That's what these type of games do. As I said before, it's a great opportunity for both teams to play good basketball teams prior to getting to the tournament the week from now,” he said. Published 2/17/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Fredericktown to be Challenged by Crawford Unbeaten Fredericktown welcomes once beaten Colonel Crawford for a non-conference game on Tuesday night. Fredericktown is the outright winner of the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference. Colonel Crawford is the undisputed champion of the Northern 10 Athletic Conference. The Freddies (19-0), #3 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, clinched the “KMAC” with a (57-49) win over East Knox on Friday. Coach Derek Dibling says it was not their best performance of the season, but they did what they to do to win. “I was happy for the kids. Probably not our best effort, well definitely not our best effort, but for those guys to buckle down and get their fourth conference championship in a row it means a lot, it's a credit to them and their hard work and dedication. So, when you sit back and reflect on it, I'm happy for them, I'm happy for our fans, it was a good night for the Freddies,” he said. When you win four straight titles that is almost uncharted water around here aligned with schools like Bob Haas led Willard or Greg Collins led Mansfield Senior, Joe Balogh led Ontario, among others. Dibling credits not only the current players, but those that came before. “It's a credit to seniors and the guys who come before him that kind of you know laid the foundation and that culture that we build I think is based on some of those guys passing things on to the next generation. Then it keeps going from there. So, again credit to the guys we have now and a lot of that goes and credit the guys we had in the past that set the tone,” said Dibling. Colonel Crawford (18-1), #1 in our poll, is coming off a (77-51) win over Carey that gave them the outright “N10” title. Dibling says Crawford is loaded. “They're well coached, they're disciplined, they've got great size and strength. Their guard play, their floor general in (Brayden) Holt, he's a tough matchup,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “It’s just one of those games were going to have to be really good. Have to be focused, have to be disciplined. I think we really have to be locked into to the task at hand (Tuesday).” Published 2/17/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Willard Has to Handle Ontario Pressure Willard plays at Ontario in a non-conference game on Tuesday night. Both teams need to bounce back from significant losses on Friday night in league games. Willard was throttled (90-45) by Margaretta in a battle for the top spot in the Sandusky Bay Conference Bay Division. Coach Joe Bedingfield says they did not handle the Polar Bears press. “The middle two quarters really hurt. First quarter, some things did go away even though we were down. We got it to 11-8 and Washington was in foul trouble. We felt pretty good about it. The Morris kid hit a big three for them to get momentum in the second quarter. We didn't handle their press well. They made some adjustments and kind of extended almost a 2-2-1 press in the middle quarters there and were able to fall back into a 1-2-2 match up. We just kind of stood around a lot and that's on me. Our kids didn't have good movement, didn't find the middle of the zone early enough,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “We made some adjustments in the second half had a couple stops and a couple creeks there in the third quarter. We tried to tell the kids to get it down to close to 10 and then we'll try to make it a game in the fourth quarter. Just trying to do your best to adjust what they've already done, but Margaretta is a very good team. They made us pay from the outside. They hit 15 threes from the outside. Julian Washington, who's a division one recruit, only had seven. If you had told me he'd had seven and Judah Keller had 11, I would think that we probably won the game. Credit to them, Kale Bailey hit 32 and Morris had 20 something, but they hit 11 threes between both of them. So, they stepped up for their team and unfortunately for our guys we let them go on big runs and had too many live ball turnovers.” Willard (17-3), #4 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, plays at Ontario (14-6) in non-league play on Tuesday. The Warriors, likewise, were smoked on Friday in their case by (88-43) River Valley in Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference action. Bedingfield says Ontario will press them too, plus he says they are skilled offensively. “I see very talented guards. They can hurt you with their press. They play extremely hard. They change their press a little bit. Sometimes they go full court man and they go into a 1-2-2 and mix up a zone and man press. They really thrive off of their pressure defensively and they do good job of turning you over, getting out of transition. In the half court Brown and Flenoury both do good job of getting to the basket. You could try to double team them off a ball screen or something like that. They do a good job of splitting you. Jones underneath does a really good job of offensive rebounding,” said Bedingfield. Bedingfield says Ontario, and Bellevue on Friday, will be great preparation for the tournament. “It'll be a great test for us on the road before we play a tournament game. That's why we put these games on our schedule. With Ontario and their athleticism and the style that they play. It'll be good for our young guys go against that type of pressure. Then with Bellevue on Friday and the style of defense that they play with their length and everything will be a challenge getting ready for Liberty Benton in sectional final at our place,” he said. Published 2/17/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Ontario With Things to Correct Ontario plays at home against Willard in a non-conference game on Tuesday night. Both teams were overwhelmed in league games last Friday. River Valley, the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference champ, whipped Ontario (88-43), the Vikings had 65 points in the first half. Coach Jerry Moton says it was just not their night. “River Valley just played incredibly well. They couldn't miss. We played not like ourselves,” he said. Ontario is the top seed in their division IV group and will not play a tournament game until March 3. Moton says they have time to fix what is wrong with them. “We were blessed with a little time to correct the things we need to correct and improve on the things that we need to improve on to try to get back to our winning ways,” said Moton. Ontario has lost its last four games and five of its last six. Their final regular season game is Friday against Highland in the “MOAC.” Ontario (14-6) hosts Willard (17-3), #4 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, on Tuesday. The Flashes were taken to the woodshed by Margaretta (90-45) in a game in the Bay Division of the Sandusky Bay Conference on Friday. Moton says they are very good on offense. “Willard is a very good team, very young team. They run their offense really well,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “I was really impressed with how well they run their offense. They like to spread you out. They have got shooters, they have two physical post players and they have a well balanced team.” Published 2/17/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	New London With Familiar Opponent New London hosts Western Reserve in a division VI sectional final on Thursday night. The Lady Wildcats (19-3) are outright champions of the Firelands Conference and they have beaten Western Reserve twice this season. They won (37-27) December 11 at Western and (41-27) January 16 at New London. Coach Eric Mitchell says they have to be prepared. “Playing a team in your conference that you're familiar with and they're very familiar with you with a very good coach with what coach (Stoney) Jarrett does. It's the old saying, it's hard to beat the team three times in the same season. We just got to make sure we're prepared. There's only going to be one winner at the end of this season once it starts this week. So, we're going to take it one step at a time and make sure we're ready to go Thursday,” said Mitchell. Mitchell says Western is capable of making perimeter shots and they have to be mindful of that. “The last time we played them they shot the ball very well against us from outside. Kind of similar to what Chris does on the boys side, but shot it very, very well. I think they made six threes in the first half alone. They're going to shoot it very well. They have a big girl inside with the size that kind of matches our girl's size a little bit. They're going to get up and guard defensively very well. So, it's going to be a physical game. They know us well, we know them well, it's just going to come down to execution and making sure you know take advantage of mistakes when they're made by the opponent and capitalize on them,” he said. The postseason tends to be played at a slower tempo and Mitchell says they have to take it possession by possession. “We're not an up tempo team. There's been spurts this year we've been able to do that and it's been nice to see. That's kind of what it comes down for us. We want to guard, we want to guard in the half court and I think we've done a pretty good job of it this whole season,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday night, “It has to continue to be that way because it's the tournament. As you continue to move on your hope is that you win each game, but as you move on each opponent is going to get that much harder. Now, we have to go possession by possession, which kind of translates into game by game and that's what we have to do. We have to just make sure that our focus is where it needs to be and that's on Western Reserve Thursday.” Published 2/17/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Crestline is Believing Crestline is at Plymouth in a non-conference game coming up on Tuesday night. Last weekend, the Bulldogs beat Mansfield St. Peter’s (71-63) in a Mid-Buckeye Conference game on Friday night and then lost a tough one (71-65) to New London in a non-league game on Saturday. Coach Paul Webb says they really played pretty well in both games. “Overall, we are pretty happy with the weekend. Obviously, senior night with St. Pete's, conference game, rivalry game, a lot of emotions were in there. St. Pete's came out and played us as hard as they always do. A close game and we found a way to win and make plays. Saturday, quick turn around. New London is so improved. The freshman they have is an absolute stud. He gave us problems from the get go. I think you had 16 in the first quarter. We had a tough time slowing him down but. The boys really, really battled in that game to keep it that close and give us a shot at the end of that game,” he said. Crestline (12-9) plays at Plymouth (13-7) on Tuesday night. The Big Red is coming off a very tough (62-60) loss to Norwalk St. Paul Friday, which knocked when out of a share of first place in the Firelands Conference. Webb says first you have to try and contain Jarett Burrer, but they have a lot of others guys that can play too. “Plymouth is an awesome team. They have talent everywhere. It starts with Burrer. He is one of my favorite players in the area. We got them last year and we focused our entire defense on stopping him, we did a nice job, and I still think he had like 20 and 14 rebounds last year against us,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday night, “It starts with trying to slow him down, but the supporting cast with Izaya Reynolds and the other guys around him make it really a tough matchup for them. They play hard, they want to get out. You look at their three-point percentage, every one of them can shoot the three ball. So, you have to be able to guard that and get back on defense.” Crestline has won five if its last six and Webb says they are gaining confidence. “I think our boys have really bought into what we're doing within those five games has just made their confidence shoot through the roof. It's made it to where I feel like they believe they can compete with anybody and beat anyone. One thing that the Crestline Bulldogs have done this year is we come out and we are going to play you as hard as we can. I always tell them listen guys, we go out there and execute as hard as we can we have a shot against anybody our schedule. I don't think that changes (Tuesday) with our effort. So, they've been really excited and it's been a great end of this year and I want to keep that going into the tournament,” said Webb. Published 2/17/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Pleasant Has Turned it Around Marion Pleasant pays a visit to North Union for a non-conference game on Tuesday night. The Spartans (13-7) own an eight game winning streak dating back to mid-January. Coach Ben Snively says they really flipped the script in the second half of the season. “It started a couple weeks ago. We were able to get Ontario at home and from that point forward I think the kids just start believing a little bit. We had a three-game run there where three of the teams that we played, including Ontario, were all teams that had beat us in the first round of the “MOAC,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday evening, “Anytime you can you can turn it around and beat the team that beat you earlier in the year, a couple of which were on the road, that's a really good thing. As I said last week it's not that we're playing great or doing much different, they're just listening to everything we're asking them to do and they're finding ways to get it done at the end of the game. Snively says this is a game that has been postponed twice and playing now probably benefits them. “We were supposed to play in the second game of the year. They made a final eight run in football, so we pushed it back to January 26 and that's when the winter freeze came in. So, we end up playing the 17^th, which actually turns out to be probably better for us in terms we don’t have to sit out two weeks. I think that's going to help us out and the same thing with the Shelby game on Saturday,” he said. Snively adds that playing against the Wildcats always means a little something extra for him personally. “I graduated from North Union, so I have got a lot of friends over there still. That's always a fun game for me to be a part of just to see people that I played with in high school and they got kids playing now and things. I guess that's a sign of being a little bit older. We are old rivals from the “MOAC” when it originated. Pleasant and North Union always brings out a crowd and I'm looking forward to it and it will be a fun game,” said Snively. Published 2/17/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Boys’ Basketball Seed Meetings Held Okay, here we go, let’s try and figure out the boys’ basketball tournament. It’s more difficult to explain here due to cross bracketing in the Northwest District meaning that teams that play at the same site in a district semifinal will not play each other, but instead a team from a different site, Ashland, the only school we cover that is in division II in the Northwest, has their draw is next Sunday. Now, in division III in the Northwest district all of the teams we cover are in group B. There Toledo Central Catholic is the top seed, followed by Oregon Clay, Mansfield Senior, and Sandusky. As far as matchups go Mansfield Madison is at Lexington on Wednesday, February 25 and the winner plays at Tiffin Columbian on Friday, February 27. “Lex is a very quality team and are very well coached. Being the seven seed there were no “easy” options, so whatever we picked it would be an uphill battle,” said Madison coach Davey Hipp, “We are playing really good basketball right now and everyone is excited for the postseason.” In another bracket, Sandusky hosts Toledo Woodward on the 25^th and the winner plays at Clay on the 27^th. Also, Mansfield Senior is at home for Nowalk on the 27^th. “Excited for our seniors as they have an opportunity to play an additional home game in a sectional final. I’m not excited about the 14 days between games. We’ll do everything in our power to assure we are ready to play,” said Mansfield Senior coach Marquis Sykes/ The winners in those two brackets play in district semis at Ontario High School on March 5, In the East District in Division III, New Philadelphia will play Zanesville or Dresden Tri-Valley and Dover plays Steubenville on Saturday, February 28. “Looking forward to the tournament and this team being together for a while,” said New Philadelphia coach Zach Ross. “We are in a five team bracket where two teams make it out and wouldn’t have to face each other until the regional final. We took a risk and went in the one seed side of the bracket. We’ve played Steubenville and New Phila. Being the three seed we have a chance to get in a bracket where if we win one game we could be at the Convocation Center in Athens,” said Dover coach Matt Von