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BUCKEYE DIVISION

BROOKVILLE — Brookville went 6-6 in league play and 12-13 overall behind balanced performances on both ends last season. The Blue Devils averaged 56.4 points and allowed 55.3 in Buckeye action, staying competitive throughout the season. With another year of development, Brookville aims to climb back into the top half of the standings.

CARLISLE — Carlisle finished one game behind Oakwood at 9-3 and posted a strong 16-8 overall mark behind a defense that held league opponents to 51.4 points. The Indians were physical and efficient in close games and return enough firepower to challenge for the top spot. If their scoring continues to trend upward, Carlisle remains a title contender.

DAYTON CHRISTIAN — Dayton Christian enters its first season in the SWBL coming off a dominating run through the Metro Buckeye Conference, where it finished 10-0 and 18-5 overall. The Warriors imposed their style on both ends, averaging 60.8 points and allowing just 40.0 per league game — the best defensive mark in the MBC. With a roster built on discipline, length and half-court toughness, Dayton Christian steps into a deeper, more physical league but brings the credentials of a proven winner. If the Warriors’ defensive identity carries over, they could become an immediate factor in the conference race.

EATON — Eaton struggled at 1-11 in the SWBL and 6-18 overall, giving up 61.8 points per game in conference play. The Eagles showed flashes offensively but couldn’t consistently keep opponents in check. A more seasoned group and improved defensive discipline will be key as Eaton tries to move out of the bottom tier.

MADISON — Madison also finished 1-11 in Buckeye play and 4-18 overall. The Mohawks allowed 66.4 points per league game — the most in the division — and averaged 48.6 on offense. With new faces expected to take on larger roles, Madison looks for better scoring balance and progress on the defensive end.

OAKWOOD — Oakwood returns as the preseason favorite after winning the Buckeye at 10-2 and finishing 20-6 overall. The Lumberjacks led the division in scoring at 65.8 points per game and paired it with steady defense. With a proven offensive system and experience from last year’s title run, Oakwood again enters as the team with the highest ceiling and the most balance.

WAYNESVILLE — Waynesville put together a 16-8 season and went 8-4 in league play while relying on a methodical offense and a stingy defense. The Spartans averaged 56.8 points in SWBL games and allowed just 50.5, staying in the mix every night. With another experienced roster, Waynesville should once again be in the upper tier.

VALLEY VIEW — Valley View finished 7-5 in the Buckeye and 13-10 overall while producing some of the division’s highest-scoring games. The Spartans averaged 62.1 points in league play but allowed nearly the same number at 61.4. If VV can tighten its defense, it has the offensive talent to push the division’s top teams.

SOUTHWESTERN DIVISION

BELLBROOK — Bellbrook went 4-4 in the SWBL but still finished 14-9 overall while scoring 57.5 points per league game. The Golden Eagles played an up-tempo style that created high-possession battles. If they can improve defensively, Bellbrook has the firepower to challenge for the division’s top spots.

EDGEWOOD — Edgewood posted a 3-5 league mark and 10-13 overall behind a defense that kept games close. The Cougars allowed 53.5 points per SWBL game, nearly matching their scoring output. With steadier offense, Edgewood could take a step toward the upper half of the division.

FRANKLIN — Franklin finished 5-3 in the division and 15-9 overall, showing its trademark grit and half-court physicality. The Wildcats averaged 53.5 points in league play and remained difficult to score on. With several key pieces expected back, Franklin stays firmly in the contender conversation.

MONROE — Monroe captured the Southwestern title at 6-2 and went 16-7 overall behind a defense that held opponents to just 47.0 points per game. The Hornets won with toughness and tempo control, making teams grind out possessions. With a strong defensive identity returning, Monroe opens as one of the favorites to repeat.

ROSS — Ross went 2-6 in the SWBL but still managed a winning overall record at 13-11 thanks to nonleague success. The Rams averaged 48.3 points in conference play and allowed 51.0, often falling victim to scoring droughts. More offensive consistency will be necessary for Ross to climb in the division race.

TALAWANDA — Talawanda enters the SWBL looking to reset after a difficult final season in the SWOC, finishing 1-5 in conference play and 6-16 overall. The Brave averaged 45.0 points per league game while giving up 54.3, often struggling to keep pace with the SWOC’s top offenses. Despite the record, Talawanda showed stretches of competitiveness and brings a young core that gained valuable minutes. The jump to the SWBL will present a tougher, deeper schedule, but if the Brave can improve their scoring efficiency and tighten defensively, they have a chance to take steps forward in their new conference.

BUCKEYE DIVISION

BROOKVILLE — Brookville brings back momentum after an 18-8 season and a second-place finish in the Buckeye last year. The Blue Devils were balanced, scoring 54.3 points and allowing 48.3 per league game. With experience returning and a defense that kept them competitive every night, Brookville expects to stay near the top of the standings and challenge Waynesville.

