High School sports and college basketball headline the sports scene in Ohio
The Ohio High School Athletic Association confirmed last Wednesday it fully intends to begin the season as previously scheduled.
Despite COVID-19 cases rising across the state, the OHSAA determined it would not stand in the way of allowing schools to play out their respective schedules. Fifty-six percent of OHSAA member school administrators backed this decision, according to a press release from the governor’s office.
Individual school districts are permitted to pause play and even withdraw from competition if they choose.
The announcement comes as high schools and colleges prep for the most unusual winter season in recent memory. Unlike last season, teams are hoping the virus will not shut down the competitions prematurely.
Social distancing, facial coverings and attendance restrictions will be required at all facilities.
Hoops Preview
The Ohio State Buckeyes represent the state’s best chance at college basketball glory this year on both the men’s and women’s side, according to the AP preseason rankings. OSU women’s basketball will begin the season ranked No. 20, while the men will square off against Illinois State tonight as No. 23 in the nation.
With power forward Obi Toppin headed to the New York Knicks as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the University of Dayton must somehow find a way to replicate his production on the court. The Flyers were among the unluckiest programs in the country last season, as head coach Anthony Grant led his team to one of the best records in the nation. Grant was named a consensus national coach of the year, Toppin won the Naismith College Player of the Year award and the No. 3 Flyers ended the season with a 29-2 record. Unfortunately, UD could not “go dancing” in March Madness due to the coronavirus.
Xavier University was picked seventh in the preseason Big East rankings this year with Villanova as the favorites to win the conference. The Musketeers went 19-13 overall (8-10 in the Big East)
last season. They return two starters from last season and look forward to contributions from highly rated freshmen Colby Jones, Dwon Odom and CJ Wilcher.
Xavier will limit attendance at the Cintas Center to a maximum of 300 per game to begin the season.
The University of Cincinnati will face Xavier in the Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout Dec. 6. The Bearcats won 20 games last season finishing tied for first atop the American Athletic Conference.