Kaenel/ In the Northeast, Northwest is at Kenston on February 27. In Division IV, the teams covered by Swankonsports.com are in groups A and B in the NW district. In group A, Perkins is the number on seed, followed by Millbury Lake, Otsego and Bellevue. In group B, It’s Ontario number one and then Shelby, Clear Fork and Galion. Clyde plays at Millbury Lake and Port Clinton is at Otsego on Thursday, February 26, the winners play at Fremont Ross on Tuesday, March 3. Rossford is at Perkins and Bellevue hosts Vermilion on the 26^th. The winners also play at Fremont on the 5^th. “The Draw went as a I assumed. We thought we would have the choice of playing a home sectional champions game or traveling to Otsego and playing a sectional championship game. We chose the home game, even with Perkins being our district semifinal opponent, if we take care of a dangerous Vermilion team,” said Bellevue coach Ed Rich. Shelby will be at home for Kenton on the 26^th and the winner plays Ontario on March 3 at Mansfield Senior. “We received the number one seed and opted to advance to the district semifinals,” said Ontario coach Jerry Moton. Clear Fork will be at home for Fostoria on March 25 and Upper Sandusky is at Galion on the 26^th. The winners play the other game at Mansfield Senior. “It’s tournament time where anything can happen. The boys are ready to get to work in preparation for our sectional final game with Fostoria,” said Clear Fork coach Brandon Baumgardner. “We thought the draw could go one of two ways and it did just that,” said Galion coach Tyler Sanders, “We have got a home game against a young team that is similar to us. It should be a fun environment.” “Looking at the seeding it seemed inevitable that is was going to be and Upper versus Galion matchup. Galion is a team we scrimmaged earlier in the year. It should be a good matchup as they are a well coached team by coach Sanders and he will have them prepared and ready to go,” said Upper Sandusky coach Jeff Winslow. In the Central District, Highland hosts Columbus Marion-Franklin and River Valley is at home for Columbus International on February 27. “I’m happy with the draw. With the potential for two home games and another opportunity to make deep tournament run. Alos the chance to hot another of our preseason goals of making it back to the district finals for the fourth consecutive year,” said River Valley coach Rodney Brown. ` Canton South is at West Branch and Orrville entertains West Geauga on February 27 in the NE district. West Holmes is at top seeded Maysville in East District on the 27^th. Now division V in the Northest, the top seed is Genoa, Margaretta is number two, followed by Willard and Eastwood. Western Reserve plays at Genoa and Willard hosts Liberty-Benton on Friday, February 27. The winners play March 3 at Kansas Lakota. “We are happy to host a sectional title game and will begin preparing for a very tough D5 tournament,” said Willard coach Joe Bedingfield. “When you are as inconsistent as we have been and due to an antiquated system we have been moved up a division, you don’t get a choice as to where you go. We get to play for a sectional title against one of the best teams in the state. We will make the most of it,” said Western coach Chris Sheldon. Edison is at Oak Harbor on February 25 and the winner is at Margaretta on the 27^th. Huron is at Eastwood on the 27^th and those winners also play at Lakota. “The second season is always a really fun time. One of biggest reasons why is the ability to play in a one and done setting. Survive and advance is our motto and to be tough, tenacious and together,” said Margaretta coach Steve Keller. East Knox is at Harvest Prep, Marion Pleasant is Fredericktown, and Mt. Gilead is at Fairbanks on February 28 in the Central District. “We like our draw and are excited for the opportunity to play two potential home games in front of our great fans,” said Fredericktown coach Derek Dibling. “We are the eighth seed, but we are winners of eight in a row,” said Pleasant coach Ben Snively. In the NE, Northwestern is at Akron Manchester on February 25, Waynedale is at Black River on the 26^th, and Chippewa hosts Tuslaw, Wooster Triway is at home for Wellington and Norwayne hosts Warren Champion on February 28. “Our goal was to get a home game and try to avoid tough matchups for us while trying to give our team the best chance at a district final,” said Norwayne coach Brain West. There are more schools in division VI in the Northwest District. Colonel Crawford is the top seed in group C with Seneca East number two, followed by New London and Crestview. In Group B, Maumee Valley tops the seeds followed by Gibsonburg, Patrick Henry, and Evergreen. In Group D, the first seed is Van Buren, Columbus Grove is number two, Allen East three and Carey four. “We are looking forward to the tournament, which is always a special part of the season where every possession matters. Very different postseason tournament draw with the new pod system,” said Colonel Crawford coach David Sheldon. Colonel Crawford will be at home for Bucyrus and Mohawk entertains Wynford on February 27. The winners play at Willard on Wednesday, March 4. “It’s noy very often when a sixth seed gets to host a tournament game and with the four teams after Crawford going together, that was the opportunity that we had. It will be a challenge tough playing a very young and talented team like Wynford not just two times, but three times in seven days,” said Mohawk coach Paul Dunn. Mansfield Christian is at Seneca East and Crestview is at New London in games on February 27. The winners play also at Willard on the 4^th. “I’m happy for our seniors to be able to play another home game for the opportunity to win a sectional championship,” said Seneca East coach Anthony Langhurst. “We will have to play very well to get out of the sectionals and advance to the districts,” said Mansfield Christian coach Cary Craner. “We are very excited about the upcoming postseason tournament. We have played a very competitive non-conference schedule to prepare for a deep tournament run. We are going to continue to grow as individuals and a team and take our goals one practice and game at a time,” said Crestview coach Ben McClay. “Draw went the way I expected it to go. We have a tough game. Should be a fun game to play,” said New London coach Tom Howell. Woodmore visits Maumee Valley and Gibsonburg is at home for Evergreen on the 27^th and winners play on March 4 at Millbury Lake. Carey is at home for Ada and Hopewell-Loudon visits Allen Easton February 27 and the winners play on March 4 at Liberty-Benton. In the Central District, Centerburg is at home for the Wellington School and Cardington is at Mechanicsburg on February 24 and Northmor will play either Berne Union or Liberty Union on the 28^th. Up in the NE District, Mapleton is at Lake Center Christian, Smithville has Southern, Rittman is at Newton Falls, Loudonville pays at visit to Richmond Heights and Dalton is at home for Cuyahoga Heights all on February 26. Now for the smallest schools division VII there are more of those in the Northwest in Group D, Monroeville is top seeded, the second seed is Sandusky St. Mary’s, with Old Fort third and Cardinal Stricth fourth. In Group E, it’s Tiffin Calvert at the top, followed by Plymouth, Crestline and South Central. Here are the matchups, Monroeville is at home for Norwalk St. Paul and Danbury is Cardinal Stritch on February 26. The winners play at Oregon Clay on March 5. “We chose to go to Monroeville because we were most familiar with them. If we’d have chosen to go to Cardinal Stritch and were able to come away with the win there, we’d have to travel back to Oregon for our next round. We didn’t fare very well against St. Mary’s at their place this year and Old Fort is another long trip against an opponent we are not familiar with at all,” said Norwalk St. Paul coach Steve Minor. Toledo Horizon Science will be at Sandusky St. Mary’s and Old Fort hosts Fremont St. Joe on the 26^th and the winners also play March 5 at Clay. “We had a very tough draw. Five of the top 12 RPI teams are in our pod of eight. So, it was going to be difficult no matter where we went. We have played a tough schedule so hopefully it was prepared us. We get to host a game, but the business picks up as we would get the legitimate number one seed in the district semis. We know some things we are definitely going to have to improve and will be working hard at them for the next couple weeks,” said Old Fort coach Eric Hoover. Lucas is at Tiffin Calvert and Plymouth hosts Mansfield St. Peter’s on February 27. The winners meet at Galion High School on March 5. “We have the possibly play Plymouth in a district semifinal matchup with the Big Red on the horizon,” said Calvert coach Jon Otterbacher. “We are really happy with our draw (Sunday) and the bracket we are in. With some great play and any luck, we could be moving on,” said Plymouth coach Tim Brafford. “It’s going to take a great effort for us against Plymouth,” said St. Peter’s coach Roy Shoulders, “They’re a very good basketball team. We’re hoping we can put 32 minutes together and being playing our best when it counts,” Buckeye Central is at Crestline and South Central is at home for New Riegel in games on February 27. The winners also advance to Galion on the 5^th, “A home tournament game in front of our fans against a Crawford County rival is really exciting for our coaches, players and community. We have one more regular season game, but are looking forward to tournament basketball,” said Crestline coach Paul Webb. “When Calvert and Plymouth went to the other side of the bracket we saw it as an opportunity to play our way into a district final game. With seven seniors this year you want to make this season and last as lang as possible,” said South Central coach Dallas Yost Danville plays host to Northside Christian in a Central District game on February 24, And in the NE District, Kidron Central Christian hosts Windam and Hillsdale has Sebring McKinley on February 26. Published 2/15/26 @ Swankonsports.com

	Willard Has to Value the Ball In one of the biggest games in the region on Friday night, Willard is at home for Margretta in the Sandusky Bay Conference Bay Division. A Flashes win means they will share the division title with Margaretta. Willard put themselves in position with a (61-46) win at Port Clinton in a division game Tuesday night. Coach Joe Bedingfield says they were able to remain patient. “I think for our young guys, at this part of the year they're not young anymore, they have got enough experience to stop calling them young, but we did a good job withstanding. Port Cinton was ready to play and they built a lead on us early. We withstood that there in the first quarter and then cut it to two. So, it's an important part of basketball. You are always worried that with young guys, especially can they handle it mentally when other teams are going to be ready to play you. They’re good basketball teams and they're preparing like you're preparing. It's a big game for them with RPI and things on the line. Our guys were able just to take it for what it is as they came out ready to play. It's not that our kids didn’t come ready to play. Port Clinton hit some shots early and was well prepared, credit to them. Credit to our kids for withstanding that in the second half kind of kind of getting into a rhythm defensively. Holding them under 48 points with huge for us on the road and I just think that that's a good sign heading into Friday night,” said Bedingfield. Willard (17-2,8-1), #3 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, hosts Margaretta (17-3,9-0), #2 in our poll. Margaretta won the first meeting (67-55) on January 9. Bedingfield says the Polar Bears are very good in transition, they rebound the ball, and above all they are winners. “It's easy to say the basketball part of it, but winning breeds winning a little bit and those kids have won a lot in their career. What makes them good is live ball turnovers. They do an excellent job of getting out in transition. What I mean by live ball is when you turn it over and they turn it into transition points. We just have to be able to value the basketball and value each possession,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday evening, “You can't take bad shots against them or they'll make you pay. They're able to rebound the ball so well, especially from the guard position. They might not have the tallest team that we see all year, but their kids are strong, they're athletic. Judah Keller rebounds just as well as Kale Bailey from the rebounding position. Obviously, Julian Washington does a good job of rebounding as well. Then you throw in Tyson Bailey. They just have a really deep, experienced team that can hurt you in a lot of ways.” Bedingfield says they pressure well and they take good shots. “They like the speed you up. Not only is it transition a problem, but also their defense. They extend into a 1-2-2 three quarter court trap and they put Washington at the top and he's really athletic and long. If you throw too many cross court passes without pass fakes they'll make you pay. They do a good job in the half court. I think they're really unselfish and that's a credit to the coaching staff because they do have guys who could score it. Julian Washington I don't know I asked “Hirsh” have you ever seen a kid shoot outside jump shots and shooting 80% from two point range? That's pretty remarkable stat. He's very efficient. He doesn't take bad shots and he's very unselfish,” said Bedingfield. Bedingfield emphasizes they have to have poise. “We just have to value each possession. We really have to try to rebound and limit our turnovers. I just think that we got to play with poise. So, you can't get too high, you can't get too low because they're a good team. Even if we do get some shots early on we have got to continue to play our game and not let them get into a rhythm, which they can do very easily. Do a nice job of just keeping our composure and understanding that like we told the kids, it's just another basketball game. Don't make it bigger than it is and play loose and have fun and enjoy it,” he said. Published 2/013/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	New Philadelphia Has to Play its Game New Philadelphia can get a piece of the Ohio Cardinal Conference title with a win Friday night at home against archrival Dover in conference play. They also must have Ashland lose at Lexington. Coach Zach Ross says the only thing they can control is beating Dover on Friday. “We can only control what we can control and that's kind of the cliche that all coaches use, but it's definitely true (Friday) night. A huge matchup for us. It’s a league game, but this game always means a little bit more between these two communities. Looking forward to it,” said Ross. New Philadelphia (15-5,9-4) is at home for Dover (13-8,10-3) om Friday night. This rivalry dates back to the very early days of basketball in Ohio. Ross says the Tornadoes are solid in everything they do. “There's a lot of things to like about them. They're well coached, they have got good guard play, they're role players do a great job of excelling in their role and stepping up when needed. They run excellent stuff on offense and defensively they're really physical and sound,” he said. In their first meeting on December 23, Dover won (37-34) at their place. Ross says they just have to execute what they do to the best of their ability. “In the first one, we got out to a really slow start. We kind of made it close at the end. They kind of handled us lot of different areas that in that game. We just have got to make sure that we trust in ourselves to play our game to the best of our abilities,” he told Swankonspots.com on Thursday night, “Represent our culture, which we've done a good job as of late. Not let the emotions of the game get to us. The reality is nobody has ever played a perfect basketball game. I think the team that handles the adverse moments and understands the best, moves on quickly will have the best chance to win the game in end.” There is always going to be emotion in games, but Ross says they can’t let that override their execution. “It's fun, it's a lot of times it's like a roller coaster. The build up is the worst part for the kids. Once you finally get to it and get to play you have just got to cut it loose and trust your habits. Make sure that everything that you've done in practice in preparation all season really to this point you get to showcase it. Then it's at home, which makes you feel way better. Just going to trust in your abilities stay true to who you are,” said Ross. Published 2/013/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	Fredericktown Can Win “KMAC” Outright Fredericktown already has no less than a share of the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference title and they will win it outright if they beat East Knox on Friday night. They downed Buckeye Valley (67-56) in a non-conference game on Wednesday night. Coach Derek Dibling says they were tested and played well. “That was a tough one for us. Those guys are big, those guys are strong, they