SW/NW Ohio District Finals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The district championships are here, and several teams have qualified for the finals this weekend around Ohio. Today, I will take a look at the matchups and Previews in Southwest and the updated district schedule for Northwest Ohio with games this weekend, starting Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>Southwest District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Division 1 @ Princeton</strong> <strong>High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Saturday, Feb. 25</em> <em>(gametimes subject to change)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11:00am- Kettering Fairmont vs Lakota East</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fairmont knocked off #1 seed Bellbrook to get here, and the Firebirds are peaking at the right time. Led by 2023 Serena Baker and 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='217356' first='Kenzie' last='Roark'], they have 3 2026 who are one of the best freshman trios in Ohio with [player_tooltip player_id='537680' first='Nico' last='Cornett'], [player_tooltip player_id='537681' first='Kaylah' last='Thornton'] and Lena Buskard. They are no longer freshman with their experience. Lakota East has put together an amazing season with 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='216105' first='Madison' last='French'], [player_tooltip player_id='329510' first='Payton' last='Woody'] and Savannah Smith along with 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='329533' first='Emma' last='Fohl'] and [player_tooltip player_id='626019' first='Celina' last='Blount'], 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='451617' first='Katlyn' last='Pham'], [player_tooltip player_id='469039' first='Addyson' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='319056' first='Brooke' last='Asher']. Very deep and very talented. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1:30pm- Centerville vs Kings</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Centerville withstood a late surge by Sidney to get the OT win in the sectional finals. [player_tooltip player_id='93541' first='Kendal' last='George'] is a 2023 who can light you up and the Grim sisters (Anna Grim 2023, Emily Grimm 2024) are a deadly sister combo! [player_tooltip player_id='527915' first='Kaitlyn' last='Palomino'] is a threat as the 2024 can provide offense while 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='538310' first='Bella' last='Keeton'] is improving every day. Kings knocked off the #1 team in the final poll and previously unbeaten West Clermont to get here. [player_tooltip player_id='734876' first='Kassie' last='Ingram'] is a 2024 who is their offensive leader, but she gets plenty of help from 2023 Madi Barnett and 2023 Riley Wells. They have some depth and now some momentum from their big win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4:00pm- Mason vs Springboro</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mason is the defending state runner-up and could be the favorite to get out of the regional. Time will tell, but they have the weapons with a phenomenal 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='441896' first='Carly' last='Prows'], while [player_tooltip player_id='319293' first='Madison' last='Parrish'] is one of the top 2025s in Ohio. [player_tooltip player_id='521312' first='Gabby' last='Razzano'] is a solid 6-2 2023 who can play inside and out while 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='481383' first='Anna' last='Habra'] is one of the better freshman in Ohio. Springboro won the GWOC and brings in a very dangerous soph duo of 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='319321' first='Bryn' last='Martin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='319295' first='Aniya' last='Trent']. The guard spots will be handled by 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='216014' first='Morgan' last='Meek'] and 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='319070' first='Ava' last='Wade'], while 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='217353' first='Chloe' last='Downing'] has been steady all season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Division 1 @ Lakota West HS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Saturday, Feb. 25 (game moved from Princeton due to host team cannot play at home)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6:00pm- Princeton vs Mount Notre Dame</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game was moved from Princeton since they can not play districts at home and they are a team with a lot of talent. 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='157707' first='Sole' last='Williams'] is #1 in the last PGH rankings in her class, while 2023s [player_tooltip player_id='360681' first='La'Sonja' last='Hill'] and Diwana Carter-Hartley both are talented and experienced to provide leadership. 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='636696' first='Kali' last='Forston'] is a rising sophomore and 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='319294' first='Mari' last='Gerton'] is ranking among the best in her class. Love the 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='640508' first='Heaven' last='Sneed'].... she is rising quickly. MND is back again as they knocked off previously unbeaten Talawanda to get here. [player_tooltip player_id='157705' first='Taylor' last='Stanley'] is a natural leader and the 2023 is the consummate floor general from the PG spot. Kailee Bransford is a 2025 and hit the game winner to get to districts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Division 2 @ Mason Middle School Arena</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Friday, Feb. 24 (gametimes subject to change)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5:00pm- Kettering Alter vs Summit Country Day</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending D2 state champs from Alter are heating up and are ready for the district finals. They have some key experience back from last year with 2023 Mekhia Shipp, 