Southwest District Adopts 'Super Draw' Format for Divisions I and II

New open draw system will allow schools from North and South sections to face off in early tournament rounds

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The Southwest District Athletic Board has approved the use of an open 'super draw' format for Division I and II district tournaments starting this spring. The new system will combine the North and South sections, allowing schools from both areas to immediately face each other in the opening rounds. The change is aimed at creating more accurate seeding and 'true' district champions, though some schools have expressed concerns about increased travel time for competitions.

Why it matters

The switch to a combined 'super draw' format is a significant change for high school sports in the Southwest Ohio region. It will impact scheduling, travel, and competitive dynamics for many of the area's top athletic programs, particularly in basketball and other high-profile sports.

The details

The Southwest District Athletic Board unanimously approved the motion to adopt the new open draw system during its February 5th meeting. The format will be implemented immediately for spring sports like baseball and softball, as well as fall sports like girls volleyball and boys/girls soccer. Boys and girls basketball will make the switch starting in the 2026-27 season. The change combines the North and South sections that had previously separated many of the region's top Division I and II schools, including several Greater Western Ohio Conference programs.

  • The new 'super draw' format will be used starting with the Spring 2026 sports season.
  • Boys and girls basketball will transition to the combined draw format beginning in the 2026-27 winter sports season.

The players

Southwest District Athletic Board

The governing body that oversees high school sports in the Southwest Ohio region.

Paul Stone

President of the Southwest District Athletic Board.

Scott Kaufman

Athletic director at Lakota West High School who proposed the motion to adopt the new format.

Justin Foust

Athletic director at Sidney High School, who expressed concerns about the increased travel required under the combined draw.

Greater Western Ohio Conference (GWOC)

A high school athletic conference in the Southwest Ohio region, several of whose member schools will be impacted by the format change.

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What they’re saying

“Throughout this time, the SWDAB received consistent feedback from athletic directors, principals, and superintendents expressing a desire for an open draw.”

— Paul Stone, President, Southwest District Athletic Board (Yahoo Sports)

“Me making the motion was simply listening to the feedback from AD's, Principals, Superintendents and also discussions with the Board.”

— Scott Kaufman, Athletic Director, Lakota West High School (Yahoo Sports)

“Traveling over 100 miles on a Tuesday evening is not going to be fun. Plus, in the Spring we deal with Graduations, Awards, Testing, and Prom. This is going to make it even more difficult to make all this happen for the kids and families.”

— Justin Foust, Athletic Director, Sidney High School (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The seedings for this year's basketball tournaments will not be changed, but the new 'super draw' format will be implemented starting with the Spring 2026 sports season.

The takeaway

The Southwest District's adoption of an open 'super draw' format represents a significant shift in how high school sports tournaments will be structured in the region. While the change is aimed at creating more competitive balance and accurate seeding, it has also raised concerns about increased travel burdens for some schools and programs.