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Brody Morton reach 1000 points on two free throws to start the District Title game vs Cincinnati North College Hill.  He ended his career with 1017 points.

Story and Photos by Dale Barger

MIDDLETOWN – Preble Shawnee squared off with Cincinnati North College Hill in the OHSAA DV District Championship.  The Arrows competed well and led much of the first half and part of the 3rd quarter.

College Hill tied the game at 31 at the three-minute mark when the Arrows cold shooting and turnovers opened the door for the Trojans who bolted to a 40-33 lead heading into the final frame.

North College Hill had all the momentum and would go on to win the game 60-48 denying Shawnee their 4th straight district title.

While the goal was to win a district title, one individual set a goal at the beginning of the year to score 1000 career points.

In the previous game senior Brody Morton made two free throws to ice the game 45-43 and it left Morton sitting at 998 career points.

It wasn't sexy, like the dunk Brody had or one of his 3 triples ... but the two free throws he made to start the game gave Morton 1000 career points in his final game. 

Morton opened the game against the Trojans ironically enough making two free throws to reach the magic mark of 1000. He would score 19 in the game to end his career with 1017. 

Although it was a somber moment after the game Brody took the time to share what it meant to him to score a 1000.

“Obviously it means a lot, not a lot of people get the opportunity to score 1000.  I knew that it was possible for me to do in the beginning of the season, so that was one of my goals,” Morton, stated.

“Reaching that mark wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for my teammates. I needed two more points specifically in this game and it was nice to get that,” Morton added.

“I just want to thank my teammates for everything they've done, in getting those two wins in the tournament run helped and of course my teammates got me the ball,” Morton exclaimed.

“I want to also thank my coaches for giving me the opportunity and freedom to shoot the ball,” Morton commented.

Brody being a bit modest and reserved, would thank his teammates and coaches glossing over what he brought to the table.

His sophomore year he scored around 8 points a game in the wake of Preble Shawnee all-time leading scorer Mason Shrout.

His junior year he averaged around 13 a game alongside other capable scorers. 

His senior year he emerged as the “go to guy” averaging 17 points a game and the guy who made the tough buckets when the team needed them.

But Morton preferred to give credit to his team winning the tournament games to allow him to get to that point where he could score 1000.

“If we didn’t win the last game, I wouldn't have got this and would have stayed at 998 and that would have hurt, for sure,” Morton assured.

Preble Shawnee coach Ryan Robinson chimed in on his senior star.

“I’m so happy for Brody, he deserves it. Man, he's had a heck of a career here, and he's one heck of a role model. I don't know if I should say this, but I told him, I wish I had a son that was running around, following him and looking up to him. He's just a heck of a guy on the court, but even better off the court, so proud of him, and glad we were able to get him that 1000,” Robinson shared.

No one wanted the season to end, and there were those who doubt they could get to another district this year.  The Arrow seniors can be proud along with the rest of the team making the run they did to a 4th district that Morton talked about.

“We've been here four years in rows, as players we knew what it took to get here, and our coaching staff knew what it took to get here also. Obviously we didn’t get the result we wanted but we accomplished a lot, and it was a good season,” Morton stated.

“I want to thank all the coaches for my whole career, starting from coach Turner and coach Rob, and all the assistant coaches as well, it’s been a good run,” Morton concluded.

It’s always hard for a coach to address the team at the end of the season and the further you go the more it hurts and harder to do, especially saying goodbye to the seniors and that’s what coach Robinson would have to do after the game.

“First and foremost, man, we’ve got great guys in the locker room that make it a joy to be around every day. So that's first and foremost,” Robinson beamed.

Soph, Blaine Singleton subs in for senior Trent Geise to be recognized in his last game as an Arrows late in the game with North College Hill.

“We knew it was going to be a game that we could compete in, and we wanted to be hanging around to try and have a chance at the end .. but it got away from us a little bit in that third slash fourth,” Robinson hinted.

“So, it's tough. You got to give credit to them. They play a style of basketball that's tough to match when you don't see that type of skill and athleticism every day in practice,” Robinson noted.

Then coach shifted gears to talk about his seniors … but he had to take a moment to collect himself.

The four seniors Trent Geise, Colton Shroeder, Brody Foxbower and Brody Morton would conclude a good year with a 20-5 record, 10-1 in the WOAC and District Runner-up.

Senior Colton Schroeder developed into a key part of the team filling a role vital to the team  making the big hustle plays needed.

Colton Shroeder filled an important role for the team this year, he was willing to sacrifice his body, win the 50/50 balls, get rebounds and was the glue guy on defense that was key to the team’s success.

