State Hoops Preview: Hiland heads to Dayton as underdog against Div. IV heavyweights
A few days after the NCAA Tournament is in town, the OHSAA State Boys Basketball Tournament heads to University of Dayton Area, where four teams will be crowned as 2024 state champions.
Once again, Hiland has made it the biggest stage in Ohio high school basketball, making its 14th state appearance.
Here's a look at the Hawks at their potential opponents in Dayton:
'We believe now': Hiland overcomes the odds to make it state for third straight year
Hiland (22-6)
After back-to-back state trips, it's no surprise that Hiland is here again. And yet it's quite the surprise all the same.
The Hawks had all the tools of a state contender heading into the season but injuries to seniors Alex Yoder and Connor Beachy during the year, along with sophomore Ashton Schrock, left Hiland as a long shot to get back to Dayton heading into the tournament. But the Hawks have found ways to get it done, with Sam Wengerd and Logan Hershberger thriving in their new roles as starters.
Star senior guard Sammy Detweiler is Hiland's most complete player, able to create for himself and others off the dribble or play off the ball on offense while doubling as Hiland's best individual defender on the other end. Wigton is one of the biggest reasons Hiland could win a game in Dayton this time after losses the past two years. The 6-foot-3 junior can get his shot off and score from almost anywhere on the floor. Alex Miller made some huge plays during Hiland's comeback win over South Webster in the regional final and plays beyond his years as a sophomore.
Still, the Hawks are coming out of the weakest of the four regions and all three teams in Dayton will be more talented and athletic than anyone they've seen so far. It's going to take big games from Detweiler, Wigton and Miller especially, with role players finding some magic as well to have a chance at holding a trophy early Sunday afternoon.
Lima Central Catholic (26-2)
Western Ohio produces some of the best, toughest small-school basketball year after year and Lima Central Catholic has been through the gauntlet. Playing an independent schedule, there are very few weak links on a 26-2 resume. Since back-to-back narrow losses to 22-win St. John's and 20-win Spencerville, LCC has reeled off 15 straight wins, including a 63-60 victory over a loaded Toledo Christian team in the regional final.
The Thunderbirds are as well-balanced as any Div. IV team in Dayton, with quick, skilled guards and versatile bigs and wings. Jordan Priddy, Willie Foster and Demarr Foster are tough to guard on the perimeter and Carson Parker (6-foot-4) and Billy Bourk (6-foot-6) give them length inside. LCC's unselfish style of play means defenses can't focus too much on any player, punishing any weak links. The T-Birds will be the most complete offensive team Hiland has faced in the playoffs.
Richmond Heights (17-9)
The back-to-back state champs are loaded. Just as the past few years, the Spartans would have competed for a state title in any division, with all five starters back from last year's undefeated state champ. It starts with the two junior guards who started as freshmen for the Spartans first state title team in 2022 — Dorian Jones and DeErick Barber. Jones — a high-major recruit — is an explosive scoring guard who is a game-breaking shooter, along with flying for easy points in transition. Barber is a pure point guard, setting up his teammates as well as anyone in Ohio while living in passing lanes defensively. Demarris Winters Jr., Jeremy Wilson and Hosea Steele Jr. can each go for 20 on a given night. There's a reason why nobody has come closer than 34 points of Heights in the tournament so far.
Heights has as much skill as anyone in Dayton, but the way the Spartans play makes them just as unbeatable. They play smart, hard and fast, forcing opponents to make mistakes and making them pay for those mistakes. The moment won't be too big for Heights and they've gone through every test after playing an independent schedule that was perhaps the toughest in the entire state. Don't let their nine regular-season losses fool you, Richmond Heights is the team to beat in Div. IV.
Russia (27-1)
First of all, it's pronounced "ROOSH-ee." Second of all, the Raiders are really darn good.
During the playoffs, nobody has come close to Russia, with regional wins of 71-20 and 56-35 stacking up to Richmond Heights' level of dominance. The Raiders are the only team to give the Spartans a real test in Dayton over the past two seasons — and that was still a 15-point loss in the state semis last season. Led by Brayden Monnin, Hayden Quinter, Benjamin York and Braylon Cordonnier, the Raiders have the type of balanced offense and suffocating defense to hang with Heights in the semifinals. Monnin and Quinter had big games in Dayton a year ago and really ignite the Raiders on most nights.
Russia has destroyed opponents all year, with 23 of its 27 wins coming by 19 points or more. If the Raiders keep playing like they have been, they have the best chance of anyone to unseat Richmond Heights in Div. IV.
OHSAA Boys Basketball State Tournament
University of Dayton Arena
Div. IV: Hiland (22-6) vs. Lima Central Catholic (26-2), Friday, 10:45 a.m.; Richmond Heights (17-9) vs. Russia (27-1), Friday, 2 p.m.; Div. IV state championship, Sunday, 10:45 a.m.
Div. III: Harvest Prep (23-4) vs. Ottawa-Glandorf (24-3), Friday, 5:15 p.m.; Shawnee (24-3) vs. Lutheran East (21-5), Friday, 8:30 p.m.; Div. III state championship, Sunday, 2 p.m.
Div. II: Archbishop Alter (21-7) vs. Ursuline (24-3), Saturday, 10:45 a.m.; Shelby (25-2) vs. Maysville (25-3), Saturday, 2 p.m., Div. II state championship, Sunday, 5:15 p.m.
Div. I: St. Ignatius (24-3) vs. Delaware Hayes (27-1), Saturday, 5:15 p.m.; Centerville (19-8) vs. Whitmer (25-2), Saturday, 8:30 p.m.; Div. I state championship, Sunday, 8:30 p.m.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Boys Hoops: Previewing the Div. IV OHSAA Tournament slate
