MIKE BROWN: Why OHSAA needs to expand basketball from four to five divisions
With the 2022-2023 high school boys basketball season concluding this past weekend at UD Arena in Dayton, I am once again reminded of how the season could be even more exciting for the fans and teams by making an addition to the current format.
In my humble opinion, the Ohio High School Athletic Association needs to add a fifth division in basketball. It’s long overdue.
Why another basketball division is necessary for the OHSAA
I am aware that it’s tricky for the OHSAA to fit in eight games (four semifinals and four title contests) in the current four-division format in one weekend, but it would be even more equitable for schools by adding a fifth division.
For those who say no way, consider this: There are 709 schools that play high school football in the Buckeye State and the OHSAA offers seven divisions for those 709 member institutions.
However, there are more Ohio high schools that play basketball as compared to football in the state. There are 795 boys basketball programs in Ohio, yet there are only four divisions even though there are more schools with basketball programs than football programs.
Now I’m not suggesting the OHSAA needs to have seven divisions in basketball, just like football. However, I’ve long believed a fifth division would certainly narrow some current enrollment discrepancies that exist in some of the divisions. I’m convinced, five divisions could also be worked into the current three-day state tournament format.
Coaches favor a fifth basketball division for the OHSAA
There are many Ohio high school basketball coaches who have pushed for the OHSAA to add a fifth division.
West Branch’s highly successful girls basketball coach Walt DeShields, who has coached two Warrior teams to the state tourney, has been a proponent of adding a fifth division in basketball for the past several years.
Only time will tell if it ever happens.
But, I for one, will be happy if it ever does, because it will mean more kids will get to experience the state tournament.
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