Brody Foxbower was the immovable object in the paint on defense and was efficient scoring there as well 10 ppg  and had several double-double games averaging 8.2 rebounds for the Arrows.

Brody Foxbower wanted to feel what it was like to drive to the basket like a guard and showed his agility and athleticism for a big man.  He averaged nearly a double-double this season and was a big part of the Arrows success this year.

Brody Morton would be the guy who could take a game over and led the team with 17 points a contest.

“Obviously, they're all unique in their own way, and they all have their stories … but they all just persevered. They've all had little battles, ups and downs throughout their career here at Preble, but they finished out strong and had a great senior year. Just great guys and a joy to be around, I look at them as brothers and family for life,” Robinson concluded.

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The Patriots picked up their 6th straight district championship via a 78-42 win over Oyler.  They improved to 25-0 to advance to the Sweet 16. 

Story and Photos by Dale Barger

MIDDLETOWN – The Tri-Village boys basketball team won their 6th straight district championship.  They defeated Oyler 78-42 and now advance to play Troy Christian in the OHSAA DVI regional semifinal game at Vandalia Butler on Tuesday with game time TBA.

Tri-Village won the game handily with a running clock by the end of the 3rd quarter and led 66-28 heading into the final frame. 

And although the game wasn’t close via the scoreboard there was the game within the game taking place on the floor both physically and mentally with a total of 5 technical fouls assessed.

The Madhatter’s started the game in a box and one face guarding Trey Sagester with the intent of frustrating and slowing him down by whatever means they could.  

The Patriots showed poise against the pressure applied, while Sagester worked to shake off his defender constantly holding, shoving and restricting his freedom of movement to the point Trey was assessed a double foul fighting through it.

Griffin Richards handled the pressure applied by Oyler and attacked the basket for lay-ups and 14 points in district win.

Despite their best effort he would score 10 points in the first quarter and 18 by the end of the first half.  Griffin Richards would pitch in with 10 points in the 2nd quarter as the duo combined for 28 in the first half.

Defensively the PATS stymied Oyler holding them to 13 first half points and led 36-13 at the break.

Coach Josh Sagester was pleased with how his team played early, especially on defense.

We played really well, especially defensively early, and we rebounded really well,” Sagester stated.

Oyler started the second half with relentless pressure all over the court, but Tri-Village handled it well. 

And although the Madhatter’s scored 15 points in the 3rd quarter, Tri-Village doubled them up with 30 for a 66-28 lead heading into the final frame.

The third quarter yielded four technicals three on Oyler, as frustrations boiled over and one on Tri-Village.  Trey Sagester made all six free throws on the three technicals and added 12 more points to his tally, and he would end the game with 32 leading all scorers.

Dom Black in foul trouble in the first half scored 10 of his 12 points in the game in the quarter.  Griffin Richards had two more lay-ups and ended with 14 points.  Levi Johnsman stepped up in the 3rd when Dom took a seat to score four points.

Carson Bedinghaus goes in for 1 of 3 lay-ups for six points in game vs Oyler.

With the starters taking a seat in the 4th quarter Carson Bedinghaus shined with six points, Brecken Gray and Colton Clevenger had lay-ups as well with the Patriots claiming the District Championship game 78-42.

Sagester gave accolades to a few players handling the pressure applied by Oyler.

“Obviously, I thought Griff was outstanding with the ball for us today, and I knew he would play well against their pressure, he’s seen it and played against it, that’s why we played the schedule we played in the summer. He's extremely athletic with the ball. I don't even know, he might have had one turnover all day, he was unbelievable with the ball for us,” Sagester praised.

Noah Finkbine unfolds like a Swiss Army knife on his way to the rim. 

“I also thought our second ball handler today, Noah Finkbine, was great with the ball. He's big, he's strong, he's athletic, he's a 6’3” “Swiss Army Knife” who can pass, post and score,” Sagester complimented.

“Those two guys were great with the ball for us,” Sagester added.

“Although, Dom didn't play a ton. He had a foul or two, but when he was in, he was pretty good in the paint offensively. We knew it was a matchup we wanted to win,” Sagester acknowledged.

“I thought Trey was really efficient for us, and did what he usually does, he scores the ball in multiple ways.  Then I thought our bench did a great job of giving us minutes when they were in the game,” Sagester shared.

Trey Sagester showing his agility and one of the many ways he can score as his dad and coach Josh Sagester alluded.

After the medal ceremony, the cutting of the net, and pictures … coach Sagester took a couple more minutes to reflect on the program winning it’s 6th straight district title and his 25-0 Patriots squad.

