Circleville Girls Basketball Team Falls in State Semifinal

Coach reflects on close loss in OHSAA Division IV tournament

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Circleville girls basketball team saw their state tournament run come to an end with a 46-43 loss to Bellevue in the OHSAA Division IV semifinal on March 12. Head coach Josh Blakeman recapped the close game, noting that Circleville had played in several tight contests throughout the season which helped prepare them for the tough semifinal matchup.

Why it matters

The Circleville girls basketball team's state semifinal appearance marked a successful season for the program, as they advanced further than expected in the OHSAA tournament. The close loss highlights the competitive nature of the Division IV bracket and the growth the team has undergone over the course of the year.

The details

Circleville held a lead for much of the semifinal game against Bellevue, but were unable to hold on in the end, falling by a final score of 46-43. Head coach Josh Blakeman noted that his team had played in several close games throughout the season, which helped prepare them for the tough tournament environment.

  • The OHSAA Division IV girls basketball state semifinal took place on March 12, 2026.

The players

Josh Blakeman

The head coach of the Circleville girls basketball team.

Bellevue

The opponent that defeated Circleville in the OHSAA Division IV state semifinal.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We have had quite a few close games with teams that maybe we shouldn't have had close games with, but I thought [that] came in handy down the stretch,”

— Josh Blakeman, Head Coach

The takeaway

Despite the tough semifinal loss, the Circleville girls basketball team can be proud of their successful tournament run and the experience gained from playing in several close games throughout the season. The program has demonstrated growth and competitiveness that will serve them well going forward.