NW District- A look at D1/2 Sectionals

We are beginning the OHSAA State Tournament this week around Ohio, and today I will look at the Division 1 and 2 top teams to keep an eye on in the Northwest District. These are projections of teams who could meet later in the sectionals or district semis in each Division.   DIVISION 1   Northwest 1- Anthony Wayne vs Toledo Notre Dame or Findlay   AW is a team who I had a chance to see in January, and they have a lot of weapons to choose from. [player_tooltip player_id='319654' first='Elise' last='Bender'] is a 2025 who recently moved into the top 10 in Ohio in her class, and has all the tools to beat you from anywhere. [player_tooltip player_id='319655' first='Brooke' last='Bender'] is another 2025 who has seen her game rise up and teams up with her sister to provide a lot of scoring chances. Another set of sisters who are key contributors are [player_tooltip player_id='538056' first='Leah' last='Pike'] and [player_tooltip player_id='538057' first='Mallory' last='Pike'].   TND has a good balanced team with a solid attack from senior Abby Bacon and a group of 2025s [player_tooltip player_id='319048' first='JayLynn' last='Nicholson'], [player_tooltip player_id='360837' first='Jade' last='Battle'], Nina Sims and Bella Calcamuggio. One player who was seen by Haleigh during the season for Findlay was Aleksyss Arredondo who does a great job with the ball. Also can play good on-ball defense. I really liked 5-6 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='735172' first='Madilyn' last='Stechschulte'] at Findlay, she is a complete player, hard nosed and is all over the court. She has the intangibles to make her team good and does the little things.   Northwest 2- Freemont Ross vs Perrysburg   Perrysburg has a great all-around player in 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='319653' first='Chloe' last='Kilbride'], who uses her defense to help create offense. She is able to score in a variety of ways. [player_tooltip player_id='319047' first='Ayla' last='Turk'] is a 2025 who has incredible speed and just makes plays happen. She creates plays for herself or her team. The electricity brought by Ross 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='626000' first='Destiny' last='Robinson'] is unparalleled in that area of Ohio. She is complete, athletic and has a good basketball IQ, knocking down threes or getting to the rim.   DIVISION 2   Northwest 1- Toledo Rogers vs Bryan   Rogers is a traditional power from that region of Ohio, and I expect them to make another run to at least the district semis and maybe beyond. 5-9 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='743722' first='Rickayla' last='Davis'] (feature photo above) brings a lot to the table for only being a freshman, she is strong around the rim and has great athleticism and length. Able to score inside/out and she has a bright future in the game. The kid who I feel is a solid factor in the paint is 6-2 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='527856' first='Ni'Rah' last='Clark'], and her strong physical frame does a great job protecting the rim. Bryan is a team I don't know a whole lot about except I know the talents of 6-2 2024 Kailee Thiel, as she is very versatile and is a good rim protector. She should give Bryan a shot to make a nice run.   Northwest 1- Liberty Benton vs Lima Bath   This other potential district semifinal match pits two teams who are no stranger to success. LB is led by [player_tooltip player_id='280099' first='Lauren' last='Gerken'], who can literally do it all on the court. She has great size and length and will beat you either inside or out. Keep an eye on 6-2 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='841150' first='Corra' last='Dehart'], who I mentioned a few weeks ago was a player who doesn't let the big stage bother her, will do what is needed for her team. Bath is a team that traditionally is among the best in NW Ohio, and this year is no different. [player_tooltip player_id='366821' first='Anne' last='Oliver'] is a 6-0 2024 with great handles for her size and can shoot with the best of them. Great court vision and can play the passing lanes with her length. Another 2024 is 6-1 [player_tooltip player_id='735168' first='Claire' last='Foust'], who has good footwork at the rim and is an outstanding athlete. Strong player going to college to row.   Northwest 2- Shelby vs Mansfield Senior   Mansfield Senior is led by 1,000-point scorer Kiersten Bradley and returning all-Ohio point guard Monetta Hilory. Their athletic post [player_tooltip player_id='319074' first='Annaleise' last='Norris'] is the X-factor for Senior, when's he gets consistent post touches, they are a threat to anyone. Shelby is a team who is no stranger to success as they have been in this position many times before. 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='636715' first='Eve' last='Schwemley'] is their top player this season and look to lead the Whippets with her solid defensive and her pure leadership on the floor. Charlie Niese is another player who likes to defend along with [player_tooltip player_id='1120737' first='Serena' last='Ramsey'] and Maggie Bogner.   Northwest 2- Bellevue vs Norwalk   Norwalk is a regional qualifier from a year ago and despite battling some injuries this year, they have the experience to make a run. They have several proven players including a tough-minded PG [player_tooltip player_id='319032' first='Kenzie' last='Smith'] and a double-double machine Abby Koenig. They are also supported by Alyssa Gruhike, Emme Leber, Trinity Lazzara and Lucy Schlotterer. Bellevue brings in 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='420073' first='Hailey' last='Rees'], who has proven to be a solid offensive threat and is such a positive leader. [player_tooltip player_id='611608' first='Kaitlyn' last='Turinsky'] also a player who is capable of putting up the big numbers as a sophomore.

We are beginning the OHSAA State Tournament this week around Ohio, and today I will look at the Division 1 and 2 top teams to keep an eye on in the Northwest District. These are projections of teams who could meet later in the sectionals or district semis in each Division.