The Ohio High School Athletic Association has announced a realignment that will see the Keystone and Amherst high school girls basketball teams compete in different divisions next season. Keystone is moving up from Division V to Division IV, while Amherst is sliding from Division II to Division III.
A New Chapter for Two Local Programs
Keystone arrives with momentum after a standout campaign that ended with a 21‑4 overall record and a second‑place finish in the Lorain County League at 12‑2. The team reached the district final, falling to Wooster Triway, but not before ousting Orrville in overtime in a Division V semifinal. With all starters set to return, including standout scorers Madyson Sokolowski and Jayda Gaines, who together accounted for nearly 70 % of the team’s points, expectations are high.
Amherst, despite a challenging year that produced a 4‑16 overall record and a 1‑13 mark in the Southwestern Conference, will enter the new season as one of the larger Division III programs. The Tigers will bring back experienced players such as Morgan Lymer, Sarai Hussein‑Bey and Amalee Caldera, who should provide a boost as the squad looks to rebound.
The division shifts promise new matchups and storylines for both schools. Keystone’s ascent will test them against traditionally stronger programs, while Amherst’s descent offers a chance to compete more comfortably and rebuild around its returning core. Both coaches say the realignment reflects the OHSAA’s effort to balance competition across the state.