play extremely hard. So, it was a good game for us. I feel like they kind of battle tested us a little bit time. Had to go on the road and compete and be disciplined. I thought it was a pretty good game for us (Wednesday) night,” he said. Fredericktown (18-0,12-0), #4 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, is at East Knox (5-15,3-10) on Friday night. The Bulldogs were bullied (65-36) by second place Danville last Friday in a league game. The Freddies smoked them (73-42) on January 16 in their first meeting. Dibling says they can make shots. “They have got some shooters. Their guard play is pretty good. They've got guys that can score it. We've got to make sure our defense is good and that we're able to kind of keep those three guys in check because they can shoot it up pretty good,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday afternoon, “That's the kind of an equalizer to them. The ability to shoot the threes. We've got to keep them in check from beyond the arc.” When it comes league titles, Dibling says they want to be selfish and get it for themselves. “Generally sharing is caring, but in this case, we want to be greedy. These kids have worked really hard for it. It was at the top of their goal board this year. It's one of the first things that they talk about. So, it would be really nice to kind of check it off. I’m proud of those guys to get that done, but obviously you got to go out and earn it,” said Dibling. Published 2/013/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	Carey Likes the Underdog Role Carey, a game back in the Northern 10 Athletic Conference race, plays at conference leader Colonel Crawford on Friday night. Carey is only team other than Crawford that has a chance to share the title. Coach Zack Bame says they have battled some adversity this season. He a big bonus for them is their depth. “We did have a couple injuries beginning season. Both of our point guards Brayden Kitzler and Evan Kinn were both out with ankle injuries so we didn't have them for about the first, I would say about the first fourth to a third of the season. So, just trying different guys out of those positions and they held their own enough. I think the one thing that that helps us is we're pretty athletic and we're pretty deep,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday evening, “We play ten guys a night. If you look at our box scores from the past probably two to three weeks, we have anywhere from eight to 10 guys score a night. I think there was a game in there where we won by 16 points and our leading scorer had 11, but then you go 11, nine, eight, six, five and four and, it was all the way down the line. I think that helps us, so that way you can't key in on one guy and just try to stop one guy we share the basketball pretty well.” Carey (10-8,9-1) travels to Colonel Crawford (17-1,12-0), #1 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, on Friday night. Bame says they have talent across the board. “They have just got a little bit of everything. They have a point guard that's dynamic. He does a heck of a job of controlling the tempo and everybody kind of follows in line with him. They got a great post player inside in Payne DeGray, I feel like he’s been there for 10 years. He's excellent inside, he uses his body really well. Then the kicker is the guys after that to me, like his brother John. He brings a toughness and tenacity and a defensive mindset to a team and that's what he does really well. Then you go to the other two, the (Peyton) Baker kid and the (Parker) Weithman kid. You can't help down too much just because thy kick it out to those shooters and their shooting anywhere form 40 to 50 percent from the three point line. It’s a huge challenge for any team and for us it’s not different. Hopefully, we come ready to go,” said Bame. Colonel Crawford won the first meeting (74-39) on January 3. In this game, Bame says all of the pressure is on Colonel Crawford to win. “We've been saying that after that Wynford game last weekend when we won and put ourselves in this situation. I think the sentence that I keep using and I wrote it down a few times is we have we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. This was a Colonel Crawford team that everybody thought was going to be in the same position that they were last year. Win the league possibly get to the same place they did last year as well with the state semifinal run and that's fine. We kind of said hey we can be that fly under the radar team. Take care of some business in the in the league. The only thing that we can do is give our give ourselves the opportunity to what we do with the opportunities up to us,” he said. Published 2/013/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	Western Moving Forward Western Reserve plays on the road at Crestview in Firelands Conference action on Friday night. The Riders are all but out of the conference race, but the Cougars are right there a game back. Last Saturday, Western lost (50-45) to Norwalk St. Paul in a conference game. Again, coach Chris Sheldon says they couldn’t make the big shot. “Well, it was a classic small school high school basketball game where neither team could get a lot of consecutive offensive possessions where they're putting balls in the basket. So, it's just one of the low scoring, grind it out type games. We were fortunate enough to have the ball at the end of regulation and got wide open look and back ironed it. Unfortunately for us, we start overtime and we turn it over the first five times. Still had a chance with the ball to tie the game at the end of overtime and unfortunately we couldn't put the ball in the basket. Again shot 30 some percent from two and three, so it was both. We couldn't get it working inside, we couldn't get it going consistently from the outside. The turnovers ultimately led to two easy baskets for them that allowed them to get enough of a lead that they were able to hold on. It was sort of a microcosm that played good enough to be there, good enough to win, but we weren't good enough to make the plays when we had to with the game on the line,” said Sheldon. Western Reserve (9-8,7-5) is at Crestview (9-9,8-4) on Friday night. The Cougars beat conference co-leader Plymouth (47-45) last Saturday. Crestview also beat Western Reserve (60-53) on January 9. Sheldon says they are very versatile. “They've improved and they’ve probably played the toughest non league schedule of anybody in our league. They have good length. They play five guards that have length and that allows them to be very versatile offensively and defensively. Three of those kids have won a lot of big basketball games and so they're not they're not accustomed to not winning big games,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday afternoon, “They've done a great job really the second half of the season of bouncing back and putting themselves in the spot where they can compete and still be in this race. For us, we know that chapter is closed. We're just trying to find ways here over these last three regular season games that we can make the right play with the game on the line because we know all three games are going to be that way and try to build some momentum as we move into March.” Sheldon believes his kids will be ready to play. “At the end of the day our kids still want to compete. We've had a very competitive week of practice. I've been really pleased with our mindset in practice and the ability to compete against each other. I don't think that that's going to be an issue when we step on the floor and with the lights on. Our kids are just as frustrated with where we're at as our coaching staff is. All of us have a hand in that and the results that we've gotten to this point. As I told them, you can't rewrite the chapters that came before, all you can do is try to write the ending and so that's our focus right now,” he said. Published 2/013/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	Seneca East Ready for Buckeye Central Seneca East is on the road at Buckeye Central in a Northern 10 Athletic Conference game on Friday night. This week, the Tigers have a (58-53) loss to Monroeville on Monday and a (77-58) win at home over Arcadia on Wednesday. Coach Anthony Langhurst says they learned some positive things form both games. “Those were actually two really good games for us. At Monroeville, they have got a really good team. Physical and just kind of prepared our guys for what tournament basketball is going to look like. Teams are strong and physical and you don't get a lot of bumps and those kind of call from the referees. That really helped us. We just were a couple plays away from maybe turning to tide in that game. Kind of proud, Arcadia has a nice team with a good record. Coach (Jordan) Benson does nice job. It was senior night and we kind of rode a little bit of emotion there and that kind of helped us get over the hump against those guys,” said Langhurst. Seneca East (15-5,9-3) plays at Buckeye Central (2-15,2-9) on Friday night. The Bucks lost (67-29) to “N10” leader Colonel Crawford on Tuesday night. It was Seneca East that won the first matchup (52-37) on January 3. Langhurst says they have been devastated by injuries. “In small schools like us you take even one starter out of the lineup you might be hurt, but they've had a couple injuries, they had a move out, so that’ two, three starters. So, you can tell with a team that size in the area it really hurt them. Still (Hunter) Caudill is good. They mixed in zone with some big dudes. They played Mohawk kind of tough a couple games ago,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday night, “We'll be ready for them. It's their senior night, so we know what that did for our team, so it’ll be one of those things where we'll be ready for them.” Langhurst says a big goal is to control Hunter Caudill (17.2 ppg) on Friday. “I was referencing that Mohawk game. Mohawk hits some shots early and then the zone kind of kept Buckeye Central within striking distance. Caudill can get hot hits a couple threes in a row and next thing you know they’re down one possession with the basketball. It’s one of those things were we have got to locate him.. Luckily, he's kind of a lot like Stoner from Arcadia. He's good at handling the basketball, really good shooter. So, I thought we did a good job of locating him at times, so that kind of was a nice precursor for what we're going to see (Friday) night,” he said. Published 2/013/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	Clear Fork Looking of Three Bagger Clear Fork entertains Galion on Friday night in a game in the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference. The Colts have already won two games this week in beating Lucas (58-19) on Tuesday and Northmor (52-44) on Wednesday. Coach Brandon Baumgardner says they have been forced to win in different ways. “Yeah, so far, it’s been pretty good week. A pretty good matchup against Lucas. We put the pressure on them and pull out that game early. Get the backups to play some late minutes. (Wednesday) night it was a battle with Northmor, that's a tough, gritty team. We just didn't shoot the ball well enough to get them out of their 1-3-1 zone. Just caused us fits all night. We were able to pull it out in the fourth quarter and pull away then,” said Baumgardner. Clear Fork (7-14,3-10) plays host to Galion (6-15,3-10) on Friday night. Galion carries a six game losing streak coming into the game. The Colts won the first matchup (45-36) on January 9. Baumgardner says Galion can put some runs together with their perimeter shooting. “They are similar to us a junior heavy team. The biggest thing to worry about with them is they have got guys that when they get hot they could can take over a game in a hurry with those outside shooters,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday night, “They have got Dominic Capretta, who can shoot from the outside but he's an enforcer to deal with inside as well. Sanders has got them running a lot of tough actions that will have to be aware of (Friday) night and hopefully be able to finish the season off the win.” Clear Fork does not play next week, so Baumgardner says they would like to take a three game winning streak into the postseason. “I have said from the beginning of the season it's not how you start your season, it’s how you end it We really like to end this season on three winning streak heading into the tournament,” he said. Published 2/013/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	St. Peter’s to Play Talented Crestline Mansfield St. Peter’s plays at Crestline in a Mid-Buckeye Conference game on Friday night. They play at Hillsdale, of the Wayne County Athletic League, Saturday night. The Spartans beat Bucyrus (54-44) in a non-conference game on Wednesday night. Coach Roy Shoulders says overall their play was pretty good against the Redmen. “I thought there were some things that we did well. One thing I was a little disappointed with is just some decisions we made down the stretch. The last three or four minutes of the game where I think we could have been a little bit smarter with the basketball or decisions we made. Overall, we were very pleased. Bucyrus this is deceiving because they're very athletic and they have good size. So, they cause some problems in some areas,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday afternoon, “Overall, I was very happy with how we responded. We didn't shoot free throws well down the stretch. In the period of time when we're up 10 we missed eight free throws, so we really put a little bit more of a choker chain around our own neck. If we make a couple of those free throws, we have a little bit more breathing room. Overall, we're always happy to get a win. It was senior night, it was a very special night for our two seniors. They were very pleased to have a win on the home floor last time they get to step on there.” St. Peter’s (7-8,2-4) is at Crestline (11-8,4-3) on Friday night in “MBC” action. The Bulldogs won the first meeting (67-63) on January 9. Shoulders says Crestline has solid personnel and very good coaching. “(Coach) Paul Webb is one of my favorite guys and he does tremendous job there. This is not Crestline of old. When you look at their personnel they're very skilled players. You're looking at Kody Lawhorn, who is an all district 6 player and Weston Clark, tremendous shooter, Kordale Robinson, just a very athletic kid, I don't think he gets enough credit. One of my favorite players is Keiran Barnett. I just love how he plays. Then you throw in Quentin Kapp. You have got big Brett Cheney coming off the bench. Just a very good group,” said Shoulders. Shoulders says they are going to have to very disciplined on defense. “I think Paul runs some of the best stuff in the league. He uses a lot of great sets getting guys shots. So, it's going to be a huge challenge. We're going on the road to play a very good Crestline team, but we're really up for the challenge and we're very much looking forward to it,” he said. Published 2/013/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	South Central Needs to Shoot Well South Central hosts rival New London in a Firelands Conference game on Friday night. They are coming off a (77-53) whipping of Rittman on Tuesday night in non-conference play. Coach Dallas Yost says they made some defensive adjustments. “I thought we played really well. I don't think we shot it well. We struggled defensively in that first half based off what I saw on film. We tried to get after them and press them a little bit, trap them a little bit. When trying to press or trap that's a risk, reward defense. Unfortunately, the rotations just weren't there. We gave up a good amount of points in that first half. We were up 44-35 at halftime,”: he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday night, “It means offensively we were doing just fine. So, we had to change some things defensively in that second half and we were able to hold them to 18 points in the second half. That was just sitting down and guarding and playing just half court defense in the second. We were able to sit down and guard and actually we turn them over about the same amount in the second half as we did in the first half when we were pressing. Plus, we made 11 threes against them on Tuesday night.” Yost says they need to do something they did Tuesday night more consistently and that’s get more shots. “Something I've talked about all year with my team and something that has hurt us in a lot of games, especially the close games is these other teams get to shoot more field goals than us because of two statistics. That would be their offensive rebounds that we give up and then our turnovers. The combination of those two things leads to the other team shooting more shots. I thought we did that the other night against Rittman. I mean we shot 76 total field goals,” he said. South Central (10-10,4-8) is at home with New London (10-8,5-7) on Friday. The Wildcats destroyed Mapleton (81-50) on Monday in a conference game. New London also won the first matchup with South Central (56-52) on January 9. Yost says they have to make some perimeter shots. “We