Cleveland Heights, 4 Others Poised to Bust District Final Brackets

Boys basketball tournament takeaways highlight potential upsets in this weekend's district finals

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Several lower-seeded teams, including Cleveland Heights, Amherst, Andrews Osborne Academy, Brush, and Cuyahoga Heights, are primed to pull off upsets in this weekend's district finals of the OHSAA boys basketball tournament. These teams have faced tough schedules and gained valuable experience that has them playing their best basketball at the right time, setting them up to potentially bust brackets.

Why it matters

The district finals represent a critical juncture in the high school basketball postseason, where underdogs can make their mark and shake up the tournament landscape. These Cinderella stories highlight the unpredictability and excitement of the tournament, as well as the importance of scheduling quality opponents during the regular season to prepare for the playoffs.

The details

Cleveland Heights, an 11th seed, has won 5 of its last 6 games, including victories over district finalists Mentor and Division III Hawken. Their depth allows coach J.R. Bremer to adjust his rotation based on matchups, an uncommon luxury for a lower-seeded team. Amherst, a 15th seed, has surged late in the season behind sophomore guard Jack Coleman. Andrews Osborne Academy, an 18th seed, overcame injuries and roster changes to reach the district finals. Brush, a 22nd seed, has won 10 of its last 12 games and is capable of upsetting Garfield Heights. Cuyahoga Heights, an 11th seed, gets a boost with the return of senior Maurice McClardy as they take on Richmond Heights.

  • Cleveland Heights faces St. Ignatius on Saturday night in the district finals.
  • Amherst plays North Royalton on Saturday night in the district finals.
  • Andrews Osborne Academy meets Smithville on Saturday night in the district finals.
  • Brush challenges Garfield Heights on Saturday in the district finals.
  • Cuyahoga Heights faces Richmond Heights on Saturday afternoon in the district finals.

The players

J.R. Bremer

The head coach of the Cleveland Heights Tigers boys basketball team.

Messiah Williams

A 6-foot-2 sophomore guard for the Cleveland Heights Tigers who has recently been promoted to the starting lineup.

Jamell Stephens

A senior guard for the Cleveland Heights Tigers.

Jack Coleman

A sophomore guard who has led the Amherst Comets in scoring and other statistical categories.

Jonathan Burge

The head coach of the Andrews Osborne Academy Phoenix boys basketball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If you play weak teams, when you get to the postseason there's going to be no point. Us playing hard teams has prepared us, and it's showing right now.”

— Jamell Stephens, Senior guard, Cleveland Heights Tigers (cleveland.com)

“His passion is unmatched for a sophomore. He wants to win. He wants to do whatever it takes. He's just ready for the moment all the time.”

— J.R. Bremer, Head coach, Cleveland Heights Tigers (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The winners of this weekend's district finals will advance to the regional semifinals next week, where potential rematches and continued Cinderella stories could unfold.

The takeaway

This weekend's district finals showcase the unpredictability and excitement of the high school basketball postseason, as several lower-seeded teams have the opportunity to bust brackets and advance deeper into the tournament through their grit, determination, and willingness to take on tough competition during the regular season.