The Elyria boys basketball program will not be represented at the 2026 Midwest Live at Cedar Point, a decision that follows the recent resignation of longtime coach Brett Larrick. The move comes as the team prepares for a season that had already generated considerable excitement among players, parents and local supporters.
Larrick, who guided the team from 2008 through the 2025 season, amassed 239 victories and led the squad to a Division I regional championship game last year, a run that marked the program’s deepest playoff showing in recent memory. His tenure was characterized by a blend of disciplined play and community engagement that left a lasting imprint on the school’s basketball culture.
The Midwest Live’s Role in College Recruiting
The Midwest Live is a high‑profile showcase organized by the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association that brings together elite high school teams from across the region. College scouts attend the event to evaluate prospects in a concentrated setting, making participation a valuable opportunity for players seeking scholarship offers.
Although Elyria will be absent, the event will still feature a competitive field, with teams such as Keystone slated to meet Racine Southern and Grand Rapids Catholic Central on June 27, and Avon and North Ridgeville scheduled to return on June 28 against opponents including North Royalton, Perrysburg, Hawken and Lutheran West. The absence of Larrick’s program will be noted, but the showcase remains a key platform for emerging talent.
Coaches and analysts note that the loss of Larrick’s experience could be felt not only on the court but also in the strategic preparation that his teams have historically brought to the showcase, potentially altering the dynamics for the remaining participants. The resignation underscores the volatility that can accompany high‑school sports programs, where leadership changes often ripple through scheduling, player development and community expectations.