have got to hit those threes and our role players going to hit those threes like they have been of late. We need that against New London heading into Friday. The last time we played those guys we scored 93 points the game before against Mapleton and hit 11 or 12 threes. Then came out and probably had our worst shooting performance from three of the year against New London the first time. So, just hoping to continue to play good basketball. Thought that we had a good couple of days practice here,” said Yost. Published 2/013/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	Crawford Goes for Outright Title Colonel Crawford has the opportunity to win an outright title in the Northern 10 Athletic Conference with a win Friday night over the visiting Carey Blue Devils. A loss to Carey (10-7,9-1) would mean the Eagles would fall back into a share of the lead with the Blue Devils. It would be the fourth undisputed title in five years for Crawford. Coach David Sheldon says these are the games you live for. “It’s game 13 of an “N10” journey of 14 games for the conference. Carey is an athletic, junior, senior dominated team that has been successful. You look at their body of work they only have one conference loss and these kids are winners going back to football season. They're very similar to us football and basketball guys. It's a tough challenge come Friday night here in north Robinson,” said Shelby. The two schools share the “N10” football title in the fall. Sheldon says it has been great competition between these groups of kids. “Their kids know our kids. It's the same names who you have seen all fall and then all winter. It'll be a great battle and I know our guys will be up for the challenge because of the respect that we have for Carey as an athletic department and their basketball and their football teams,” he said. Carey is the only other school to win an outright title in the “N10” in last five years. They did it three years ago. In the first matchup on the basketball floor this season, Colonel Crawford (17-1,12-0), #1 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, won (74-39) January 3. The closest game the Eagles have had this year in conference play was a (57-38) win over Upper Sandusky last week. Of course, the Northern 10 is expanding to 14 teams next and Sheldon says that means, if his opinion, this title carries a little more weight. “You look at the last two years we've been league champs and four out of the last five years, so these guys have been to conference champs. So, we're used to playing in these kinds of games. These are the fun ones when you're playing for a championship in middle to late February,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday afternoon, “You look and this is the last of the true Northern 10 Conference with the change next year going to divisions. This is the last of the original “N10” conference with the changes, so it means a little bit more as we go divisions next year. We’ve seen how that works with the “NCC” and the “SBC”, so only time will tell as the changes occur next year with the Northern 10 Conference.” Published 2/12/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Margaretta Plays for Title It’s a Bay Division championship game on Friday night as the Margaretta Polar Bears hit the road to take on the Willard Flashes. As it stands right now, Margaretta owns a one game lead on Willard, so a Bears win means an outright title for them, a Flashes victory means the two teams share the title. On Tuesday night, the Polar Bears beat a very good Shelby team (70-64) in a non-league game. Coach Steve Keller says we as happy with the way they closed the game. “It was a great game to get you prepared for tournament. Brayden DeVito was very good, a career night for him, hit nine threes. I just was pleased with our guys just handled some adversity. Shepherd hurt us with this size. They do a lot of good things. Coach (Greg) Galloway does a nice job. I was pleased especially how we finished and guarded in the fourth. I thought we limited them from the perimeter, especially in the fourth, and did a better job of contesting shots. Fortunately, we're blessed the “W,” said Keller. Margaretta (17-3,9-0), #2 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, plays at Willard (17-2,8-1), #3 in our poll, on Friday. The Flashes beat Port Clinton (61-46) on Tuesday night to give themselves a chance. Keller says Willard is a young team, but boy can they play. “They’re skilled, they’re pups, but they're young guys can play. Nice length at the guard position, mix up their defenses, as Joe (Bedingfield) has always done. They just do it the right way, they play the game the right way, they care about the game and they really play hard. So, it's going to be an uphill battle on their floor. I'm sure that crowd will be rocking and into it,” he said. With success both in the regular season and the tournament, Keller says they have played in a lot of big games and that’s where you want to be. “If you're not a competitor you want to beat teams by 30 plus. If you're a competitor you want to be playing for a league championship on the road,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “Really just you have got to grind it for 32 minutes, essentially that's what you have got to do come tournament time. We've had some nice games here this late season push here to really I think get us ready for that possessional every single possession support type of setting that tournament is.” Published 2/12/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Tygers Focus is on Them Mansfield Senior still has an outside shot and a piece of the Ohio Cardinal Conference title. Three things to happen Friday night, the Tygers must beat archrival Madison, New Philadelphia would need to beat Dover, and Ashland would have to lose at Lexington. A four way tie would result with Senior High, Dover, New Philly and the Arrows all having 10-4 conference records. From Mansfield Senior’s perspective the first thing that has to happen is they have to win and coach Marquis Sykes says they have to be locked in. “Right now, our focus is on the Tygers. We’re locked in on what we need to do to be the best basketball team we can be. We are playing a rival, so little added motivation there. It’s our seniors last opportunity to improve and to play over on Esley Lane. So, no shortage of motivation for us. We will be locked in and ready to give our best performance,” said Sykes. The first time Mansfield Senior (13-7,9-4) played Madison (7-11,3-9), the Tygers hammered the Rams (58-15) on December 23. Sykes says they have to sort of forget about that. “We had that discussion (Wednesday) with the players. I think the guys recognized that Madison was completely different team from the first time around. They are playing a lot better basketball at this point of the season. We know that we're going to get their best shot on their home court, so we have to make sure that we come out and we give our best shot as well and continue to play the right way and continue to play good basketball going into the tournament,” he said. Now, the Tygers do not play next week, so there is going to be a long layoff between the Madison game and the tournament. Sykes says they have to try and do some different things. “We've already put in a lot of work to make adjustments to our schedule over the next couple weeks. So, we had to get a little clever and come up with some things so that we can keep the guy's attention and also so that I'll drive myself crazy,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “We got a little clever. We came up with some things and we're doing some different stuff as far as off the floor and we'll continue to grind on the floor and have as much fun as we possibly can rolling into the tournament.” Published 2/12/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Crestview Really Improved Crestview now trails the Firelands Conference co-leaders by just game with two to play headed into a game Friday night with Western Reserve. They beat co-leader Plymouth (47-45) on Saturday night. Coach Ben McClay says they made the plays at crunch time. “It was definitely exciting to get that close win. We had quite a few games at the beginning of the season where we were in those situations, had opportunities to win, and we did not capitalize. Highland, we had a one point loss and had an opportunity win at the buzzer. Monroeville round one kind of the same situation. So, we were happy to be able to execute and pull off that win, that was a huge conference win. Plymouth is at the top of the league, they're a nice team, they could go to a district championship in division VII, so it was really good win for our program,” he said. McClay says this is a team that has grown a lot since the season started. “That's kind of like the neat thing to reflect on when you think about a season. Day one in November and then progressing into your scrimmages and then progressing into each month and just seeing how much this team has grown throughout the season. Looking at it the other day, we have played extremely competitive out of conference schedule for a school our size,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday evening, “We played powerhouse Fredericktown, powerhouse Crawford, and then a couple schools that are significantly bigger. However, we started the season 3-6 and part of that is our schedule was really tough. Part of that is we just weren't making those big plays when it mattered. Over the last nine we’re 6-3. We've won, I don't know, four out of last five, something like that. It's just fun to see this team kind of come together and just get better and grow over a week.” Crestview (9-9,8-4) plays host to Western Reserve (9-8,7-5) on Friday night. The Riders lost (50-45) to Norwalk St. Paul on Saturday. Crestview won the first game (60-53) on January 9. McClay says Western presents a lot of issues and they have to expect they will play better. “When I think of Firelands Conference basketball I think Western Reserve. Chris Sheldon is a great coach, he's been there for whatever 20, 25 years, he's probably a future Hall of Famer. They're very guard oriented. They run a lot of nice stuff. The more I studied their film they run a lot of nice plays. The first time we were blessed and we handled them. We beat them by seven, but it was really never a close game. We played really well, but that's the team that can come in and beat us. They're a good basketball team. We're ready for another big Firelands Conference match up. So, it seems it's kind of been a common theme Firelands Conference this year,” said McClay. Published 2/12/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Crawford Girls Don’t Want to Share Colonel Crawford has already secured no less than a share of the Northern 10 Athletic Conference title and with a win at Seneca East on Saturday afternoon they win it outright. They play host to Ontario, of the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference, in a non-league game on Thursday night. Last Saturday, they downed Carey (44-32) to take a one game lead on the Lady Blue Devils. Coach Zac Bauer says they were resilient. “They're a really good team. You look at the balance scoring wise and the things they’re able to do. They're well coached, coach (Keith) O’Flaherty does a really good job. I thought that we were really resilient in the fact that we withstood some runs for them and maybe some stagnant offense out part at times. Our kids responded really well. I think we're really fortunate to get out with the home win in that game,” said Bauer. Ontario (9-12) comes calling on Thursday night. Bauer calls the Lady Warriors athletic and looks for a challenge with Ontario. “It’s an athletic team with good length. That's exciting to see to be tested with length and size inside and see if we can negate some interior presence with premier pressure,” he told Swankonsports.com Wednesday afternoon, “I expect them to come out play with a lot of confidence and play really hard (Thursday) night. We’ll see what we can do inside the painted area to negate their strengths.” Colonel Crawford (18-2,12-1), #2 in the Swankonsports.com girls’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, is at Seneca East (15-6,8-5) on Saturday. The Lady Tigers beat Buckeye (42-22) on Saturday. Crawford won the first meeting (41-37) January 6 in North Robinson. Bayer says they play solid basketball and are led the leading scorer in the conference in senior guard Izzy Stockmaster. “They're really good and it seems like the kids we’re coaching against I've been playing for so long because we've seen them as freshmen play and play at high level. Izzy Stockmaster is a really special guard that they have there. So, it's always a hard place to go and play in a good environment with Seneca East,” he said. Published 2/12/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Old Fort Has Goals Old Fort is at Lakota on Thursday night in a game in the River Division of the Sandusky Bay Conference. They are at home for Northwood in their final division game on Saturday night. They have a chance to finish in second place in the 11 team division. They beat Carey (69-57) in a non-league game on Monday night. Coach Eric Hoover says they shot very well, but they have some other things to clean up. “We played a pretty good game, really well offensively as far as shooting, we shot the ball really well. We were 5-8 from three and had a really good percentage from two. We were making a lot of shots, so that makes you feel better. We didn't take care of the ball very well though. I am always looking for things to improve and we really let them hang around in the game when we had opportunities to get stops. We were giving them too many easy ones on turnovers. So, something we worked on (Tuesday) and we'll keep working and try and get better at it. So, always looking for things improve going towards the tournament,” said Hoover. Old Fort (13-6,10-2) is at Lakota (11-8,7-4) on Thursday night. The Raiders beat North Baltimore (73-59) in a non-conference game Tuesday night. The Stockaders upended Lakota (50-27) on January 9. However, Hoover says they will face a lot different team on Thursday night. “They're a little different this time. They lost their leading scorer to an injury and so he's out for the season unfortunately, but they still have a lot of talented guys. They have people are four year letter winners leading the way for them right now. They're extremely athletic and they've got a couple young guys that they were solid on the JV team and now they're coming up and they're excited to play,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “They've been doing well. One of them had 22 (Tuesday) night the other had 15 as a freshman and sophomores moving up. So, they're really stepping into the role and getting more opportunities. So, maybe a little different style of game this time around with the chemistry of their team changing a little bit. It's a big game essentially playing for second place in the in our league. I think they're going to be ready to go for us.” Hoover says Thursday night is very important when it comes to the tournament. “We're looking to play well and we're still playing for a seed. This is the last game for us that will count towards the RPI when it comes to seeding and our group of eight in that district is very tight right, within thousands of a point between first and third place. So, it will come down to the wire for sure, so it’s a huge game for us,” he said. Published 2/12/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	River Valley Wants to Keep Going River Valley, the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference champion, plays at home against Ontario on Friday night in a conference game. They play host to Bloom-Carroll in a non-conference game on Saturday night. The Vikings have won nine of their last 10 games and coach Rodney Browns says they want to keep momentum on their side. “Friday night is our last chance to gain any points towards seeding. Right now, we're second and we want to keep that. So, we want to keep that winning momentum going into the tournament. Being at home and senior night, it’s a big night for us,” he said. River Valley (14-5,12-1), #2 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the league school division, will be at home for Ontario (14-5,8-4) on Friday night. The Vikings won the first meeting (63-57) on January 9. Brown says the Warriors are explosive. “They have got two guys in the top five in the league in scoring. We didn't do a great job of shutting them down last time or even really slowing them down. So, we're going to have to do a much better job Friday night trying to slow them down and keep hopefully their points and their opportunities limited as we can and try to not let their other guys beat us. It's going to be a great atmosphere and I'm sure it'll be a good game just like last time,” Brown said. Brown says Bloom-Carroll is going to provide them with a challenge as well when they come calling. “I watched them (Tuesday) night in person. They're athletic and they have got a couple guys who can really shoot