by tomoore » Mon May 03, 2021 12:38 am
This was, unquestionably, the deepest OAC state tournament in recent memory. There were five teams that finished above their seed. Every team had at least one win (is this an OAC State first?)
Congratulations to Beavercreek on their eighth state championship, including their fourth straight title (which now breaks the record of consecutive titles, which was previously set by David Jones’s Northmont teams from 2013-2015.)
A special recognition is in order for Toledo School for the Arts and Pettisville — both teams got NW Ohio reasonably far in the tournament. Also some recognition for Archbishop Hoban for playing their final game of the afternoon in a ‘medal game’ (4th place game) versus Summit County counterparts Copley, a game that was decided on Question #19 of the Lightning Round. They had an issue with their food delivery, causing them to not being able to eat lunch during the break, apparently, but they were incredibly gracious about playing that match ‘on time’ out-of-consideration for their opponent’s bus ride home.
In a similar vein of good character: all nine of the teams I had in my room (Beavercreek, Solon, Miami Valley, Copley x3, Hoban x2, TS4A, Little Miami, Aurora, and Revere) were a pleasure to read for. The students were respectful, polite and supremely chill for it being OAC State, as were all the coaches and parents.
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Sidenote: can there be a codified procedure for ‘coin flips’ as it concerns the designation of teams “A” and “B?” I don’t know what reader(s) chose to silly it up by having the first team alphabetically call the toss (not a good way to do it), but whoever did it managed to prime one of the teams in their room into thinking that’s how it is supposed to be done. When I did it the correct way, by having the furthest-travelled team call it, I was challenged on it!
Moore, T;
reader, Southeast Region and statewide (2015-present);
ex-player, William V. Fisher Catholic HS... allegedly (2010-2014);