The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) released its much‑anticipated division alignments for the 2026‑27 winter sports season on June 30, reshaping the competitive landscape for basketball and several other sports.
Key Moves Across Divisions
Among the most notable shifts, Andrews Osborne, which captured its first regional berth last year, will move up to Division IV, while Fairport, also a first‑time regional qualifier, climbs to Division VI and will join Kirtland and Richmond Heights in the new district pool.
Perry drops to Division V, and Lutheran East, a four‑time state champion, elects to compete in Division I, while Benedictine enters a crowded Division III scene bolstered by strong defensive play from Steph Bohanon.
The realignment also sees Geneva slide to Division IV, and a wave of teams from Division I and III moving across tiers, with Cleveland Heights and Elyria descending from Division I and Hoban rising from Division III. Across the state, 25 squads that reached the regional round last season will navigate new divisional paths, including squads featuring players such as Lazar Tisma, Jackson Burge, Yomar Castellano, Brandon Gibson, Kam Leftwich, Ben Allen, RJ McCain, Jaxon Croyts, Kaden Brewster, Steph Bohanon, Bryant Duffy and Xavier Smith.
Coaches and analysts say the new brackets will intensify regional races, as traditional powerhouses adjust to different competitive balances and as emerging programs seek to capitalize on fresh opportunities. The upcoming season promises a fresh slate of matchups and a re‑evaluation of team strategies as the new divisions take shape.