“It's pretty special (District Championship) I think it speaks volumes about our program and kids in our community, about what they do and how much time, work they put in. it's not easy to get these district championships. And, you know, our kids have worked really, really hard to be 25-0,” Sagester explained.

He was pleased with how his team handled the adversity in the game, and attributes that to them being seasoned.

“I think that's maturity and experience, we've been in these moments, we understand things are going to happen. We understand there's going to be some adversity, where they were trying to do some things to obviously throw us for a loop. And our kids did a really, really good job, staying composed, being strong with the ball. Obviously, making free throws converting off those technicals. We’re an old team, experienced, and we've played in big games,” Sagester said.

With another district trophy in hand and their perfect record still intact, Tri-Village now turns its attention to the regional stage. The Patriots will face 20-5 Troy Christian who will arrive with plenty of motivation after the Patriots handed them a defeat back on January 10th, 60-43.  The Eagles had their own convincing win over Deer Park 60-45 to reach the regional semifinal game and none of the previous 25 Patriot victories will mean much when the ball goes up in Vandalia.

Still, if Saturday’s performance was any indication, Tri-Village’s mix of discipline, depth and big-game experience travels well. They have been here before, expect to be here, and understand exactly what’s at stake. One game at a time, one challenge at a time — and a win will get them one step closer to a return trip to state.


Carson Bedinghaus, Trey Sagester, Kaysen Hollinger and Noah Finkbine hold up the 2026 DVI District Championship trophy. 

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The Ohio Prep Sports Media Association Announces the 2026 All-Southwest District Boys Basketball Teams.

The Ohio Prep Sports Media Association has released the high school boys basketball players selected the All-Southwest District Teams.  Several Western Ohio Athletic Conference boys  and coach headline that list.

Tri-Village boys basketball team is currently 24-0 coached by Josh Sagester and he was named the 2026 DVI Coach of the Year.  His son senior guard Trey Sagester who leads the WOAC in scoring at 25 ppg was the DVI Southwest District Player of the Year.

DVI – Trey Sagester – Tri-Village

DVI – Josh Sagester – Tri-Village

Here are the rest of the WOAC boys basketball players selected to the All-Southwest District teams.

Division V

First team
Cameron Ball, Arcanum, 6-1, sr,  13.9 ppg,  9.0 rpg, 2.3 spg.
Brody Morton, Camden Preble Shawnee, 6-3, sr., 16.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.1 apg, 3.5 spg

Third team
Brody Foxbower, Camden Preble Shawnee, 6-5, sr., 10.6 ppg.

Honorable mention
Ben Hamilton, Jace Mote, Arcanum
Braylon Dorrel, Camden Preble Shawnee 

Division VI
First team
Trey Sagester, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-3, sr., 25.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.5 apg, 3.6 spg
Dom Black, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-5, jr., 12 ppg, 5.5 rpg
Kellen Laird, New Paris National Trail, 5-10, sr., 15.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 5.6 apg

Player of the year: Trey Sagester, Tri-Village
Coach of the year: Josh Sagester, Tri-Village

Second team
Noah Finkbine, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-3, sr., 7.0 ppg.
Trent Ray, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 6-2, jr., 14.9 ppg.

Third team
Tayden Blevins, New Paris National Trail, 6-1, sr., 14.5 ppg.

Honorable mention
Brayden Puckett, Dixie
Brecken Gray & Griffin Richards, New Madison Tri-Village
Lucas Barlow, West Alexandria Twin Valley South.

Division VII
First team
Lucas Brenner, Pitsburg Franklin Monroe, 6-1, sr., 15.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 5.4 apg.
Cing Scott, Union City Mississinawa Valley, 6-2, jr., 16.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg.

Second team
Luke Cornett, Pleasant Hill Newton, 5-10, sr., 16.0 ppg;
Rallie Wirrig, Bradford, 6-5, jr., 17.0 ppg.

Third team
Rhett Koffer, Pleasant Hill Newton, 5-9, sr., 10 ppg;
Blake Riffle, Pitsburg Franklin Monroe, 6-3, jr., 14.4 ppg;

Honorable mention
Graham Coppess, Ansonia
Koby Reynolds, Lewisburg Tri-County North

Congratulations to all the players and coaches earning All-Southwest District Honors.

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Sr. Brody Morton was the man, is mobbed by teammates & students after scoring 19 points, and two late free throws to give the Arrows a thrilling 45-43 win over Indian Lake to advance to the District Finals.

