Coaches Association Newsletter December 2025

Executive Director Message
TThe month of December means that Ohio High School Basketball is in full swing as both girls and boys teams begin their journey for the 2025 - 2026 season. I hope that each head coach has taken the time to complete their membership to The Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association and have included their staff as members of the association too. All of our awards require five consecutive years of membership as a qualification to receive the award.

This year will be the second year that we will have seven divisions in both girls’ and boys’ basketball.  After evaluating the 2025 state tournament and discussion across the state it was decided that all the Final Four games will be held in the Dayton area with the majority of games being played at Wright State University and the University of Dayton Arena. There is the possibility that one or two divisions could play their semi-finals at an additional location.  As of this date, the OHSAA has not completely finalized those locations. However, it is important to note that all state final games will be played at UD Arena. The girls’ tournament will take place from Thursday, March 12, 2026 thru Saturday, March 14, 2026. The boys’ tournament will take place over four days beginning on Thursday, March 19, 2026 and concluding on Sunday, March 22, 2026. The OHSBCA and the OHSAA will again plan to meet shortly after the conclusion of the state tournaments to evaluate how this year’s format worked.

Max Preps RPI will again be used for the seeding of our tournaments this year. The formula will be the same as last year with the first component being the percentages for RPI: 40% WP (Winning Percentage) - 40% OWP (Opponents Winning Percentage) - 20% OOWP (Opponent’s Opponents Winning Percentage). The second component will be Points of Classification. Division 1 = 2 points; Division 2 = 1.85 points; Division 3 = 1.70 points; Division 4 = 1.55 points; Division 5 = 1.40 points; Division 6 = 1.25 points; and Division 7 = 1.10 points. The third component is based on out-of-state opponents and that is 1.55 points no matter the size of the out-of-state school. There was discussion at our meeting in October about changes to the RPI but our district directors thought it would be best to keep the same formula for this year. Again, we will monitor this system and evaluate it at the end of the season.

The OHSBCA will be hosting the second annual Shot Clock Shootout at the Canton Memorial Fieldhouse on Saturday, December 27 and Sunday, December 28. There will be 10 games (3 girls’ games and 7 boys’ games) played on these two dates. We also decided to expand the use of the shot clock by allowing events being hosted over Martin Luther King weekend to request permission to use the shot clock. We had three events, Classic in the Country at Berlin Hiland, Battle in the 614 at Ohio Dominican, and The Fort Loramie MLK Classic, completed the application process and were approved to use the shot clock over the weekend of January 17 thru January 19. Members of our OHSBCA Executive Committee will be at each of these events to monitor the success of the shot clock and to get the options on the use of the shot clock from coaches, officials, and school administrators. Our plan will be to gather data from each of these events and then have a formal discussion with the OHSAA at the end of this season.  

I would also like to remind you of all the awards that our association has at the end of each season for both players and coaches. The deadline for almost all of our awards is March 1, 2026. So please, check our future newsletters for this information. I would also like to remind you that our annual Hall of Fame Banquet will be held at the OSU Marriott on Olentangy on Saturday, April 25, 2026. We will be inducting the following: Ed Calo (Westerville South), Dave Close (Stow Munroe Falls), Tim Gabbard (Waynesville), Jim Rucki (Findlay), and Jerry Snodgrass (Honorary Inductee). On Friday night, April 24, 2026 Olentangy Liberty will be the host of our annual North - South All Star games featuring the best senior girls and boys basketball players from across the state. The girls’ game will tip-off at 6:00 pm with the boys’ game starting at 7:45 pm.  

And finally, I would like to wish each of you and your teams the best of luck for the 2025 - 2026 season.  We are all hoping and striving to win league championships and tournament titles; however, it is important to remember the many life lessons that can be learned through the game of basketball.  Things such as the importance of hard work, the idea of bringing energy and effort to each practice and game, and the ability to handle adversity, being a good teammate, and being humble when you win are just some of the life lessons.  On behalf of the OHSBCA, I wish each of you a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and a productive season.

