Cody Leist

PDT Sports Writer

Less than a week remains before all of the boys basketball teams in the state of Ohio find out their paths to Columbus, the latest Associated Press poll was released Monday evening with more representation from the Southeast District.

This week, three area teams who have occupied the polls throughout the season still remain among the favorites according to the voters. What’s different is the addition of one conference leader.

Both Ironton and Oak Hill moved up one spot from the previous week. The Fighting Tigers defeated Huntington (WW) 57-46 and Red Springs (NC) Flora MacDonald Academy 52-37 to take the sixth spot. The Oaks are ninth with wins over Waverly (40-34) and Valley (75-67 in overtime) to take the lead in the SOC II.

In Division II, Warren remains on the outside looking in the Top 10. The Warriors are 12th with 23 points. Franklin and Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary are tied for 10th with 29 points.

New this week to the Division IV poll is SOC I-leading Eastern. The Eagles are 13th with 13 points but have a ways to go in order to surpass No. 10 Toledo Christian, which stands with 61 in the latest poll.

The top spots in the three-largest divisions remain unchanged with Columbus Northland, Dayton Thurgood Marshall and Cincinnati Summit Country maintaining their spots. The lone change comes in Division IV as Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph assumes the role from Hamler St. Henry, which fell to sixth.

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