By Dean Eversole
MaxPreps.com
There is no doubt that the biggest change this season is in Division III. Gone are the state's two hottest prospects in O.J. Mayo and Bill Walker.
Both left North College Hill in Cincinnati this summer for different reasons. Mayo transferred to Huntington, W.V., and after Walker was declared ineligible, he packed his bags for Kansas State University (Walker made his debut for the Wildcats Dec. 17, scoring 15 points).
Where does this leave D-III basketball in Ohio? That is anyone's guess.
Last year's state runner-up, Cleveland St. Villa-St. Joseph, is a perennial power, but they must replace David Lighty which is not an easy task. The other two final four teams from last season, Archbold and Wheelersburg will field competitive teams again this season.
Two Midwest Athletic Conference schools Versailles and St. Henry have traditionally been strong in D-III. The Versailles Tigers lost a number of starters from its Regional runner-up squad, but return a nice core and could be contenders again in 2007. For the St. Henry Redskins, it might be bit tougher. Gone is 6-10 Center Kurt Huelsman and his presence in the post cannot be replaced.
As for defending champion North College Hill, gone are the days of guaranteed wins, but the Trojans remain a very talented team and look to be in position for a strong title defense.
The most unpredictable divisions of the four is D-IV. The reason is simple; you just never know when that small rural school will field one of those teams.
Back in the early part of the decade it was Ft. Jennings. A team of seven players, the Musketeers shot their way to a state title. Three years ago it was Holgate and stall ball that took the trophy. Perhaps in 2007 somewhere tucked away in the corn fields there are a group of kids just waiting their turn.
One of those small schools is Ottoville. Most people believed that the Big Green would get it done last season, but they were upset by fellow Putnam Conference foe Columbus Grove in the Districts. This is a new year and once again the tiny Putnam County school has its sites set on Columbus. As for Columbus Grove, they are looking for a repeat of last season. Despite losing Kyle Meyer, the Dogs return a number of players from their state runner-up squad.
South Webster, the defending champion, will have a difficult time in defending their crown. The Jeeps were hit hard by graduation after their title run.
When you talk about D-IV basketball you have to talk about the MAC. Just like football, the MAC has produced a number of state champions and New Knoxville looks to be the best candidate for that role in 2007. The Rangers are off to a big start on the year and look to be the favorite in the conference and consequently a favorite come March.
Some other contenders to keep on eye on are New Bremen, Houston, Lockland, Cleveland Lutheran East, and Holgate. The Tigers of Holgate are notorious for the slow down style of basketball and already this season they took it a new level. Holgate lost to Napoleon Dec. 15, 19-14, in a game that resembled something out of the 1940's not the 21st century. Despite the loss, Holgate with its unorthodox style is sure to cause problems in the tournament for someone.
The 2006-2007 basketball season is underway and the only sure thing is that there are no sure things.