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2026 Hall of Honor

District 2 - John Jasin - Official
John Jasin has devoted over 40 years to Ohio high school basketball as an OHSAA official and 13 years as an observer, earning respect for his professionalism, fairness, and knowledge of the game. Danny Gallagher, Head Girls Basketball Coach at Magnificat High School, said, “John Jasin has been a model of professionalism and dedication throughout his long career. His commitment to fairness, integrity, and the development of young men and women has earned respect statewide. His decades of service exemplify the values and excellence recognized by the OHSBCA Hall of Honor.”

District 4 - Bob Antonille, Jr. - Scorekeeper 
Bob Antonille Jr. has been a cornerstone of the Massillon boys basketball program for 49 years. During that time, he has served in numerous roles, including scorekeeper, scoreboard operator, and booster club member. Head Coach Josh Hose shared, “Bob has selflessly served our program and players for nearly five decades. He coordinates our annual golf outing, organizes our game program each season, and has played a major role in countless fundraising efforts. We couldn’t run our program without someone like Bob. His dedication and commitment are second to none.”

District 6 - Michael Clapper - Announcer
Michael Clapper has spent decades bringing energy and professionalism to high school basketball as a longtime announcer in the area. He has announced at the state tournament level and even served as the voice of the Washington Wizards. Though retired, he continues to lend his talents to local high school games, earning widespread respect across the region. Joe Bedingfield, Head Boys Basketball Coach at Willard, shared, “Michael Clapper is a longtime sports announcer for the Washington Wizards and Lexington Minutemen. In recent years, he has retired but continues to announce local high school games and does a first-class job. His professionalism and class never go unnoticed by area coaches and referees. Michael is a true professional.”

District 8 - Denny Ricker - Announcer 
Denny Ricker has been the voice of Columbus Grove basketball for the past 47 years. His dedication and professionalism behind the microphone have made him a beloved figure in the community. Brian Schroeder, Head Boys Basketball Coach at Columbus Grove, shared, “Denny Ricker’s 47-year tenure as the voice of Columbus Grove basketball exemplifies excellence and professionalism. The dedication he exhibited showed his deep sense of community pride, which touched players, families, and fans. His tradition of delivering heartfelt speeches at senior games left a lasting impact, often moving players and their families to tears. For these contributions, Denny is truly deserving of the District 8 Hall of Honor Award.”

District 10 - Neshaun Coleman - Coach
Neshaun Coleman has been a key member of the Columbus Africentric boys basketball program for 20 years, all spent serving his alma mater with dedication and pride. As Associate Head Coach, his steady leadership, loyalty, and deep understanding of the game have been instrumental in the program’s sustained success and growth. Head Coach Michael Bates shared, “Coach Neshaun Coleman has been the assistant coach for the boys varsity basketball team at Columbus Africentric for the past 20 years. His steady leadership, loyalty, and deep understanding of the game have been essential to the growth and consistency of the program. During his time on the staff, the team has earned nine district championships, five regional titles, five trips to the state Final Four, and one state runner-up finish. Our program’s success and strong team culture are a reflection of Coach Coleman’s commitment and dedication to our players and community.”

District 12 - Mark Romick - Coach / Athletic Director 
Mark Romick has spent the past 30 years as the Head Boys Basketball Coach at River High School. Over the course of his career, he has also served the district as athletic director, head baseball coach, and assistant football coach. River Assistant Coach Blaze Amos shared, “Mark has devoted his entire career in education and coaching to the students of River High School. He truly embodies servant leadership and has continually stepped into any role needed to support our kids and community.”

District 14 - Mike Kindinger  - Media 
Mike Kindinger has dedicated the past 26 years to covering high school athletics through Southeastern Ohio Preps and JJ Huddle. District 14 Director Josh Arey said, “Mike is the foremost authority on boys basketball in the Southeast District and is highly respected by coaches and peers across the region. No one has done more to promote our student-athletes and coaches than Mike. His commitment and passion for Southeast District basketball are deeply appreciated by all who know him.”