Story and Photos by Dale Barger

BETHEL TOWNSHIP – The Preble Shawnee Boys Basketball team led by 16 points with 6:00 minutes left in 4th quarter, then they had to hang on, in a grind it out game, for a 45-43 win over Indian Lake in the OHSAA Boys DV District Semifinal game.

It’s not a secret that Indian Lake has handed the Arrows a couple of heartbreaking losses in football the last two years.  They denied Preble Shawnee from advancing in the football playoffs this year 17-14 and last year 28-14. 

So, the 45-43 defeat the Arrows handed the Lakers helps make up for some of that disappointment, but they had to endure a frantic 4th quarter fury to do it.

Leading 38-22 with six minutes left to go in the final frame, Indian Lake dialed up the pressure that at times seemed like they had 6 or 7 guys on the floor and before the Arrows knew what hit them, in just a little over two minutes, they had cut the lead down to 5, 38-33 with just under four minutes to go.

Finally, Shawnee beat the pressure and got the ball to Brody Foxbower for a bucket to break the onslaught, pushing the lead to 40-33.

Brody Foxbower was a solid presence in the paint scoring 2 points each quarter for 8 points, 10 rebounds and he made the middle a tough place to score on defense. 

But the pressure kept coming and Avery Pequignot who would lead all scorers in the game with 23, hit back-to-back three-pointers cutting the lead to one, 40-39 at 2:51.

Coach Ryan Robinson needed a timeout to regroup.

After the timeout the Arrows were able to make three out of four free throws on two trips to the line, one by Gage Powers and two from Braylon Dorrel to go up 43-39 with just under a minute … in what would seem like an eternity, if you were an Arrows fan.

Braylon Dorrel, came up big on a few drives to the hoop to get some needed scoring throughout the game.

Back came the Lakers with two free throws and a fielder to tie the game at 43, with 24 seconds left to play.

Preble Shawnee worked the clock down to 12 seconds wanting to have the last possession with the ball in their guys hands. Brody Morton was that guy who had 19 points in the game. He drove hard to the right and strong to the basket for a shot, the ball bounces out … but he drew a foul on the play.

Four second left to go, Morton at the line, he was “cool as ice” swishing the first, then his second, and was 8-for-9 on the night, giving Shawnee the lead 45-43.

Brody Morton had three triples, 19 points, 8-for-9 from free throws with two of the biggest to seal the win for Preble Shawnee. 

Indian Lake got the ball in bounds with four seconds left over the top to a guard and while dribbling down the sideline he slipped and fell turning the ball over.

With 1.1 second left to play Indian Lake had to foul and even though Preble Shawnee didn’t convert on the free throws, the missed shot off the rim on the opposite end didn’t allow time to get off a good shot, and the long heave wasn’t close, as the Arrows hung on for the win.

After the game a relieved coach Ryan Robinson talked about the pressure down the stretch.

“The pressure is something we've been working on all year, and we knew it was coming, it was something we worked on all week in practice.  But I think some of the pressure was due to us having a big of lead, though. Playing maybe a little too comfortable at times and I’ve got to do a better job of keeping our guys levelheaded and managing that pressure,” Robinson said.

While Indian Lake brought the pressure … Preble Shawnee brought their own brand of pressure with stingy defense that gave up just 19 points over the first three quarters.

“Our defense was huge. We knew that was going to be our calling card tonight, but also throughout the tournament. I mean, we got to put the ball in the cup, but at the end of the day, we hang our hat on defense, so it feels good.  I just think our length is tough, and it's tough for teams to see that throughout the year, but our coaching staff did a great job of mixing up our looks, throwing them different defenses, switching between man and zone a lot,” Robinson said.

Colton Shroeder had a few key scores in the 3rd quarter but his defensive play and energy was a shot in the arm for the team. 

That defense held Indian Lake’s leading scorer, 6’4” Brodey Reisinger at 17 ppg., scoreless in the 1st quarter, frustrating him at times.  He would end the game with 13 points but had to work hard to get them.

Preble Shawnee came out firing in this one racing out to a 10-0 lead to start the game before the Lakers got on the board.  Morton scored 7 in the period, Dorrel 3 and Foxbower two as the Arrows led 12-5 at the end of the first period.

The points were harder to come by in the 2nd frame, and the physicality of the game made scoring inside tough. Indian Lake won the quarter 12-8 after Pequignot hit two triples.

Preble Shawnee got a triple and a free throw from Morton and both Foxbower and Caleb Blankenship had buckets as well.