CARLISLE — Carlisle went 2-10 in SWBL games and 8-15 overall as its offense averaged just 32.8 points in league play. The Indians were young and took lumps defensively, giving up 54.8 points per conference game. With experience gained, Carlisle looks to tighten up defensively and climb out of the bottom tier.

DAYTON CHRISTIAN — Dayton Christian joins the SWBL after a challenging final season in the Metro Buckeye Conference, finishing 3-5 in league play and 4-16 overall. The Warriors struggled to generate offense, averaging 31.6 points per conference game while allowing 51.4 against some of the MBC’s top defensive teams. Despite the record, Dayton Christian showed stretches of competitive play and leaned on a young roster that gained valuable experience. The move to the SWBL will present a deeper, more physical schedule, but with returning contributors and a renewed focus on scoring efficiency, the Warriors aim to take a significant step forward as they transition into their new league.

EATON — Eaton finished 2-10 in the Buckeye and 4-19 overall. The Eagles allowed more than 56 points per game in league play and struggled to keep pace offensively. With a full offseason to regroup, Eaton will look for growth from younger players and better scoring balance as it works toward a turnaround.

MADISON — Madison finished 3-9 in league play and 11-13 overall while averaging 38.8 points in SWBL action. The Mohawks stayed competitive defensively but struggled with scoring consistency. Improvement on the offensive end will be critical if Madison wants to make a jump into the middle of the division.

OAKWOOD — Oakwood quietly put together a strong 15-9 campaign and a winning record in the Buckeye at 7-5. The Lumberjacks were steady offensively at 53.8 points per league game and allowed just 47.0. With several key contributors expected back, Oakwood has the tools to push further up the standings.

VALLEY VIEW — Valley View matched Brookville at 8-4 in league play and finished 16-8 overall while allowing nearly as many points as it scored. The Spartans relied on low-possession, defensive games, posting a 44.8 scoring average in the SWBL. If they can generate a more consistent offensive rhythm, Valley View should remain in the upper tier of the division.

WAYNESVILLE — Waynesville enters the season as the overwhelming favorite after storming through the Buckeye at 12-0 and finishing 21-5 overall. The Spartans were dominant on both ends, averaging a league-best 70.6 points while allowing just 29.3 in conference play. With a winning culture, depth and physical defense, Waynesville again looks like the team to beat as it chases another title run.

SOUTHWESTERN DIVISION

BELLBROOK — Bellbrook dominated the Southwestern race at 8-0 and rolled to a 22-4 overall mark. The Golden Eagles held opponents to just 22.3 points per league game while scoring nearly 58, making them one of the state’s toughest defensive units. With championship pedigree and elite balance, Bellbrook opens as the clear favorite again.

EDGEWOOD — Edgewood endured a difficult season at 1-7 in league play and 2-21 overall. The Cougars scored just 28.0 points per conference contest and allowed nearly 50. With a reset underway and a young roster gaining experience, Edgewood aims to take steps forward in competitiveness and offensive production.

FRANKLIN — Franklin posted a 2-6 conference mark and 4-16 overall record. The Wildcats scored 23.0 points per league game and allowed 48.5, showing the need for improvement on both ends. With new pieces expected to contribute, Franklin hopes to find more stability and climb out of the lower tier.

MONROE — Monroe finished 3-5 in the SWBL and 10-14 overall while averaging just 27.1 points in league games. The Hornets relied heavily on defense to stay in games but struggled to manufacture offense. A jump in scoring efficiency could push Monroe into the upper half of the division.

ROSS — Ross surged to 18-6 overall and 6-2 in conference play behind a defense that allowed only 29.6 points per league game. The Rams combined size, physicality and disciplined half-court play to finish second in the division. Ross remains Bellbrook’s biggest challenger and should contend for another strong postseason push.

TALAWANDA — Talawanda joins the SWBL after finishing second at 4-2 in its last season in the SWOC and posting an 11-13 overall record. The Brave built their identity on defense, allowing just 26.7 points per conference game — the second-best mark in the league — while grinding out wins in low-possession matchups. Offensively, Talawanda averaged 38.2 points in SWOC play and will look for greater consistency against a deeper slate in the SWBL. With a disciplined defensive core and experience from competing with league champion Harrison, the Brave enter their new conference as a tough, physical addition capable of challenging established contenders.

The Ross Local School District will induct eight new members into its Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026, honoring athletes, educators, community leaders and an OHSAA state championship team for their lasting impact on the school and community.

The induction ceremony is scheduled for April 18. Tickets can be purchased at rossrams.com/boxoffice.

2009 Softball State Championship Team — The 2009 Ross softball team became the first “Ramball” squad — and just the second team in school history — to win an OHSAA state championship, capping a dominant postseason run with a 4-2 win in the state final. Led by seniors Brittany Berry, Rachael Connaughton, Hannah Ellinghausen, Heather Freeman, Kaitlyn Strunk and Nell Wilson, the Rams went 18-7 in the regular season and claimed the program’s 23rd straight league title. Behind junior pitcher Brittany Fernandez, Ross recorded six shutouts in its first seven postseason games, including three 1-0 victories. The team finished 26-7 under coaches Paul Fernandez, Bob Walton, Gary Weitzel and Jim Kernohan.

