By Dean Eversole
MaxPreps.com
Two Giants on Collision Course
Predicting sports is a dangerous game, especially when it comes to high school basketball.
Even though the OHSAA tournament is always full of surprises, it is becoming clear that Cincinnati Moeller and Lakewood St. Edward are the front-runners for the Division I title in March.
The Crusaders continue to roll, now at 15-0. Moeller is leading the Greater Catholic League and should receive a No. 1 seed this weekend for the upcoming tournament.
One of the many weapons that the Crusaders possess is Troy Tabler. The son of former Cleveland Indian Pat Tabler - who was heavily-recruited by Bobby Knight in the late 1970's - is averaging almost 15 points per game. A student of the game, Tabler, and his father, swap concepts about basketball in constant search to improve Troy's game.
One team looking to stand in the way of Moeller is St. Edward. Led by Delvon Roe on offense and a defense that contests everything that goes up, the Eagles will be a difficult challenge for any team.
Two teams looking to disrupt the Moeller-St. Edward party is Toledo Scott and Toledo Libby. Often overlooked, the Toledo City League is full of talented teams capable of knocking off anyone.
Ohio's Version of Hoosiers
On the extreme opposite end of the spectrum from big school basketball are the numerous small schools competing in Division IV. Many of these schools have graduating classes of 45 students or less making them the real life Hickory High School of Ohio.
Three of these teams are currently found in the AP Top 10 and two have made recent appearances in the final four. Russia, New Knoxville, and Continental have become perennial powers on the hard court, despite having enrollment that ranks near the bottom in the state.
The Russia Raiders, led by a group of sharpshooters, are currently 16-0 and on top of the D-IV. New Knoxville is right behind the Raiders, sitting at 14-0, and Continental currently at 12-1. Unfortunately, a potential Russia-New Knoxville matchup will not happen in Columbus. That game would take place in the Regional Semifinals or Regional Finals.
Also Ran No More
Before this past Monday, Tipp City was labeled as one of those teams with a nice record, but they couldn't compete with the big boys. That has all changed now.
The Red Devils rolled Monday night before 8,000 fans at Wright State over Dayton Dunbar, 61-49. Led by Kyle Corbin, who dropped in 25 points, Tipp City has emerged from pretender status, to the heights of being a real contender for the D-II title.
One Last Impression
This is the last weekend for teams to make an impression. The drawings for the OHSAA tournament will take place Sunday, leaving teams one weekend to make their arguments on the court.
The importance of getting into the right bracket is often the difference between a Sectional loss and a trip to the Regional. Meaning a win Friday or Saturday night could be the difference between a short March run and a prolonged journey through the tournament.
Ted Ginn Sr.:More than X's and O's
Glenville coach Ted Ginn Sr. might be the most important high school football coach in the state of Ohio. Ginn has spent his entire career at Glenville, searching out the lost kid and putting him on the path to success. For all his accomplishments Ginn was recently awarded the Greater Cleveland Sports Award.
"It is about passion," Ginn told those in attendance at a recent ceremony "It is about purpose and direction in life. If it wasn't, these kids wouldn't be standing on this stage and that's real."
It is truly real for Ginn. His guidance and dedication is changing lives by providing chances for kids that others have written off.