Division I Top 25 - Week 7
For the first time all season, our top five is the same from one week to another. However, big time matchups are on deck this week
We are entering the stretch run of the high school basketball season this month. With some big-time matchups and the vast majority of the top 25 playing at least two games this week, there will be no shortage of basketball for the next six days. Let’s get into our latest top 25.
1. Olentangy Orange (9-0)
This Week: Tuesday vs. #6 Hilliard Bradley, Friday at Thomas Worthington, Saturday vs. #8 Grove City
For the second year in a row, Olentangy Orange is the last unbeaten team. The Pioneers will get a major challenge in Hilliard Bradley on Tuesday. The Jags swept last season’s meetings, which makes this an even bigger challenge for Orange. Then the Pioneers will get another top 10 test in the form of Grove City on Saturday.
2. Newark (9-1)
This Week: Tuesday at Groveport Madison, Friday at #7 Pickerington North, Sunday vs. Austintown-Fitch
Newark has quietly been putting together a strong season, winning nine of 10 games. They’ll be tested with three games away from home this week against quality competition. Senior guard Steele Meister is putting together an all-district type of season for the Wildcats.
3. Delaware Hayes (9-1)
This Week: Tuesday vs. Canal Winchester, Friday at Franklin Heights
Delaware Hayes has been pretty strong as well this season and will have a very manageable week of games against two league opponents that they’ll be highly favored against. The Pacers dominated last Friday’s matchup against a Dublin Scioto team that had been rolling.
4. Westerville North (7-2)
This Week: Tuesday vs. Worthington Kilbourne, Friday at #12 Dublin Scioto, Sunday vs. Kettering Alter
Westerville North has two close losses against Olentangy Orange and Delaware Hayes. The Warriors picked up a quality win on the road at Big Walnut last week and will have a tough slate this weekend. Kettering Alter might be the best Division II team in Ohio, which will present a challenge to Westerville North.
5. Reynoldsburg (6-3)
This Week: Tuesday vs. Central Crossing, Friday vs. #15 Gahanna Lincoln
Reynoldsburg was thankful to have just one game last week, as they rolled over Lancaster. The Raiders will be at home for both games this weekend, as they’ll be heavily favored over Central Crossing before former division rival Gahanna Lincoln pays a visit.