Richie Herrmann (Class of 1989) — A standout in both football and track and field, Herrmann earned first-team All-League, All-District and All-County football honors as a senior and was named County Player of the Year. He also received Special Mention All-Ohio recognition. In track, Herrmann still holds Ross records in the 110-meter high hurdles and 300 hurdles. He continued his career at Ashland University, competing in both sports and becoming a track and field All-American in 1993. He served as team captain for three seasons.

Brandon Jones (Class of 1994) — Jones excelled in Concert, Jazz and Marching Band before beginning a 25-year career as an educator, author and performer. A former band director in Princeton City Schools, Jones earned his doctorate from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. At Wittenberg University, he served as Professor of Music, Coordinator of Instrumental Music and department chair, directing multiple ensembles. He is a contributing author to the acclaimed Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series and is an active performing guitarist around Cincinnati.

Dana and Martha Mehl — The Mehls founded the Ross Community Foundation in 2022 with a mission to strengthen and support the Ross area. Since its creation, the foundation has distributed more than $90,000 in grants to local organizations and expanded its service by providing training and resources for nonprofit groups. The foundation, district officials said, embodies “hope, connection and possibility,” reflecting the couple’s vision of a unified and thriving community.

Al Gross — A longtime Ross Middle School educator, Gross inspired generations of students through rigorous academics, hands-on learning and mentorship. He launched the school’s Garden Club, where students grew flowers, maintained a greenhouse and enhanced campus landscaping. Gross also created the popular “Ram Bucks” program — an incentive system that rewarded positive behavior and leadership, often supplemented with items he purchased himself. His influence continues through the many teachers and students he guided.

Larry Hutson (Class of 1991) — A three-sport athlete, Hutson earned eight varsity letters in baseball, basketball and football. On the gridiron, he set school records for most passing yards and touchdowns in a game and ranks second in both categories for a season. He earned first-team All-League and All-County honors in 1990. In basketball, Hutson helped Ross win two FAVC championships while scoring more than 500 career points. He continued his athletic career at Thomas More University, serving as a three-year starting quarterback and a four-year starter in baseball as a shortstop and pitcher. After college, he played one season of professional football in Germany for the Bremen Bravehearts.

Danny Gray (Class of 1975) — Gray graduated as Ross High School’s all-time leading scorer in boys basketball, once pouring in 42 points in a single game. He earned All-District and All-State MVP recognition, was named First Team Player of the Year, and received Golden Triangle and American Legion Buckeye Boys State honors. He capped his senior year by being named a 1975 High School All-American.

Bob Ward — Ward coached the Ross girls basketball program for 19 seasons, compiling 217 wins — the most of any basketball coach in Ross history, boys or girls. His 1986–87 team went 19-2 and captured the league title. Before leading the girls program, Ward served as varsity assistant for the boys team, helping guide squads that won three league titles, two district championships, one regional championship and the 1980 state championship. He coached eight Hall of Famers during his tenure.

(Photo by Kristen Grant)

Riding a dominant ground attack and a three-touchdown performance from senior Anthony Valenti, Valley View powered past Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy 31-15 in a Division IV regional semifinal on Friday night.

Valenti scored on runs of 5, 52 and 5 yards, finishing with 76 yards on only five carries to help the Spartans seize control after a 14-7 halftime lead. Valley View rushed for 246 yards and never turned the ball over, while holding the Eagles to just 35 rushing yards and dominating time of possession 31:58 to 10:23.

Valley View struck first midway through the opening quarter when Valenti capped a drive with a 5-yard touchdown run to give the Spartans a 7-0 lead.

CHCA responded early in the second quarter when Griffin Ridner-Richard scrambled in from 12 yards out, tying it at 7-7 with 7:58 left in the half. But the Spartans answered less than five minutes later as Brodie Hopkins punched in a 12-yard touchdown run for a 14-7 advantage at the break.

Valley View imposed its will in the third quarter, blowing the game open on Valenti’s long 52-yard touchdown sprint with 7:20 remaining, then adding another 5-yard score just over two minutes later for a 28-7 lead.

Gavin Phillips added a 24-yard field goal early in the fourth to push the margin to three possessions.

CHCA scored late to close the gap, finishing with 118 passing yards but committing three turnovers, including two interceptions. Ridner-Richard, one of three quarterbacks used, rushed for the Eagles’ lone score and finished with 34 passing yards, while Nolan Lum led the aerial effort with 78 yards and a touchdown.

The Spartans, who averaged 5.9 yards per carry, also received 79 rushing yards from Tristan Smith and 43 from quarterback Brody Gibbs, who completed 4 of 10 passes.

Valenti wasn’t just an offensive star — he also hauled in two receptions for 51 yards and snagged an interception defensively.

Valley View faces Indian Hill in a regional final on Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. at Fairfield Alumni Stadium.