Hiland, Smithville lead All-Ohio boys basketball honors

To victors go the spoils, as the age-old adage goes, and Hiland and Smithville both reaped the rewards of tremendous seasons this year on the hardwood. The Hawks won the Division VI state title and were the best team in the coverage area, and the Smithies came out as the best team in the Wayne County Athletic League. Both reaped those rewards with the release of the All-Ohio boys basketball teams from the Ohio Prep Sports Media Association.

Hiland was led by senior Alex Miller, who averaged 12 points and earned second-team honors, and sophomore Ryan Zerger, who powered home 13.7 points and was named to the third team. The two Hawks weren’t alone as their teammate senior Caleb Yoder earned honorable mention with an average of 10.5 points.

Leading the way for Smithville was junior Brennan Piatt, who earned the area’s highest honor, being selected to the first team in Division VI, averaging 16 points. Smithies senior Jax Riggenbach averaged 15.1 points and earned special mention, and Smithies sophomore Brady Sidle picked up honorable mention.

In Division VII, Hillsdale made school history by advancing to the state semifinals and was led by sophomore guard Lowen Ferguson, who earned third team with an average of 18 points. Junior Kael Lewis averaged 16 points and was selected honorable mention.

Also in Division VII, Central Christian senior Drew Badertscher earned special mention, averaging 17.4 points. Comets senior Ruben Carr was tabbed honorable mention with an average of 16.5 points.

Five area players earned honorable mention in Division V — Norwayne junior Jaxson Gasser (12.8 ppg), Chippewa senior Johnny Telloni (17.7 ppg), Triway junior Jalen Hackett (14.8 ppg), Garaway senior Jaxon Garber (10.0 ppg) and Tuslaw junior Parker Reinhart (17.4 ppg).

In Division IV, West Holmes junior Nate Sprang led his team with an average of 15.9 points and earned honorable mention. Joining in was Orrville senior Breylon McDuffie, who averaged 10.8 points and was selected honorable mention.