The third period almost mirrored the first with Shawnee winning it 11-5 as the defense again made it tough for Indian Lake to get any baskets.  The Arrows got 4 points from Colton Shroeder whose energy was a shot in the arm for the team on both ends of the floor. Morton added 3, Foxbower and Dorrel each had two points.

Caleb Blankenship connects a short jumper, his athleticism and defensive play were big in helping slow down a good Indian Lake team.

Preble Shawnee started fast in the final stanza with a short jumper from Blankenship a triple from Morton and an elbow jumper from Dorrel to push the lead in the 4th quarter to 38-22 with six minutes to go before the all-out blitz was on for Indian Lake.

But the Arrows fought through it and survived to play another 32 minutes and advances to play in their 4th consecutive district final.

“We definitely emphasized coming into this game about playing with energy and confidence. That was our two words. We knew they were going to make a run back. We didn't like how fast it was and everything like that. But now just proud of the guys. Man, back in the district final now, four years in a row,” Robinson exclaimed.

Preble Shawnee will now face Cincinnati North College Hill on Saturday, at Middletown High School, with a Noon tip off.

We know the Arrows can play defense … but handling the basketball, executing and cutting down on turnovers has to be keys going further.  

Coach Robinson in closing said, “We’ve got to hang our hat on defense and take care of the rock.”

Then as he walked away I heard him utter over and over … hang our hat on defense, take care of the rock, Hang our hat on defense, take care of the rock.  I’m sure that jingle played through his head all night.

Box Score

Score by Quarters

12 … 08 … 11 … 14 – 45 Preble Shawnee
05 … 12 … 05 … 22 – 43 Indian Lake

Team Scoring

PS – Foxbower 0-4-0/0 – 8, Powers 0-0-1/2 – 1, Morton 3-1-8/9 – 19, Blankenship 0-2-0/2 – 4, Schroeder 0-2-0/0 – 4, Dorrel  0-3-3/4 – 9, Totals 3-12-12/17 – 45

IL – Resinger 1-4-2/4 – 13, Hall 1-1-0/0 – 5, Pequignot 5-2-4/5 – 23, Bender 0-1-0/0 – 2,
Totals 7-8-6/9 – 43

The bench and Preble Shawnee fans react and were on their feet most of the night in teeth clenching contest won by the Arrows extracting revenge over Indian Lake. 

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Ohio Prep Sports Media Association All-Southwest District Girls Basketball Teams.

The Ohio Prep Sports Media Association has released the high school girls basketball players selected to the All-Southwest teams. Several Western Ohio Athletic Conference girls  headline the list.

Two players and one coach were named All-Southwest District Player and Coach of the Year.

DVI – Adalynn Hines, Tri-Village (Player of Year)

DVI – Stefanie Landie, Newton (Coach of Year)

DVII – Brooklynn Seubert, Mississinawa Valley (Player of Year)

Here is the list of WOAC girls basketball players selected to the All-Southwest District teams.

Division V 
Third team

Aubrey Unger, Camden Preble Shawnee, 5-6, sr., 12 ppg.

Division VI
First team

Charlotte Barga, Ansonia, 5-9, so., 13.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg.
Adalynn Hines, New Madison Tri-Village, 5-6, sr., 12.1 ppg, 4.9 spg, 4.4 rpg.
Caroline Long, Arcanum, 5-11, sr., 15.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg.

Player of the year: Adalynn Hines, New Madison Tri-Village

Coach of the year: Stefanie Landis, Pleasant Hill Newton

Second team

Bella Cherry, Lewisburg Tri-County North, 5-6, sr., 17.8 ppg.
Brylii Day, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 5-11, sr., 15.6 ppg.
Rylee Hess, Pleasant Hill Newton, 5-9, sr., 16.1 ppg.
Tai Mize, New Madison Tri-Village, 5-5, sr., 12.4 ppg. 

Third team

Rose Barga, Ansonia, 5-8, sr., 12.0 ppg.

Honorable mention

Matty Noe, Arcanum;
Lola Grieshop, Lewisburg Tri-County North;
Sydnee DeLong & Taytum Gray, New Madison Tri-Village;
Morgan House & Taylor Reynolds, New Paris National Trail;
Brilie Hines, Pleasant Hill Newton;
Grace Childers, West Alexandria Twin Valley South.

Division VII
First team

Brooklynn Seubert, Mississinawa Valley, 6-0, sr., 13.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.0 spg.

Co-Players of the year: Hazel Francis, Russia and Brooklynn Seubert, Mississinawa Valley

Second team

Paige Emrick, Mississinawa Valley, 5-7, sr., 13.0 ppg.

Congratulations to all the players and coaches earning All-Southwest District honors.
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