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='217360' first='Riley' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='366785' first='Elena' last='Thompson'], both bigtime contributors. Also 2025 Maddie Moody has improved her game and is a threat both at the rim and behind the arc. Love the improvement of 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='626020' first='Hannah' last='Mayse'] and rising freshman Da'Shai Shepard. Summit Country Day has a pair of 2023s who look to make a difference as [player_tooltip player_id='157708' first='Gabby' last='Martin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='360683' first='Kyla' last='Irby'] are both scoring in double figures while another 2023 Shamirah McBride is a talented guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7:00pm- Dayton Carroll vs Hamilton Badin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Look who's back... Dayton Carroll started the season 2-6 and finished tied for last in the loaded GCL Coed Division. They are filled with freshman as the 2026 class at Carroll consists of [player_tooltip player_id='537671' first='Kiera' last='Healy'], [player_tooltip player_id='538053' first='Eva' last='Snyder'], [player_tooltip player_id='538055' first='Maggie' last='Bush'] and [player_tooltip player_id='538054' first='Maura' last='Petrovic'] as all players who are rising quickly. 2023 Ellie Meyer handles the paint while 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='329489' first='Meghan' last='Parlette'], Lyla Grady, Addie Ryan and 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='849269' first='Lyla' last='Oliver'] and Ali Davis are players who make this team very deep. Badin may be the most underrated team in the districts. Their 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='538041' first='Braelyn' last='Even'] <em>(featured photo above)</em> could be the fastest rising freshman in Ohio after only being listed on the Watch List in the preseason. [player_tooltip player_id='451626' first='Gracie' last='Cosgrove'] is a 2025 who can score from anywhere she wants. [player_tooltip player_id='319027' first='Ashley' last='Pate'] is another scorer as the 2025 makes this very young team very dangerous in the next several years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9:00pm- Tipp City Tippecanoe vs Purcell Marian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Red Devils are back in a familiar spot at District Finals, and they have their hands full with the defending D3 state champs. Tipp brings in 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='270608' first='Makenzie' last='Chinn'] who is a D1 college soccer signee, while Alexa Mader is a 2023 who can score inside or out. They also have 2024 Laney Cleckner who is a perimeter threat. Purcell Marian has the #1 2025 in Ohio [player_tooltip player_id='360697' first='Darriana' last='Alexander'] as Dee will get help from sisters [player_tooltip player_id='451530' first='Cy'Aira' last='Miller'] and [player_tooltip player_id='451570' first='Ky'Aira' last='Miller'] a pair of very talented 2025s. Sharpshooter [player_tooltip player_id='316711' first='Jayda' last='Mosley'] is a 2024 who can open a game when she gets on a roll. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Division 3 @ Springfield High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Saturday, Feb. 25 (gametimes subject to change)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10:45am- Preble Shawnee v Cincinnati Country Day</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 dynamic duo of [player_tooltip player_id='270602' first='Olivia' last='Thompson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='270523' first='Campbell' last='Jewell'] have led this team to the districts. Thompson was District 16 POY and a great shooter while also being able to penetrate. Jewell is a University of Michigan soccer signee who is extremely athletic, can defend and find the open player. 2023 Harlee Howard is another player who has been a big factor for the Arrows. CCD brings in 2023 Gracie Barnes along with 2024 Megan Zimmerman and Elizabeth Zimmerman. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1:00pm- East Clinton v Anna</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The #1 seed in the Wilmington Sectionals are here as East Clinton has one of the most dominant players in the districts in double-double machine 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='402605' first='Libby' last='Evanshine']. Also 2024 PG Jordan Collom is a player who has put together a solid season for the Astros, as a good compliment to Evanshine. Another player to watch is 2023 Kami Whiteaker. Anna knocked off the #1 seed Bethel Bees to get here and they are a balanced team. They love defense and are led by 2024 Brenna Cobb, a solid and complete guard who is a good floor general for the Rockets. Also 2025 Makenna Pettus is a player who you should keep your eye on as she is improving. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3:15pm- Versailles v Madeira</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Versailles is a team that improved as the season progressed. They don't have that dominant scorer but they are balanced and effective. [player_tooltip player_id='746266' first='Jenna' last='Dirksen'] is a 2024 who has good talent from the guard spot while post 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='849193' first='Taylor' last='Wagner'] is vastly improved in the paint with good footwork and hands. I like the game of 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='537683' first='Katey' last='Litten'] who has grown a lot as a freshman. Madeira has 2023 Sammy Welty who is a solid scorer and a good leader for the Amazons. Mary Hartung is another 2023 who can be a factor in this game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Division 4 @ Troy High School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Saturday Feb 25 (gametimes subject to change)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11:00am- Fayetteville Perry v Tri Village</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tri Village wasn't touched in the sectionals, and I look for their success to continue. [player_tooltip player_id='93556' first='Rylee' last='Sagester'] is a 2023 who recently broke the state 3-point record for career threes, 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='93548' first='Morgan' last='Hunt'] is a very complete wing who can defend and attack both inside and out. Torrie Richards is very underrated and is the glue for this team. They can score, defend, push tempo and win. Fayetteville Perry brings in 2023 Anne Murphy who is a good combo guard who can run the show with good handles and can score. