Division III Preseason Power Rankings
Bishop Hartley remains atop the power rankings in Division III heading into the 2025-26 season
We are one week out from the start of the high school basketball season in Ohio. Here’s a look at power rankings in Division III.
1. Bishop Hartley
Record: 20-6
Tournament finish: Regional finalist
Top returning players: Jakhi Calloway (5’11 Sr. G), Marcus Hemphill (6’5 Sr. F), Caleb O’Neil (6’2 Sr. G), Christian King (5’10 Sr. G), Quentin Easler (6’2 Sr. F)
The scoop: Bishop Hartley has now won back-to-back district titles and has established themselves as a state power in Division III. After falling in a close game to eventual state champion Louisville in the regional finals, the Hawks need to strike while the iron is hot with a deep senior class returning. The Hawks have been the class of the Central Catholic League and consistently challenge themselves in the non-conference. Senior guard Jakhi Calloway is pound for pound the best point guard in Central Ohio and gives the Hawks a chance to win any game they play in. There are a handful of powerful programs statewide in Division III which will make it a challenge once again to get out of the region, however, it’s good to have experienced and talented seniors leading your team and that’s what Hartley has this year.
2. Walnut Ridge
Record: 17-7
Tournament finish: District finalist
Top returning players: Marquis Lucas (6’2 Sr. F), Deon Johnson (6’4 Jr. G), Lee’Sean Saunders (6’3 Sr. G), Diondre Thomas (6’5 Sr. C), Maurice Hamrick Jr. (5’11 So. G)
The scoop: Walnut Ridge had a bounce back season last year and made a strong run to the district finals where they fell to Bishop Hartley. The Scots have their best roster since the 2020 season in which they were City League and district champions. The aspirations for Walnut Ridge should be on that level once again, as this is a deep, talented and experienced team led by an experienced coach. Marquis Lucas is the do-it-all man for Walnut Ridge, however, the play of junior Deon Johnson, a high upside player who has battled injuries over the last few years, will likely be the difference for this team.
3. DeSales
Record: 18-8
Tournament finish: Regional semifinalist
Top returning players: Daevyn Amankwaah (6’3 Sr. G), Frankie McAllister (6’5 Sr. F), Grant Weakley (6’3 Jr. F), Donovan McGovern (6’2 Sr. G)
The scoop: DeSales triumphed over Bishop Watterson and won the district last season for the first time since 2021. A quality senior class graduates led by program legend PJ Noles, however, the Stallions return a talented group of players that are expected to take the next step this year. The CCL is never easy with the teams in it, however, DeSales should be able to remain among the contenders. Daevyn Amankwaah has been an elite role player over the years, but will need to take the next step and be a top guy to help this team remain at the district title level they were at a year ago.
4. Centennial
Record: 19-5
Tournament finish: District semifinalist
Top returning players: Keon Bonner (6’5 Jr. F), Cameron Johnson (6’2 So. G), Angelo Diedalis (6’6 Sr. F), Avery Straughter (6’0 Sr. G)
The scoop: Centennial set a program record for wins last season and continues to elevate as a program for coach Shawn Williams, who has led a complete turnaround on Bethel Road. The Stars have their best roster, arguably ever, and will have a great shot to not only compete for a City League championship, but at the district level and beyond. The Stars have a dynamic three-headed monster in guard Cameron Johnson, wing Keon Bonner and big Angelo Diedalis. Centennial was thumped by Hartley in the tournament last year, however, don’t expect them to get pushed around any longer. This is a squad with the talent, toughness and culture to win big in 2025-26.
5. Bishop Watterson
Record: 17-8
Tournament finish: District finalist
Top returning players: Carter Bellisari (6’2 Jr. F), Michael Mulligan (6’3 Sr. G), Jack Schuler (6’6 Jr. F), Joe Zeyen (6’7 Jr. F), Noah Holsinger (6’3 Sr. G)
The scoop: Due to what’s expected to be a state championship run in football, Bishop Watterson won’t play their first game until December 16 when they travel to River Valley. The Eagles lost a dynamic one-two punch to graduation in Dom Theado and Landon Johnson, however, they return a quality core of players who give them size and versatility. No matter who is on the roster, Watterson is one of those teams, much like Newark, who due to their system, will be a formidable threat in their league and in the district. That should be the case once again this season as another great football season should lead to great momentum on the hardwood.
6. Granville
Record: 17-7
Tournament finish: District semifinalist
Top returning players: Frankie Annarino (6’6 Jr. F), Jakob Culver (5’11 Sr. G), Cayden Strasser (6’5 Sr. F)
One sentence summary: Luke Gibson takes over after a strong run at Licking Valley and is looking to keep Granville among the upper echelon of the LCL.
7. South
Record: 15-9
Tournament finish: District semifinalist
Top returning players: Neko Tuff (6’0 Jr. G), Gavin Griffin (6’2 Sr. G), Carmelo McDonald Penick (6’4 Sr. F)
One sentence summary: South has a nice core returning which should help the Bulldogs to continue to compete among the top three of the City League South, while remaining a factor in the tournament.
8. Beechcroft
Record: 9-14
Tournament finish: Sectional finalist
Top returning players: Reuben Holmes (6’6 Jr. F), Darjhon Knight (6’1 So. G),
One sentence summary: A bounce back season seems due for Beechcroft who should be one of a few teams to challenge Northland’s dominance in the City League.
9. Marion Harding
Record: 20-4
Tournament finish: District semifinalist
Top returning players: Kayden Paz (6’0 Jr. G), Timani Barber (6’1 Jr. G)
One sentence summary: A new coach in Luke Samples takes over a roster losing its best two players.
10. Licking Valley
Record: 15-8
Tournament finish: Sectional finalist
Top returning players: Brody Rodgers (5’10 Jr. G), Zane Hancock (6’3 Jr. F)
One sentence summary: A new era for Licking Valley is on the way with a rather inexperienced roster.
11. West
Record: 11-11
Tournament finish: Sectional finalist
Top returning players: Jaeallan Lane (6’1 Sr. G), Daveeon Jackson (6’3 Sr. F)
One sentence summary: Lane and Jackson have been varsity contributors for three years and will now be expected to carry the load for West.
12. Hamilton Township
Record: 17-6
Tournament finish: Sectional finalist
Top returning players: Jo McBride (6’3 Sr. G - injured), Lucas King (6’4 Sr. F),
One sentence summary: With McBride sidelined, Hamilton Township is up against a major challenge to duplicate last season’s success.
13. Linden McKinley
Record: 7-15
Tournament finish: Sectional finalist
Top returning players: Emmanuel Towns (5’10 Sr. G), TJ Faulks (6’4 Jr. F)
One sentence summary: Linden has had a hard time duplicating the success the 2022 class had, however, this year things could turn around.
14. Bexley
Record: 8-15
Tournament finish: Sectional finalist
Top returning players: Aedan Mitchell (6’0 Sr. G), Malcolm Myser (5’9 So. G)
One sentence summary: Bexley has enough coming back to warrant optimism for this season.
15. Independence
Record: 3-20
Tournament finish: Sectional finalist
Top returning players: Darren White-Tyler (5’11 Sr. G), Angelo Cochran (5’8 Sr. G)
One sentence summary: The foundation has been set for Independence to return to competitive basketball and this season could be a step toward that.
16. Whitehall
Record: 4-19
Tournament finish: Sectional finalist
Top returning players: Daevon Brewer (Sr.), Christian Yates (Sr.)
One sentence summary: Whitehall is in a tough position in a very good Central Buckeye League and this season doesn’t seem to be much different.