Eastern District – Division IV Sectional Preview
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The Eastern District’s Division IV tournament features a lot of youth, coupled with a few teams that could make some noise at the regional level. Top-seed Shadyside is likely out for redemption. Two seasons ago, led by then sophomores Tory…
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Continue ReadingThe Eastern District’s Division IV tournament features a lot of youth, coupled with a few teams that could make some noise at the regional level.
Top-seed Shadyside is likely out for redemption. Two seasons ago, led by then sophomores Tory Hendershot (5-6) and Baylee Wach Baylee Wach 5'6" | SG Shadyside | 2021 OH (5-6), the Tigers reached the Division IV state semifinals before falling to Ottoville, 50-43.
Last season, a potential showdown with Fort Frye in the District Final was derailed when Bishop Rosecrans upset the LTs 43-38 in double overtime. One year later, Wach and Hendershot are some of the top 21s in the Eastern District and are looking to lead their team on a deep postseason run.
Monroe Central took care of Rosecrans the following round before falling to Fort Frye in the district finale, 39-24.
The Seminoles earned a No. 2 seed with an 11-4 record, with all four losses coming to either Shadyside or Division III power Union Local. Monroe has a veteran roster with seven letter winners returning from last season’s team and four starters.
A strong junior class is led by dynamic point guard Kalista Friday Kalista Friday 5'4" | PG Woodsfield Monroe Central | 2022 State OH (5-3), backed by Trista Morris (5-5), Kynzi Bishop (5-7), and 3-point specialist Haylyn Hiles (5-11)
Those two are the early favorites to meet in the February 27 district final, but given it is tournament time, anything is possible.
Section Semifinals (All Games start at 7 p.m.)
Upper Bracket
No. 15 Bridgeport at No. 1 Shadyside
No. 13 Newcomerstown at No. 10 Beallsville
No. 9 River at No. 4 Malvern
No. 11 Steubenville Catholic at No. 6 Frontier
Lower Bracket
No. 14 Toronto at No. 7 Caldwell
No. 16 Conotton Valley at No. 2 Monroe Central
No. 12 Bishop Rosecrans at No. 3 Tuscarawas Central Catholic
No. 8 Strasburg at No. 5 Shenandoah
Seeding
1. Shadyside | 9. River |
2. Monroe Central | 10. Beallsville |
3. Tuscarawas Central Catholic | 11. Catholic Central |
4. Malvern | 12. Bishop Rosecrans |
5. Shenandoah | 13. Newcomerstown |
6. Frontier | 14. Toronto |
7. Caldwell | 15. Bridgeport |
8. Strasburg | 16. Conotton Valley |
Intriguing First-Round Matchup
River drew the No.9 seed with a deceptive 4-8 record that wasn’t helped but a mid-season COVID layoff. The Pilots do own a win against Division III Martins Ferry, along with a lot of competitive losses to the likes of Fort Frye, Shadyside, and Marietta. The Pilots are led by the 1-2 combination of sophomore Hannah Raper (5-7) and freshman point guard Kelsey Harlan Kelsey Harlan 5'5" | PG River | 2024 OH (5-5).
They are facing No. 4 Malvern, led by sophomore forward Maggie Powers (5-9) and her 17.1 points per game average. She’s aided by 5-3 junior guard Lanie Bower. The Hornets are 9-7 but River has faced a much-tougher scale. Another key is Harlan, despite being a freshman, is extremely difficult to rattle in a full-court press. River’s main question mark is depth and experience as its roster only has one senior and junior, apiece. The Hornets do own a nice win against No. 3 seed Tuscarawas Central Catholic.
Predicted First Round Winners
Shadyside, Beallsville, River, Frontier, Caldwell, Monroe Central, Tuscarawas Central Catholic, and Shenandoah
Other Players of Note
Tuscarawas Central Catholic: Saints have multiple options on the perimeter, including seniors Sage Debois Winnie (5-4), and Sophia Knight (5-8) backed by a talented sophomore class. Point guard Reese Triplett (5-8) and forward Maddie Ferrell (5-9) highlight a strong 10th-grade unit. Both can hit from range while Ferrell is a strong post and perimeter defender.
Shenandoah: Zeps are led by senior-point guard Ashleigh Wheeler (5-5) who has deep range and can beat defenders off the dribble. She leads a host of talented underclassmen who’ve managed to come together despite two 14-day COVID layoffs. Mya Leach (5-8, 2024) and Brylee May (5-10) are already showing serious promise.
Caldwell: Redskins have a nice compliment of younger players led by an all-Ohio senior guard in Cayton Secrest Cayton Secrest 5'6" | PG Caldwell | 2021 OH (5-7) and 6-2 junior post, Sheridan Archer. Secrest is a do-all guard while Sheridan does her damage primarily on the boards and as a post defender.
Steubenville Catholic: Crusaders are led by junior Katie Zatta, who has come into her own this season. The 5-6 guard shows the ability to hit from the outside along with attack and finish with both hands.