Central Ohio Boys Basketball Teams Advance to State Tournaments

Regional finals determine who will compete for state championships

Mar. 14, 2026 at 6:50pm

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Several Central Ohio boys basketball teams competed in regional final games on March 14, with the winners advancing to the state tournament. The Dispatch covered the Division III matchup between Watterson and Steubenville, the Division IV game between Circleville and Zanesville Maysville, and the Division II contest between Westerville North and New Albany.

Why it matters

High school basketball is a beloved tradition in Central Ohio, and the regional finals represent a crucial step towards the ultimate goal of a state championship. These games draw passionate fan bases and showcase the top talent in the region, making them highly anticipated events in local communities.

The details

In the Division III regional final, Watterson defeated Steubenville to earn a spot in the state tournament. In Division IV, Circleville prevailed over Zanesville Maysville. And in the Division II matchup, Westerville North bested New Albany to advance.

  • The regional final games were played on March 14, 2026.

The players

Watterson

A high school basketball team from Columbus, Ohio that competed in the Division III regional final.

Steubenville

A high school basketball team from Steubenville, Ohio that competed against Watterson in the Division III regional final.

Circleville

A high school basketball team from Circleville, Ohio that competed in the Division IV regional final.

Zanesville Maysville

A high school basketball team from Zanesville, Ohio that competed against Circleville in the Division IV regional final.

Westerville North

A high school basketball team from Westerville, Ohio that competed in the Division II regional final.

New Albany

A high school basketball team from New Albany, Ohio that competed against Westerville North in the Division II regional final.

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What’s next

The winning teams from the regional finals will advance to the state tournament, where they will compete for the state championship.

The takeaway

High school basketball is a cherished part of the fabric of Central Ohio communities, and the regional finals represent an important milestone on the path to a state title. These games showcase the dedication and talent of local student-athletes, and the victories earned will be celebrated by their respective schools and hometowns.