it, very physical and strong. We played them last year at the end of the year as well,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday evening, “They have got some young guys mixed in with some seniors that were on a good team last year that made it to the district final. They're well coached and they play really hard. Other than maybe that long trip for them coming to our place on Saturday I'm sure it'll be a really good game.” Published 2/12/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	New London Wants to Build New London hopes they can take some momentum into the postseason as they play at South Central in a Firelands Conference game on Friday night and host Crestline in non-conference play on Saturday. They broke a three game losing streak by routing Mapleton (81-50) in conference play on Monday night. Coach Tom Howell hopes that’s a good sign. “It's been a rough week and half for us. About a three-game stretch we've been struggling a little bit. Hopefully, we got things turned around a little bit on Monday,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday afternoon, “It's not going to be easy going to South Central, they’re pretty good. They just beat Rittman. Then we have got to turn around and play Crestline on Saturday, who’s not bad.” New London (10-8,5-7) plays at South Central (10-10,4-8) on Friday night. The Trojans outscored Rittman (77-53) in non-conference game on Tuesday night. Howell says this is definitely a rivalry type game. “They're athletic, they play hard. Those kids want to win. Our communities are so close. I mean the kids know each other. Some of them are related to be honest with you. It's a good backyard rivalry for our kids and their kids,” he said. New London beat South Central (56-52) on January 9 in their first meeting. Howell says they want to be able to stack some wins together. “We want to keep going what we started to do on Monday. The tournament is around, the second season is around the corner as the old timers call it. Just really get a head of steam and see what we can do,” said Howell. Published 2/12/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Ashland Can Earn a Share Ashland can get at least a piece of the Ohio Cardinal Conference title with a win at Lexington on Friday night. They would win it outright if New Philadelphia beats Dover. Coach Jason Hess says it feels good to control their own destiny. “At this point of the year with one conference game remaining for us it is nice to know that we've got a chance to get at least a share of the conference championship. It's always a big game to go to Lexington. They've been the top of the class for the “OCC” here for the last couple of years. So, if you want to win a championship you have got to beat the champion,” said Hess. Hess says winning on the road is never easy for anyone in the “OCC”. “We found out that last week down at West Holmes. It was a game that West Holmes came out and shot the ball really well in the first quarter. We trailed by as many as 10 points early. So, everybody seems to play better at home. We have done the same this year, so it's always a challenge when you go on the road in this conference as competitive as it is. You have got to bring your “A” game to get wins on the road,” he said. The Arrows beat West Holmes (78-57) last week. Ashland (13-7,10-3) is down at Lexington (7-12,4-8) on Friday night. Lexington is coming off a (79-58) win over West Holmes on Tuesday night. Hess says the Minutemen have kind of found their identity. “They're a team that's had their fair share of adversity this year. They're really starting to play their best basketball. Those young guys that they were kind of forced into action early in the year, some freshmen and some sophomores, that have grown up a lot and are our varsity basketball players now,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday afternoon, “They have got used to the speed and the physicalness that it takes to play at the varsity level. They've kind of found out what works for them and they've kind of found their new identity at this point in the year and they're playing some pretty good basketball. They have got a few wins here in the last couple of weeks.” Part of what the Minutemen have wanted to do is push the ball a little bit, but Hess against them you must execute in halfcourt situations. “Playing up tempo game definitely fits our style of play with our guards and the way that our kids work out and the way that we emphasize pushing the basketball, So, we are looking forward to that aspect of things, but it's still whenever you're playing Lexington you're going to have to find a way to be able to execute in the halfcourt because they're so good at halfcourt defense,” said Hess. Published 2/11/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Dover Looking For Advantages Dover, the Ohio Cardinal Conference co-leader, plays at archrival New Philadelphia on Friday night and a win by the Tornadoes gives them no less than a share of the conference title. They remain tied for first with Ashland, who plays at Lexington on Friday in “OCC” play. Dover belted West Holmes (55-29) in an “OCC” game on Monday night to remain in a share of the lead. Coach Matt Von Kaenel says his kids gutted it out. “We were fortunate to get out there and find a spot on both our schedules where it kind of worked. This time of year, it's kind of hard, but it went down the road on a Monday. Not used to playing on a Monday. That was our third game four days with no practice and I was proud of the way the kids battled,” he said. Dover (13-8,10-3) will make the short trip across the river to play New Philadelphia (15-5,9-4) on Friday night. The Quakers smoked Madison (64-43) on Tuesday night. They can win a share if they beat Dover and Ashland loses to Lexington. Von Kaenel says they are very used to playing big games against New Philly. “We're used to playing them at the end of the year. We've been in the league with them in the past and so we've been in this situation with them before where someone has a chance to win it outright and someone has a chance to play spoiler get a piece of the title, that kind of thing. I'm happy that our kids are now in the same league as them and we have a chance to play for a league title in February,” said Von Kaenel. Von Kaenel says the Quakers do everything well. “They do a little bit of everything. They defend so well. You look at their scores and they put people in the clamps for sure. They have great team size. They have 6’3”, 6’5” and 6’5” and the point guard's been playing since he was a sophomore,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday afternoon, “They have all the little pieces. They’ve got scorers, they have got strength, I really think that they were top to bottom talent wise top two or three in the league for sure.” When it comes to the outcome of this game Von Kaenel says it might come down to someone off the bench having a big night. “Whose role guys we're going to step up and make a play that maybe you didn't expect because the stars are going to come out and they're probably going to cross each other out. Which role player is going to step up and make a couple shots that you didn't expect to make. Every game has only scored in the low 40s, high 30s every bucket matters,” said Van Kaenel. Published 2/11/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Ontario Matches up Well With River Valley Ontario takes the bus to River Valley to battle the Vikings in a Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference game on Friday night. The Vikings have secured the outright “MOAC” title for the second straight year. Due to weather, Ontario did not play last week. Coach Jerry Moton says that could be a good thing. “The guys always want to play, but it gave us more time to work on the things that we need to work on to get better as a team, so I see it as a positive,” he said. Ontario (14-5,8-4) plays at River Valley (14-5,12-1), #2 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the large school division, on Friday night. The Vikings beat Clear Fork (54-43) in a league game last week. Moton says their goal to make them do things they don’t want to do. “They're conference champs, they're a really good team. They have got some great players over there that play hard and just know how to score and how to control the game. So, our job is to you know to go in there and try to disrupt what they do,” said Moton. River Valley won (63-57) on January 9 in the first game between the two teams. However, Moton says he believes they can cause the Vikings some problems with their defense. “When a team can beat you in different ways it always makes for a difficult out for any opponent. So, they have got great balance and I applaud them for that,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday afternoon, “I feel like we match up with them good. I feel like our guys can really get after them on the defensive end. I think we'll have a positive outcome.” Ontario also plays Willard next week and Moton says those are good games right before the tournament. “The more competition the better. We treat every game from here on out like a tournament game. So, this next game is preparation for the tournament indeed,” he said. Published 2/11/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Sandusky Worried About Them Sandusky, the Sandusky Bay Conference Lake Division co-leader, plays at Clyde in a division game on Friday night. They are tied for first in the division with Perkins. Sandusky lost four of its first six games, but they have only lost three since that time. Coach DeMar Moore says they have really matured as a team. “I think it's the experience. I really think our guys are starting to figure things out. We didn't have a lot of guys coming into the season with a lot of varsity experience, so they didn't understand like the speed of the game, the physicality, and things like that. So, now I think they are starting to get the grasp of it. It's really working for our advantage,” said Moore. Sandusky (11-7,7-1) will be down at Clyde (9-10,2-6) on Friday night. The Fliers beat Vermilion (64-47) on Tuesday night. They lost (79-63) to Perkins in a division game last Friday. Clyde has twice scored 100 points in game and Moore says they like to force the issue. “They get up and down. They like to run it, they shoot the three really well and they get after you. Clyde is always a tough place to play,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday night, “We have got our hands full of coming in Friday night. We can't look past them. We have got to come in and give them our best shot and hopefully we can come out with the victory.” Moore says if they want a fifth straight division title, they have to keep winning because Perkins isn’t going to lose. “Perkins is a really good team. They haven't been mentioned one time during our run. We kind of worry about ourselves and kind of you know prepare ourselves and fix what we need to fix on our end and just go from there. Perkins is a really good team and I don't expect them to lose any time soon. If they do, that's great, but if not, hopefully we can handle our own business,” he said. Published 2/11/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Wynford Looking for Consistency Wynford wraps up the regular season with a non-conference game at Otsego on Thursday night. The Lady Royals won both of their games in Northern 10 Athletic Conference play last week in beating Mohawk (57-29) on Thursday and Bucyrus (66-16) on Saturday. Coach Amy Taylor-Sheldon says they need to continue to play the defense they did last week. “I think we're just getting primed to play in the tournament. Hopefully, we'll finish this week at Otsego and be able to compete and defend like we've played defense the last two games so we can build on that,” she told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday evening, “We’ve had a couple dips in the season, but we're able to dig ourselves out of those and be productive on the defensive and offensive end. So, that would be our expectation.” Taylor-Sheldon says they will be challenged by Otsego on Thursday, especially their tremendous size. “They are in a pretty competitive league. Oak Harbor and Genoa that are at the top of their league. They have two six-foot centers and that can play. We are not used to necessarily playing up against that, but we're hoping to be able to defend and set the pace so our hour and a half trip isn't wasted,” she said. Wynford (16-5) will play host to South Central, of the Firelands Conference, in a sectional title game in division VI on February 19. Taylor-Sheldon says they need to play consistent basketball to have success in the tournament. “I think being consistent has been our goal all season. I think the best thing we can do to be consistent is to defend and then you do not have to rely on great shooting every night. If we can be consistent on defense we'll be in every game here in our second season,” said Taylor-Sheldon. Published 2/11/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	St. Paul Ready for Battle With Plymouth Norwalk St. Paul hosts Plymouth in a big game in the Firelands Conference on Friday night. Right now, Plymouth shares first place in the league with Monroeville. Crestview is a game back. However, St. Paul has been playing as well as anybody over the past couple of weeks. The Flyers outlasted Western Reserve (50-45) in overtime last Saturday night. Coach Steve Minor says his kids just gave it all they had. “I thought the kids played outstanding. We were short handed. We were down a starter that game too, so things potentially could have gone from bad to worse for us. The kids just dug in and played their tails off,” he said. The teams seem to be going in opposite directions right now. Plymouth has lost three of its last four league games after winning its first nine. St. Paul started by losing five it’s first six league games, but has won five of its last six. Minor hopes they can keep this streak going, but he knows it won’t be easy. “That's a credit that the hard work the kids are putting in. We're just a couple of possessions away from adding two more games to that win streak. So, fortunately we're headed in the right direction we're going to see if we can keep it going,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday afternoon. “I know the first time we played Plymouth, we did a nice job for half the game, but they did a better job in the second half. No two games at the same. Every time we played somebody the first time it's been a completely different game the second time. I don't expect a carbon copy of the first match up with them. It's just going to be an interesting watch that's all you can say.” Plymouth won the first game (62-53) on January 9. Minor says no matter what the score is, Plymouth is never out of the game. “I'm surprised that they've lost the games that they've lost just because it seems like they're down in every game that I've watched them play this year and some games they were down a lot. They just stuck with it and didn't make any drastic changes. Slow and steady wins the race I guess most times for them. I know they've been dealing with an injury and or two here and there, but I didn't expect their three-game lead to evaporate like it did. So, now they're going to come out swinging,” said Minor. Published 2/11/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Norwayne in Position Norwayne, now in share of first place in the Wayne County Athletic League, plays at Rittman on Friday night in a league game. They moved into a tie at the top with Smithville when they routed the Smithies (59-34) on Friday night. Coach Brian West says they executed very well. “I thought the kids were focused from the opening tip. I thought we had a good game plan going into it and the kids did a great job of executing it. We started out down 9-2 after three possessions, called time, out got refocused and went on 28-6 run to end the half and held that lead in the second half,” he said. At one time, the Bobcats (12-7,10-2) were two games behind Smithville, but West says they have continued to battle and that has made the difference. “If you had told me a month ago we'd be in this position with two games to go to possibly share the league I probably would not have believed you, but the kids came to practice every single day and they kept believing and they kept working,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday night, “It took us a while to get our feet under us graduating four of five starters from last year and losing the fifth starter to a season ending injury in the first 45 minutes of our first practice. It's been an uphill battle, but the kids have accepted it and I think they have a lot to prove and have a lot of people to prove wrong.” Rittman (3-17,1-11) lost (77-53) to South Central in a non-conference game on Tuesday night. They were hammered (66-37) by Hillsdale in their last league game last Friday. Norwayne won the first game between the two (73-37) on January 9. West says they must have focus. “Rittman always play hard and I always feel that their gym is a tough gym to play in. We