Cody Leist

PDT Sports Writer

Southeastern Ohio has four teams that received major recognition in the latest Associated Press boys poll released Monday, as two are in the Top 10 with the other two in the ‘Others Receiving Votes’ category.

In Division III, both Oak Hill and Ironton moved one step forward from their previous spots. The Oaks jumped from seventh to sixth after wins over Valley and Wheelersburg and in the process regained at least a share of the SOC II lead with the Indians.

The Fighting Tigers impressed the voters with wins over Gallia Academy and Peebles.

The Division IV poll revealed Notre Dame as a major vote recipient for the first time after being left out in the first. The Titans are 19th with 13 points, 25 points behind 10th-place Convoy Crestview.

Notre Dame earned wins at Western and home against Clay in last week’s game action to remain perfect in SOC I play.

Lastly, SEOAL-leading Warren also received 13 points but are ranked 16th in Division II, 33 points behind Akron Hoban for the 10th spot. The Warriors went on the road to defeat Athens and Jackson for a perfect week.

Of the four area teams that received recognition, three will be in action Tuesday in crucial road tests. Notre Dame is at Symmes Valley and Oak Hill travels to Minford in critical SOC contests.

Warren will play at Washington County foe and former SEOAL member Marietta. Ironton entertains Columbus Eastmoor Academy in Saturday’s action.

The top spots in the four divisions are the same for the Top 3. Columbus Northland, Dayton Thurgood Marshall and Cincinnati Summit Country Day remain the No. 1 teams in Divisions I through III. In Division IV, Newark Catholic leapfrogs St. Henry.

The girls statewide poll will be released Tuesday evening.

Cody Leist can be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 294, or cleist@civitasmedia.com.