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1:00pm- Fort Loramie v Covington</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fort Loramie makes their annual trip to the district finals as the Redskins have a very good defensive team with a balanced offensive attack. 2023 Ava Turner was named the Player of the Year in the conference, while 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='849223' first='Avery' last='Brandewie'] had a great sophomore season. Another 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='329476' first='Victoria' last='Mescher'] is a player I have seen several times as she forward can score in a variety of ways, defend and moves well. Covington stunned the #2 seed Southeastern and the Buccs have a great sister combo of 2024 Gracie Anderson and 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='895498' first='Maggie' last='Anderson']. Maggie has good range and the 6' forward can rebound and handle the paint. Gracie is a guard who plays with high energy and can score well from the perimeter. [player_tooltip player_id='316729' first='Carlie' last='Besecker'] is a 5'10" 2024 forward with length and is a good athlete, can run the floor and finish. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3:00pm- Legacy Christian v Russia</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Legacy Christian lands back in the district finals with a very balanced team and without a big scorer. 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='745425' first='Alli' last='Graves'] was the conference Player of the Year while three others are very similar in scoring. Russia has 2023 Cece Borchers who is an aggressive guard and can see the floor well and score. [player_tooltip player_id='270603' first='Kate' last='Sherman'] is a 2023 post who is tough at the rim with good footwork and can rebound. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>Northwest District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Division 1 @ Lake</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Saturday, Feb. 25 (gametimes subject to change)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6:00pm- Fremont Ross v Whitehouse Anthony Wayne</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Division 1 @ Toledo Central Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Saturday, Feb. 25 (gametimes subject to change)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6:00pm- Holland Springfield v Toledo Start</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Division 2 @ Paulding</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Saturday, Feb. 25 (gametimes subject to change)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6:00pm- Lima Bath v Bryan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Division 2 @ Ashland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Saturday, Feb. 25 (gametimes subject to change)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4:00pm- Sandusky Perkins v Norwalk</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Division 2 @ Whitehouse</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Saturday, Feb. 25 (gametimes subject to change)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6:00pm- Napoleon v Toledo Rogers</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Division 3 @ Shelby </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Saturday, Feb. 25 (gametimes subject to change)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6:00pm- Upper Sandusky v Castalia Margaretta</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Division 3 @ Lake</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Saturday, Feb. 25 (gametimes subject to change)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1:00pm- Van Buren v Liberty Center</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Division 3 @ Elida</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Saturday, Feb. 25 (gametimes subject to change)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2:00pm- Delphos Jefferson v Ottawa-Glandorf</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Division 4 @ Willard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Saturday, Feb. 25 (gametimes subject to change)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6:00pm- Lakeside Danbury v New Washington Buckeye Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Division 4 @ Fostoria</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Saturday, Feb. 25 (gametimes subject to change)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6:00pm- Bascom Hopewell-Loudon v McComb</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Division 4 @ Ostego</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Saturday, Feb. 25 (gametimes subject to change)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6:00pm- Toledo Christian v Kansas Lakota</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Division 4 @ Defiance </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saturday, Feb. 25 (gametimes subject to change)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7:30pm- Ayersville v Convoy Crestview</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Division 4 @ Ottawa Glandorf</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Saturday Feb. 25 (gametimes subject to change)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6:00pm- Columbus Grove v Kalida</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Division 4 @ Wapakoneta</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Saturday, Feb. 25 (gametimes subject to change)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6:00pm- Marion Local v Minster</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->