said that (Tuesday) at the end of practice that last week was a phenomenal week for our program, but last week's over. That's exactly the word I used. I don't think it's a skill or an execution thing at this point of practice it's more of a focus thing. That's not just Rittman that's for the last two weeks of the season. We have got to be mature enough to focus and be able to focus on the things that are going on in between the lines during practice and just try to get the job done,” said West. Published 2/11/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Upper Needs to Make Shots Upper Sandusky plays at Mohawk in a game in the Northern 10 Athletic Conference on Friday night. The have lost five of their last six, two of them to Colonel Crawford, including last Friday when they fell (49-37) to Seneca East in an “N10” game. Coach Jeff Winslow says they just didn’t make shots, especially in the fourth quarter. “We led most of the game till the end of the third quarter and then just the fourth quarter we had a really bad fourth quarter couldn't put the ball in the basket, only scored four points. Then we had to start doing some things that we wouldn't normally do,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday afternoon, “They were taking the air out of the ball there with a little bit of lead. It was closer than the 10 points or whatever it ended up. Just got to be more consistent at the offensive end. We just have struggled at times to put the ball in the basket and we picked the fourth quarter to do that the other night.” Winslow says their shooting has been inconsistent and that’s frustrating to say the least. “I know how good of shooters we have and we've been inconsistent shooting it. To see all those shots go up. We were 2-22 from three. It's going to be tough for us to win if we don't put in the ball hoop better than that. It's frustrating to be that inconsistent when these kids are really good shooters. So, just got to learn to score in the paint a little more to help that out and maybe get a little bit better shot and they'll start falling,” he said. Upper Sandusky (7-12,6-6) is over at Mohawk (8-10,3-7) on Friday night. The Warriors won their last league game in beating Buckeye Central (44-39) on Friday night. The first game was won by Upper (49-43) on January 3. Winslow says this is a lot better team than they saw then. “They've improved a lot, playing a lot more confidence. His teams are always playing better at the end of the year than they do at the beginning. He's got a young team kind of like us. They have really improved and won some games over the past six or seven games. So, going over there. We got them the first time. We need to be ready to take them on again because they're a lot better group right now than they were first time around,” said Winslow. Published 2/11/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Clear Fork With Another Test Clear Fork travels to Colombus Bishop Hartley for its final regular season game on Wednesday night. They picked up two win last week in smoking Galion (62-27) in their last “MOAC” game on Thursday and outscoring Cardington (82-56) in a non-conference game on Saturday. Coach Scott Sellers says they played well and now it’s time to move on. “We finished the conference schedule 14-0, which was amazing it's incredible. It's extremely hard to do, so we were able to get that done. We had Cardington come in the other day. We shot it well and we shot a lot. They shot it really well. I think there were 10-17 from three, so as a spectator I think it was a good game to watch. For us, it's just all about the tournament now and getting ready for it and we're really looking forward to Wednesday,” said Sellers. Sellers says a couple of weeks ago they were looking for someone to play and they found a very strong opponent in Hartley. “Well, they're Division III. I think they ended up third in the RPI down in central district. They are really good. They have got two outstanding sophomore guards. I think they've both been offered by some pretty high major schools. Very quick, very good with the ball, they pressure you on defense, they'll get up and run a little bit,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “We were able to pick them up after we weren't able to reschedule our West Holmes game that got snowed out. We were looking around for somebody that would test us and we found it. They had availability. I reached out to one of their coaches and luckily we got it done. The farther you get in the tournament you're going to see some teams like this that have had success with really strong guards and good post play. So, for me it was can we go find a team that that might make us better for the district and possibly beyond and we were able to find that.” Clear Fork (18-3), #5 in the Swankonsports.com girls’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, starts the tournament with Galion at home on February 21. Sellers hey are doing all they can to be ready for the postseason. “Having a two week kind of break that isn't always ideal, but you can't do anything about it. We'll have 10 days between our last game and then our first game, which ends up being here against Galion, a third time we've seen them this season. So, we'll have some time to kind of get ready, get everybody healthy, and really review stuff. Work on skill work and things like that. The kids are excited, we're excited as coaches, and we're really looking forward to it,” he said. Published 2/10/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Shelby Has to Value the Ball Shelby will take its act to Maragretta to take on the talented Polar Bears in a non-conference game on Tuesday night. Last Tuesday, they fell (77-63) to “MOAC” winner River Valley. Coach Greg Gallway says they played pretty well and competed better than they did the first time they played. “We knew it was a tough test. Our biggest thing was we wanted to respond from the defensive letdown that we had at home against them and our guys really did that. We were up at half and going into the fourth quarter, I think it's a one possession game. We felt like we were right there with them. Some shots didn’t fall you for us late. River Valley hit some really good shots late in the fourth quarter against us to kind of take that lead from three to double digits. Overall, just really pleased with how we battled against a good team like River Valley,” he said. Shelby (11-5), #5 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the large school division, is up at Margaretta (16-3), #2 in the small school division, on Tuesday night. The Beas whipped Vermilion (89-40) in a Bay Division game on Friday. Gallaway says they are aggressive and are more than just Julian Washington. “They're really good. Probably the most complete team that we played so far this year. They have played a really tough schedule. They have got a stud in #14 Julian Washington, one of the best players in the state. Just watching him on film and some of the shots that he makes are unbelievable,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “He's just very polished. There's not many deficiencies in this game. He's got a nice supporting cast as well. Judah Keller, the point guard, he's another four year player, the coach’s son, just such a tough point guard, physical. Then they have got a lot of other nice pieces that go with them. They do a lot of things right. It's going to be a great test for us.” Gallaway says you cannot let Margaretta take over the game with their pressure defense. “Defensively they do a lot of different things. They will pressure in the full court. They'll run a three quarter zone where they have the Washington kid at the top. Their main defense in the half court is just they do a lot of things that disrupt offenses. So, you have got to take care of the basketball. If you turn over against them it's going to translate to buckets. It's a game that we have got to make sure that we take care of the ball and we get meaningful possessions on offense in the half court,” said Gallaway. Published 2/10/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Plymouth With Tough Task Plymouth, the Firelands Conference co-leader, plays at surging Norwalk St. Paul on Friday night in a conference game. The Big Red (13-6,9-3) fell back into a share of the lead with Monroeville when they lost (47-45) to Crestview on Saturday night. Coach Tim Brafford says they didn’t shoot well and Crestview took it to them. “I was a tough loss for us. I didn't think that we came out and played with the energy we needed too particularly where we were sitting in the conference. Our shot was off across the board. Usually, one or two kids might be off, but everyone was off on our threes. We kind of live and die by the three lately, but we have gone scored 82 points 76 points and dropped there down to 45. I just think Crestview played their butts off. They played us very physical. No excuses on our part. They just kicked our butt. Ben (McClay) had them ready to go and they came out swinging and we weren't ready for it. We got down 10 or 12, came back tied it up, got down 10, came back tied it up, you can't continue to do that against a good team,” said Brafford. Norwalk St. Paul (11-9,6-6) won its last four league games and five of its last six, including a (50-45) overtime win over Western Reserve on Saturday night Brafford says they have gained experience and found their game. “They've really turned it up. They're impressive. They beat Crestview last week I believe on (Tuesday) and turned around and beat Western Reserve on Saturday night. They're playing some good basketball right now. They have a great coach with Steve Minor, I love the guy anyway,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “He's got these kids playing. I think they're dangerous. He graduated a lot after winning the conference and now they have some kids who have some confidence. He does a great job coaching. They've got some varsity experience now. So, whenever you get a team in the late season that maybe started out slow you don't know what you're going to get, so we've got to be ready.” Plymouth won the first meeting (63-52) on January 9. Brafford says they must win Friday and next week against Western. “I don't believe Monroeville will lose either of the last two games, so if we want to be in at the end. We still have St. Paul, which is going to be a really tough game and we still have Western Reserve at home, which will be another tough one. There's no easy path, so we're going to have to grow up, step up, and be ready to go if we hope to have our name up there as a conference champ,” he said. Published 2/10/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Bellevue Can Compete With Perkins Bellevue plays at Sandusky Bay Conference Lake Division co-leader Perkins on Friday night. It’s a chance for the Redmen to play the role of spoiler. Last week, the Bellevue drilled Norwalk (74-32) on Friday in a division game and lost at traditional power Ottawa-Glandorf (57-49) on Saturday. Coach Ed Rich says they certainly didn’t get any breaks on Saturday. “Good game on Friday. We played extremely well against Norwalk. Shot it really, really well. Went to O-G on Saturday and we played well enough to win. I’m not going to get really crazy into details. I can tell you we were 7-9 from the free throw line and they were 20-25. So, it's tough to win like that, but I thought our guys played extremely well so I was really proud of them. It was a tough, physical game and we just didn't get to the line as much as they did and it hurt. I think we ended up losing by eight. We were within three with two minutes ago and we started to have to foul a little bit there at the end. So, proud of my guys though,” said Rich. Bellevue (12-7,5-3) is at Perkins (16-2,7-1), #1 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the large school division, on Friday night. The Pirates beat Clyde (79-63) in a division game on Friday. They lost (53-50) to Oregon Clay in a non-conference game on Saturday. Rich says they have talent across the board and can beat you in a number of ways. “They're extremely talented, the most talented team in the league. I said that before the year even started that either them or Sandusky was probably the favorite to win, but I would say that Perkins had has more talent than anybody and it's still the same,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “They've lost a couple now. They lost to Sandusky. They lost to Oregon Clay actually on Saturday, which was kind of surprising to me. They're talented they can beat you in a lot of different ways. They can beat you inside, they can beat you outside. We have got to play extremely well over there if we want to have a chance, but I think we'll be up for the challenge.” Perkins won the first meeting (64-61) in double overtime on January 8. Rich says they will enter the game with some confidence. “We got down early in our game at our place and then we battled back. Caused some turnovers and had a little luck at the end. Missed a free throw on purpose, got the rebound and put it back for an and one. So, we gave ourselves a chance. One of their players got hot and hit some big shots for them and we come up a little short. We should have a lot of confidence going into that game,” he said. Published 2/10/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Madison Wants Improvement Madison has two Ohio Cardinal Conference games on its schedule this week at New Philadelphia on Tuesday night and at home against archrival Mansfield Senior on Friday. They lost (47-40) to Wooster in an “OCC” game on Friday night. Coach Davey Hipp says they just didn’t make enough shots. “I thought we played well for 85 to 90% of the game and kind of gave it to them at the end with some turnovers that cost us. When you shoot about 10% from three, had a couple of threes go in and out and that doesn’t help either. Held them the 47 points, but only scored 40. So, a lot of good things to take away, but a lot to grow one obviously too,” said Hipp. Madison (7-10,3-8) is at New Philadelphia (14-5,8-4), #3 in the Swankonports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll, on Tuesday night. The Quakers hammered Lexington (69-47) in an “OCC” game last Saturday. Hipp says they play solid half court offense. “They do what they do well. They get in their sets, they play good half court defense, they can lull you to sleep with all the screens and back cuts and flares,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday night, “We have got to be able to talk and communicate through their offense and then find a way to get inside, get in the teeth of the defense and knock down some shots.” The Rams host Mansfield Senior (13-7,9-4), #4 in our poll, on Friday night. The Tygers destroyed them (58-15) on December 23. Hipp says they have to be better this time. “Us not playing good the first time is an understatement. I think that it's a testament to how much the guys have worked this season from beginning to end. I think they're definitely exciting though to play our rival on Friday. It'll be good to get them again,” he said. Published 2/10/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Crestline in Rivalry Games Crestline plays a non-conference game against Cory-Rawson on Tuesday night, but they have another big rivalry game with Mansfield St. Peter’s in Mid-Buckeye Conference action on Friday. They beat another rival in Lucas (73-38) in a “MBC” game last Friday. Coach Paul Webb says they had fun and played well. “That was a fun one. Obviously, it's a rivalry game I feel like for our kids and between the two programs. Our kids came out and played extremely hard, executed and it was a lot of fun,” he said. Crestline plays at Corey-Rawson (3-14) on Tuesday night. Webb says they must play very good perimeter defense. “Cory-Rawson has a really excellent point guard. He's a senior this year, averages about 20 a game. In a lot of film I've seen if he's open, he's pretty much going to hit any shot,” he old Swankonsports.com on Monday evening, “We have got to do a good job on him. They've been in a lot of close games with a lot of good teams. I don't think their record actually speaks to how good they are. So, we definitely have to come to play (Tuesday).” Crestline (10-8,4-3) hosts Mansfield St. Peter’s (6-8,2-4) on Friday night. The Spartans lost (75-42) to Edison in a non-conference game on Monday night. The Bulldogs edged St. Peter’s (67-63) back on January 9. Webb expects more good intensity in this one. “That's another big rivalry game for us. I feel like them and Lucas are the two teams that we get up for the most and they get up for the most. Coach (Roy) Shoulders is as good as they come. Their kids play extremely hard against us. So, it'll be a fun senior night for us,” said Webb. Published 2/10/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Mohawk Making Some Momentum Mohawk hosts two Northen 10 Athletic Conference games this weekend with Upper Sandusky on Friday and Buckeye Central on Saturday. They just played Buckeye last Friday, holding on to win (44-39) in New Washington. Coach Paul Dunn says they were able to make the plays