District 16 - Aaron Wilson - Athletic Director Assistant
Aaron Wilson has been a dedicated member of the Taylor High School Athletic Department for 31 years. A proud 1999 graduate of Taylor High School, Aaron began working in the athletic department in 1993. Following a serious car accident that permanently affected his mobility, he has continued to show remarkable resilience and unwavering commitment to Taylor High School and the Three Rivers community. Taylor Athletic Director Zach Stakely shared, “Aaron began working in the Athletic Department in 1993. Following a serious car accident that permanently impacted his mobility, he continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience and dedication to Taylor High School and the Three Rivers community. Aaron is well known in Southwest Ohio by coaches, staff, and officials alike due to his generosity, hospitality, and love for high school athletics. We’re thankful and proud to have Aaron on our team.”

Ohio 28.5 Classic
The Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association (OHSBCA) is proud to announce the launch of the first-ever 28.5 Ohio Classic, a groundbreaking girls high school basketball showcase set for Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Big Walnut High School.

This all-day event features six premier matchups between some of Ohio’s top girls basketball programs, with a historic commitment to female leadership, as all 12 teams are led by female head coaches, and all games will be officiated exclusively by female referees.

2026 Game Schedule – Big Walnut High School:
10:45 AM – Worth. Kilbourne vs. Dublin Jerome
12:30 PM – Fort Loramie vs. Indian Hill
2:15 PM – Holy Name vs. Medina
4:00 PM – Hoban vs. Versailles
5:45 PM – St. Vincent-St. Mary vs. Princeton
7:30 PM – Copley vs. Big Walnut

“The 28.5 Ohio Classic is more than just a day of great basketball, it’s a platform for progress, inclusion, and leadership,” said Adam Hall, Public Relations Director for the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association.

“When young women walk into this event, they’ll see what’s possible, from the players on the court to the coaches on the bench and the officials with the whistle. This Classic sends a powerful message that women belong in every part of this game, and they’re not just participating, they’re leading. We believe in showcasing excellence, and this event is designed to inspire the next generation of athletes, coaches, and leaders. It’s a celebration of the present and a vision of the future.”

Tracy White, Director of 28.5 Ohio stated, “We are incredibly proud to bring this event to life for the very first time. It’s more than just about playing basketball, it’s about creating opportunities, building community, and celebrating the dedication of our female coaches, players, officials, and more. This is the start of something special, and we can’t wait to see it grow year after year.”

The OHSBCA invites basketball fans, families, and communities from across the state to attend and support this inaugural event and the future of the girls’ game in Ohio.

Bob Arnzen Award Winners

The Bob Arznen Award was named after the legendary boys coach at Delphos St. John’s High School. Coach Arznen spent 43 years as the Head Coach and was the second winningest coach at the time of his retirement and now sixth in the history of Ohio High School Basketball with 676 wins and only 291 losses. Bob was inducted into the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1995.

The Bob Arnzen Award is given to those basketball coaches who have devoted 20 consecutive years or more service to the same school and for their loyalty and commitment to Ohio High School basketball. The honorees will be presented their plaques during the games on Championship Saturday of their respective tournaments.

2026 Bob Arnzen Award Winners
(Receives Bob Arnzen Plaque)

Century Award Winners
Doug Graham, President of the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association, proudly announces the coaches who have reached a milestone in career victories during the past season. The 100 and 200 winners received their award at their local district meetings in the Fall of 2024. The 300 and high winners will be recognized during halftime of one of their respective state finals basketball games in March of 2025 at the University of Dayton Arena.

OHSBCA Membership
Membership Deadline is Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Please get your membership in by that date. You must be a member to receive the Coaches and Players Awards. In addition to this year’s membership, you will be a member of the NHSBCA which will provide the benefits from Luceo Sports - Online Registration, NHSBCA Resource App, and the NHSBCA Playbook App. All ACTIVE members are entitled to these benefits.