at the end to get the win. “Going into Buckeye Central we let Hunter Caudill kind of catch fire there and it made it hard to kind of corral him the second half. I thought they did a great job of exploiting their size against us and pounded it inside and we didn't rebound the ball great. We found a way to hang on. Some of our leaders made some free throws there down the stretch to put the game away, which is good for us to see. We have really been put in that situation a ton this year where you have got to finish the game late like that. So, happy with our kids ability to do so,” he said. Mohawk (8-10,3-7) is at home for Upper Sandusky (7-12,6-6) on Friday night. The Rams lost (49-37) to Seneca East last Friday. Dunn says they have to get out and defend shooters. “Their guard play, the talent that they have with those guards. With Josh Heilmam is leading the charge along with the younger guards that are freshman and sophomores that have gained a lot of experience they're starting to kind of step into their own,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday evening, “Their ability to shoot from the outside when they're on is scary. There's some of the best shooters in the league, so we have got to respect that. We have got to do a great job of defending the three-point line no matter what defense we're in. That's got to be a focus for us. So, we definitely respect the ability of those guys have.” The Warriors have won four of their last five and Dunn says they want to continue to build momentum. “That's kind of what we've been talking about second half of the season and you want to hit your stride the best you can going into the tournament play and this next week's our last week to stack some wins together if we can to give yourselves a good draw at least and see what can happen. So, I think the kids understand that. We’ve got three more days of practice to really hone in on that and kind of sharpen things up and make sure we give ourselves the best chance here going into the home stretch,” said Dunn. Published 2/10/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Calvert With A Couple Tests Tiffin Calvert has a pair of games in the River Division of the Sandusky Bay Conference the week as host New Riegel on Thursday and Sandusky St. Mary’s on Saturday. Last week, they buried Northwood (55-17) in a division game on Friday and lost a tough one (74-70) in overtime to Ottoville in non-conference play on Saturday. Coach Jon Otterbacher says they did some good things. “It was a long weekend with a lot of driving. We took a long bus ride to Northwood for the first time in the league we’re seeing them. Have some really nice athletes. I thought we did a good job defensively to take away their three-point shooting, which limited their opportunities throughout the game,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday night, “Saturday another long drive, a hour and half drive over to Ottoville. A great game, great atmosphere, it's good competition. I know the record doesn't show it, but that's a pretty good team. They're playing in a tough area. So, pretty pleased overall. I think the kids battled extremely hard Saturday night and we had plenty of opportunities just right on the edge of our fingertips and couldn't pull through a couple rebounds or a couple easy shots.” Calvert (10-7,6-4) plays at home against New Riegel (6-12,4-7) on Thursday. The Blue Jackets beat Woodmore (42-30) in their last division game on Friday. The Senecas won the first meeting (61-50) on January 9. Otterbacher says they have some good personnel and he expects a battle. “They're going to give us their best like they did the first time. It was a dog fight over there the first time. They've got two nice posts inside, very have got some very capable guards, very talented all the way around. They could put some things together to make a nice game out of it,” he said. Sandusky St. Mary’s (15-3,9-2) is in a share of second place in the league. They beat Lakota (61-42) on Friday. Otterbacher says the Panthers will come after you and they are going to have to be able to handle the ball. “Another very deep, very athletic team. I think they're playing eight, nine guys. They have got some decent size and they have got very capable guards on the perimeter. They come at you in waves, a lot of physicality, and a lot of pressure throughout the game. So, I think they're main MO is to wear you down and make you take bad shots and make bad decisions with the ball,” said Otterbacher. Published 2/10/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM

	Girls Basketball Matchups Determined The basketball tournament is right around the corner and brackets for girls’ teams were drawn on Sunday across Ohio. In this story we will get you to the district semifinal, but due to cross bracketing in the Northwest District district finals will be too difficult, or actually too wordy, to explain here. We will keep you updated. In the NW district in division III, Ashland, the Ohio Cardinal Conference winner, is the top seed. Norwalk, the “SBC” Lake runner is the second seed, Tiffin Columbian is third, and Mansfield Madison fourth. “We have an opportunity to make another run at a district title if we play Ashland basketball. That all starts with our defense and our ability to push the pace. Sandusky will be a tough challenge to put away and then we will need to have one of our best games of the year to knock off Norwalk,” said Ashland coach Renee Holt. Ashland hosts Sandusky and Norwalk is at home for Mansfield Senior on Thursday, February 19. The winners play February 24 at Buckeye Central in a district semifinal. Tiffin Columbian is at home for Ontario on the 19^th and the winner gets Madison, also at Buckeye on the 24^th. “Nobody likes being off this long before a tournament game, but we are playing our best basketball at the right time, so we are excited and will be prepared,” said Madison coach Doug Rickert. Other games involving teams out of Ohio Cardinal Conference. New Philadelphia plays at Dresden Tri-Valley on February 18 and Dover is at Steubenville on the 21^st in division III games. West Holmes is at home with John Glenn on February 19 in division IV. In division IV, defending state champion Bellevue is the number one seed, followed by Genoa, Clyde and Shelby. “The draw went about how we expected it to go. We were happy with where we ended up,” said Bellevue coach Kory Santoro. Bellevue entertains Lexington on Tuesday, February 17 and the winner plays Upper Sandusky on Saturday, February 21. Millbury Lake is at Vermilion on the 21^st. The district semifinal is February 24 at Fostoria High School. Sandusky Perkins plays at Genoa and Shelby is at Clyde on February 21. The district final here is also the 24^th at Fostoria. “Draw went as we thought. The girls are excited for a clean slate and will be ready to go to battle,” said Shelby coach Natalie Lantz. In the Central District in division IV, Highland is at Columbus Bishop Ready and Worthington Christian is at River Valley in games on February 19. Also some good matchups in division V with Clear Fork, the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference winner is the top seed, Willard, the “SBC” Bay runner up is the second seed, followed by Oak Harbor and Pemberville Eastwood. “It’s nice to have a sectional final at home. We are very excited to start or second season,” said Clear Fork coach Scott Sellers. Clear Fork hosts Galion and Willard at home for Huron in sectional finals. The winners meet February 24 at Kansas Lakota High School. Oak Harbor is at home for Port Clinton and Edison at Eastwood in sectional finals. Those winners also play Lakota on the 24^th. In the Central District in games on February 18 Centerburg is Utica, Marion Pleasant hosts Northmor and Fredericktown is at Fairbanks/ Division V games in the NE district are February 21 and feature Tuslaw at Poland Seminary, Chippewa hosts Akron Manchester, Northwestern at Columbiana Crestview, Norwayne has Lorain Clearview, Canton South visits LaGrange Keystone, Orrville is at Garfield and Wooster Triway is at home with Youngstown Liberty. In division VII, Margaretta and Colonel Crawford are both top seeds and New London and Wynford are second seeds. “Tournament time brings a certain excitement to the season. It’s action packed with a quick turn around and high stakes games. Getting to compete for championships with our team is always a special circumstance,” said Crawford coach Zac Bauer. Here are the matchups. New London, the Firelands Conference champ, hosts Western Reserve and Woodmore is at Gibsonburg, both games are February 19, and the winners play at Fremont Ross on February 25, “With the new format this season, it went very smooth. It will be nice to play on our court, but playing a team for the third time is always tough, no matter the results from the previous two games. They are well coached. We will prepare hard, and be ready to go,” said New London coach Eric Mitchell. Margaretta, the “SBC” Bay winner, hosts Monroeville on the 19^th with the winners playing Kansas Lakota on the 25^th at Fremont Ross. Wynford plays host to South Central and Buckeye Central in at Mansfield Christian on the 19^th with the winners playing at Shelby High School on February 25. “The new tournament seeding process was interesting and efficient despite the number of teams involved across northwest Ohio. The Royals are excited to have the opportunity to play for a sectional championship,” said Wynford coach Amy Taylor-Sheldon. Colonel Crawford plays at home against Bucyrus on the 19^th and the winner meets Crestview on February 25 at Shelby. Carey hosts Van Buren on February 19, if they win, they will play either Columbus Grove or Lima Central Catholic on February 25 at Lima Senior. In the Central District, Mt. Gilead is at top seeded Harvest Prep on February 18 with the winner playing Cardington on the 21^st. East Knox will be at either Grandview Heights or Mechanicsburg on the 21^st. In the NE District games Black River is Hillsdale on February 17. Smithville is at home for Harbor Harding, Waynedale hosts Waterloo and McDonald is at Mapleton on the 19^th. Dalton will be at home for either Ashtabula St. John or Newton Falls and Loudonville hosts Independence or Mogadore also on February 19. In division VII, there are also brackets all over the region. Plymouth plays at Crestline on February 18 with the winner playing at Arcadia om the 21^st. Mohawk is at Tiffin Calvert on the 21^st. The winners play at Willard High School on the 25^th. Seneca East plays at home against New Riegel and Lucas is at Hopewell-Loudon on the 21^st with winners also playing at Willard on the 25^th. “We definitely had to spend more time researching teams and brackets than we have in the past with the new format. At the end of the day, we have to execute and do our jobs. It doesn’t matter who we are playing,” said Seneca East coach George Parks. Maumee Valley is at Sandusky St. Mary’s on the 18^th and the winner plays at Danbury Lakeside on the 21^st. Old Fort is at Norwalk St. Paul on the 21^st. Winners play at Gibsonburg on the 25^th. In the Central District, Danville is at Millersport on February 21. Published 2/08/26 © Swankonsports.com

	Must Win for Ashland Ashland, a game back in the Ohio Cardinal Conference, plays on the road at West Holmes on Friday night. They fell out of a share of first place when New Philadelphia beat them (60-44) last week. Coach Jason Hess says the Quakers are not a good matchup for them, plus they struggled to make open shots. “New Philadelphia is really good and I think I might even have said on this program earlier in the year that they were kind of my pencil favorites to be at the top of our league this year and have the best chance to win the league with who they had coming back off of last year's team. They are a difficult matchup for us because of their size,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday afternoon, “Unfortunately for us, it was a night that we needed to shoot the ball well from the perimeter. We had some really good looks, especially I thought in the first half, first quarter that we did not make. If we were able to make a couple of those and maybe go into halftime with the lead, I think it could be a different basketball game. New Philly is really good about controlling the tempo, being very deliberate offensively and capitalizing on any mistakes you make defensively. They were able to get a lead early and play with the lead that forced us to kind of gamble and get ourselves out of position and we were playing catch up all night and unfortunately, we came up a little short on the scoreboard.” Ashland (11-7,9-3) is at West Holmes (4-13,1-9) on Friday night. The Knights carry a six game losing streak, including a (64-47) loss to Lexington last Friday in “OCC” play. The Arrows won the first meeting in this series (77-62) on January 9. Hess says they need to set the tone defensively. “They're at the bottom of our league, but they're very talented as well with some of their younger players getting more experience as the year goes on. They have got some good length on the perimeter. They played much better at home. So, anytime you go on the road in the league it’s extremely important to get off to a good start and be able to get some confidence going early and not allow the other team to see the ball go through the basket. So, I think we're going to have to make sure defensively we're able to get some stops, put some pressure on their ball handlers, and force them to shoot contested shots,” said Hess. Hess says they understand a win Friday night, and next week against Lexington, is a must. “Both of our remaining conference games are must wins. They're both on the road and we'll take them one at a time, but we definitely have got to be locked in (Friday) night and hope our guys are coming in focused with a lot of energy and ready to play our best basketball. Hopefully, this time of the year you're playing your best basketball and you know putting our best effort out there on the court,” he said. Published 2/06/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	Ontario Must be Ontario Ontario now must focus on the postseason tournament as they have been eliminated from the race in the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference. They are home for Highland in a conference game on Friday night. After winning their first 11 and 13 of their first 14, the Warriors have lost four of their last five. Coach Jerry Moton says they must play their game. “I just think that we have to execute better and then on top of that we have to make sure that we are not letting the defenses that we see slow us down. We have to still play our game, which is fast,” he said. Moton says their game is to push the tempo and they haven’t been doing that lately. “That was sort of the blueprint early on. Now we're sort of adjusting to what everybody else is doing,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday afternoon, “Our game plan is still the same you know. We can outrun most teams and that's what we want to do, we want to get out and run.” Ontario (14-5,8-4) hosts Highland (6-13,2-10) on Friday night. The Fighting Scots have lost six of their last seven, including a (57-42) setback to Clear Fork on Friday night. The Warriors won the first time (78-66) on January 2. Moton calls them dangerous. “They have got a nice balance attack. They have got a good, tall guard, he's very athletic. I think he might be their leading scorer. They pressure on defense. They're very dangerous team if you allow them to be,” he said. Published 2/06/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	Unbeaten Fredericktown Wants a Share Fredericktown can earn a share of the title in the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference with a win Friday night at archrival Centerburg. The Freddies lead Danville by two games entering the play on Friday. In a non-conference tune up on Wednesday night, they downed North Union (71-61) to remain undefeated. Coach Derek Dibling says they were able to turn it on in the second half. “Honestly, we didn't get off to the greatest start, but I was really proud of our guys. They delt with some adversity and had a strong second half to start and then I had a really, really good fourth quarter as they kind of had to tighten some things up defensively late in the game,” said Dibling. Fredericktown (16-0,11-0), #4 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, is at Centerburg (6-13,6-7) on Friday night. The Trojans beat Cardington (43-36) in league play last Friday. The Freddies dominated Centerburg (62-9) in a game played at Fredericktown on January 9. Dibling says Centerburg has been showing some improvement. “They have some inexperience, but I think they have shown some signs of some guys that can then play a little bit and I think we have got to be aware of where their shooters are,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday night, “They have a couple guys down low that can score the ball pretty well when they get to their spots. So, we just have to be prepared. It being a rivalry game records kind of go out the window and that kind of stuff. So, we have got to be prepared for their best shot.” Add to the fact that this is for a piece of the title, Dibling says you never have to fire the kids up to play the Trojans. “You just say the word Centerburg and that pretty much does the job right there. They're excited to play. The seniors know it will be their last trip to Centerburg in their time. There's been a lot of memorable games there. It’s a rivalry game they'll be ready to go,” he said. Published 2/06/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	Mansfield Christian Plays for a Share Mansfield Christian can earn no less than a share of the title in the Mid-Buckeye Conference with a win at home Friday night against Kidron Central Christian. The Flames and the Comets share the top spot in the conference standings. They will come in with some momentum after a (56-55) win over Firelands Conference leader Plymouth on Saturday night. Coach Cary Craner says they played really good defense. “That was a great win for us. Our boys just really played hard. Bryson Winemiller stepped up for us that night and had a career high 19 points. So, we played pretty well, played pretty good defense. We went in there and were able to come out with the win,” he said. Mansfield Christian (9-6,5-1) entertains Kidron Central Christian (12-5,5-1) on Friday night. The Comets beat Mansfield St. Peter’s (67-53) last Friday in a league game. It was the Flames that won the first meeting (53-46) on January 2. Craner says they will run and jump press you the entire game. He says you have to be able to beat the double teams. “Kidron is really good this year. They're even better when they're at home. They just play, like we talked before, they play a defense that just hounds you the whole game. They double team you everywhere. They just chase the ball. That can get them in trouble, but you have got to have kids that can handle that type of pressure. So, we know coming into our gym they're going to be doing the same thing to us. They're just a really good basketball team,” said Kraner. Craner says the live turnovers just fuel the momentum for the Comets. He says they have to be able to respond. “If you give them a turnover you got to be able to get the next possession and go down and at least get a good look at the basket,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday evening, “We've talked before you know those live ball turnovers are key. We just have got to be able to handle the pressure. We know what they're going to do to us and we just have got to be able to execute and handle it. That's what we've been working on all week and we hope we're ready.” Published 2/06/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	Norwayne Has to be Physical Norwayne can move into a share of first place in the Wayne County Athletic League with win at home Friday night over first place Smithville. They blasted Chippewa (76-39) in a league game on Tuesday night. Coach Brian West was very pleased with their play. “Credit to our kids for coming out ready to go off the opening tip. I thought that was by far the most complete game we've played so far this year. Chippewa was hot. They were 6-2 after the new year and they had just knocked off Smithville the previous week. They were riding pretty high. To be honest I was pretty nervous going into that game because they're athletic. When they get hot, they’re tough to defend and I thought our kids are really focused and came in and played really hard for 32 minutes,” he said. Norwayne (11-7,9-2) plays at home against Smithville (15-4,11-1), #5 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, on Friday night. Smithville destroyed third place Hillsdale (78-45) on Tuesday night. West says they play sound defense and can be very patient when they have the ball. “They're always very solid defensively. They're great help side, their on ball pressure is probably second to none in our league, they run very good things offensively they're very patient. Coach (Corey) Kaufman does a great job with those guys. It's been years and years of battles with Smithville, just seems like it never ends. We know what they're going to do, they know what we're going to do and it's just whoever's able to execute better. It’s hopefully going to be a fun atmosphere for the boys. We talked (Thursday) with graduation of quite a few kids last year this will probably be the first full gym that these kids have played in front of. I said enjoy the moment, take advantage of it, you earned it. So, go do what we can do and let the chips fall where they may,” said West. Smithville won the first meeting (68-50) on January 6. West says they must be better on defense and be more physical too. “I think we're going to have to defend a lot better than we did the first round. We were up after the first quarter at their place and they started hitting shots in the second and third quarter and we didn't. I thought they got a lot of open shots as well and some straight line drives to the basket,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday night, “We're going to have to play a lot better defensively. I thought they were definitely more physical than we were the first time around. So, we're going to have to match their physicality and hopefully take care of the ball a little bit better. A little more comfortable in our own gym, but you never know. Hopefully, the boys are ready to go.” Published 2/06/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	Margaretta Can Clinch Share Margaretta can secure no less than a share of the title in the Sandusky Bay Conference Bay Division with a win at home against the Vermilion Sailors on Friday night. They lost for just the third time this year when Toledo Central Catholic beat them (54-50) on Saturday. Coach Steve Keller says they learned a lot about how they can continue to improve. “I think there was a lot to take away from it. That's one of the reasons why we wanted to schedule it in our tourney tune up that we hosted. First and foremost, I thought we competed really well. We were right there at the end of the game came back and made a nice game of it late. We never really got too far out of it. Just had a dry stretch, or a drought, in the early third, but made a run get it back to two,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday night, “TCC” is a really good basketball team. They have got some really nice guards and then they got a 6’7” kid in the middle and eventually that's what hurt us was that 6’7” at the rim and above the rim late on some putbacks. It wasn't for lack of effort, it wasn't for lack of competition and willingness to compete. We just really truly just didn't make enough shots. We typically shoot it a little bit better than we did that night. All in all it's something that really will make us better I think in the long run,” Margaretta (15-3,8-0), #2 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the small school division, will be at home for Vermilion (7-10,2-6) on Friday night. The Sailors lost (59-45) to Willard in a division game last Friday. Margaretta smoked them in the first meeting (78-48) on January 2. Keller says they have improved. “Well, I think they're getting better, significantly improved. Myers is a nice player, good athlete, and good size. They have got some other kids that can make plays. It’s going to be important for us to bounce back to and do it the right way. We've had a good week of practice, praise God we're healthy, and I think we're hopefully ready to go to compete. We have got to just really do what we do and play with a certain mindset and a team attitude,” he said. In terms of the league, Keller says they take things one game at a time. “Our saying, just to give you all access, our saying right now is be 1-0. (Friday) night we just want to beat Vermilion. We'll figure the rest out after that. We got three games after that with Shelby at home on Tuesday, Willard at Willard in a big match up that has become a pretty good rivalry. We've had some really good games with them over the last really 14 years, even playing them non league. Then we go on the road to Old Fort to finish out the year. So, our whole focus is 1-0, let's go get after it, let's get better, and let's improve 1% today, that's kind of what our philosophy is right now,” said Keller. Published 2/06/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	Pleasant Finding a Way Marion Pleasant has been playing very good basketball and Friday night they host Shelby in a game in the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference. The Spartans have won five in a row and seven of their last eight games. They beat Marion Harding (38-35) on Saturday night in an “MOAC” game. Coach Ben Snively says they have just been finding ways to win. “We've been playing good basketball. The kids are just finding a way right now. At Marion Harding, we haven’t won over there in about five years, so that was a big win for our kids. We had a nine point lead with three minutes to go and they were able to get a couple steals off of us and made a game out of it. Once again, our kids are able to hang on. They're just finding ways. We talk about winning the quarter, winning four minute segments. We were able to pull it out over there. So, yeah we've had some big wins. I'm really excited and happy for the kids that they they're finding ways,” said Snively. Pleasant (10-7,6-6) is at home for Shelby (11-5,8-4), #5 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the large school division, on Friday night. The Whippets lost (77-63) to “MOAC” champion River Valley on Tuesday night. Shelby won the first meeting (70-61) on January 2. Snively says they hope Brayden DeVito doesn’t explode on them and they can contain the other players. “They got a late start do the football. That's one of the best football teams I've seen in quite some time around this area. You know it's just a matter of time, so they get their legs under them. (Brayden) DeVito is probably if not the best player in the league one of the top,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday afternoon, “You're dealing with a kid like that it's going to be difficult for us. We just have got to try to contain him as much as we can and shut the other people down. They're a very good basketball team. They've had a winning tradition for a long time and that will not be an easy task Friday. Fortunately, it's at home. We're going to make some more shots than we did the last time. Like I said, grind it out and find ways to keep ourselves in the game.” The postseason tournament is right around the corner and Snively wants to continue to build momentum for what will be a very tough district. “We talked a lot about that too. Again, unfortunately, in division V in the Central District we have got four teams with Columbus Academy, Harvest Prep, Bishop Ready and Africentric that makes it very difficult on us, but hopefully we can continue to climb that RPI a little bit maybe get a chance to where we can win the game,” he said. Published 2/06/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	Mohawk Playing Well Mohawk takes a three game winning streak into a game at Buckeye Central in Northern 10 Athletic Conference action on Friday night. Coach Paul Dunn says they have made a few changes when it comes to individual players responsibilities and it seems to be working. “We've made a couple of some just minor adjustments trying to simplify the offense. Honestly, move some guys maybe off the ball that I think is going to benefit them in the long run. It has allowed some other guys too maybe handle it a little bit more and allow them to just kind of be in the flow. I thought our guys really battled especially Tuesday night against New Riegel. It was a packed house. It was a tight game really all way down to the wire. Guys had to figure out how to win a game late. I thought they did a good job of executing the things we asked them to do. I’m happy for the kids to finally see some fruits of the labor kind of coming into the light here,” said Dunn. They smoked Bucyrus (58-29) in a “N10” game last Friday. Mohawk (7-9,2-7) plays at Buckeye Central (2-13,2-7) on Friday night. The Bucks lost their last conference game (61-40) to Wynford last Thursday. This is the first meeting of the year between the Warriors and Bucks. Dunn says they have been besieged by injuries this year, but they still offer some concerns led by point guard Hunter Caudill. “With the cancellations this year definitely a little bit different. They are a team that had a lot of expectations I know for this senior class. I feel terrible with some of the injuries they've had to face. They've got a kid in Hunter Caudill that can essentially light the scoreboard up,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday evening, “Their size is absolutely something we have got to be worried about. They've got two guys that are 6’5” or taller and have got some strength to them as well. So, we're going to have to respect the rebounding ability of those guys and make sure that we keep Hunter in front of us and then do our best to make it really difficult for him.” Mohawk plays Hopewell-Loudon (8-8) in a non-conference game on Saturday. Dunn says they have some bigs and some shooters. “A team that lost some of their guard play last year, but brings back the (Ashton) Miller kid, who's very talented scorer. They too have some true size that's going to make it a challenge for us. They have some guys that can really shoot from the outside. They're well coached. Coach (Roger) Jury has been doing it now for it feels like forever, but they have got a got a system of kids buying into what they're doing. They know their roles. It's always a tough matchup playing a team like Hopewell,” he said. Published 2/06/26 © Swankonsports.com Follow our scoreboard for Constant updates on Friday nights At www.swankonsportshosting247.com Your first source for all things sports

	Mansfield Senior Wants a Chance Mansfield Senior will be a Dover for a game of significance in the Ohio Cardinal Conference on Friday night. The Tygers are two games behind Dover in the “OCC” standings and must have win or they are eliminated from title contention. In the “OCC” last week they lost (97-93) in triple OT to Ashland on Tuesday and beat Wooster (68-59) on Friday. Coach Marquis Sykes says they had to deal with a lot of things last week. “It was kind of a weird week for us. We played our games Friday and Saturday without two starters. On the flip side of that, we saw some young guys come in and play some valuable minutes and that's going to help our rotation. Now we saw what some guys can do in meaningful minutes and when they get the opportunity to actually play some extended minutes. So, it’s going to help our rotation out. This week we were able to get back to normal with our normal crew. So, we feel like we're better, we're one player deeper now. So, all in all last week wasn't lost even though we had a couple losses still feel like we're trending in the right direction. I still feel like we're playing on the right way just came up short a couple of games,” said Sykes. Mansfield Senior (12-7,8-4), #4 in the Swankonsports.com boys’ basketball coaches poll in the large school division, is at Dover (11-7,9-2) on Friday night. Dover beat Madison (46-34) in a league game last Friday. Sykes says this is a big game for both teams. “They're in first place for a reason. They're well coached, they run this stuff really well, they're really good defensive team and certainly they play well at home. So, we know this is going to be a really big for both teams. They're playing to stay in first place and we're playing to have a punchers chance at still winning the title and also playing for seeding and playing just to be better and continue to trend in the right direction. So, certainly thankful to have a meaningful game this week because it's been a really solid week in practice for us and we know it's going to be a tough one on Friday,” he said. Mansfield Senior won the first game (62-55) on January 9. Sykes says their goal is to make Dover feel uncomfortable, but yet be patient when they have the ball. “We certainly want to try to speed them up and not allow them to do all of the things that they practice, but on the flip side offensively with what we can't do is have a good defensive possession for 40, 45 seconds and then run down the court one pass and you shoot in five seconds,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday evening, “In fact that would totally defeat the purpose of having a good quality defensive possession for 45 seconds. So, we want to make sure that offensively we're disciplined. I want to make sure that we are not allowing them to just run stuff that they practice. We want to make sure they're uncomfortable. So, if we can do those things we feel like we'll have at least a shot to win the game, but if we're allowing them to just run their offense, an taking quick shots on the offense, then it'll be a long night for us.” Published 2/05/26 © Swankonsports.com Your first source for all things sports “Out of Bounds” Fridays 10 to midnight “Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1 PM