Best High School Program in Southeast Ohio

[Manxious2]

As a follow-up to the topic of the best basketball conference in SE Ohio I thought, as a separate topic it would be interesting to hear what everyones opinion is about which single school has the best on-going basketball program. This about the best overall program, irrespective of their Division.

[Runner00]

Many to name, some only based on recent success..

Storied Programs..
Wheelersburg
Chesapeake
Portsmouth
North Adams
Eastern Pike

Recent...
Oak Hill
Chillicothe
Piketon
Ironton


Coming around...
Fairland
South Point
Valley
Minford
Western
Alexander

Im sure I've missed plenty.. dont be offended

[Manxious2]

Runner00:

I can't disagree with your list at all. Actually it was well thought through. I guess though I am a little "out of touch" with the Eastern Pike program. I don't know if they fit in the "storied" catagory but I respect your opinion. All of the others are, however.... right on!

Now the real challenge is to name the SINGLE BEST BB Program !

[nickle back]

How many times have Eastern Pike and Chesapeake been to the final four?

[BubbleGumTiger]

How many times have Eastern Pike and Chesapeake been to the final four?

I cant recall the Peake ever getting to the final four............

of course my memory is terrible at times due to too many birthdays................

[jm1919]

How about Southeastern High School 5 times to the final Four, 17 times to the Regionals under Larry Jordan, as a Player and Coach. They might be down now, but they are on the rise again in 3 years with the talent coming up and their New coaching Staff.

[trojandave]

If you are going to consider programs over the last decade, then Portsmouth doesn't deserve to be mentioned..........and that is coming from a PHS alumnus.

But all-time.......no school in the history of the SE district comes close to what the Portsmouth Trojans have accomplished.........

34 district titles, 13 regional titles, both first in the SE district (last district title was in 2001 and last regional title in 1990.......last state title in 1988 and last runnerup in 1990)

4 state titles......tied for 3rd all time in Ohio (800+ schools)
3 state runnerups.......tied for 3rd all time in Ohio
7 state championship game appearances......tied for 3rd all-time in Ohio

Portsmouth was #8 in all-time wins in Ohio, until the last 7 losing seasons dropped us to around 13th place.

[trojandave]

I feel that Portsmouth is the best basketball program of all-time in the SE district until someone eclipses the records that they own.......until then, I don't see any other school that deserves to be mentioned with Portsmouth as the best all-time.......

And if you're going to name the best program, you have to consider all-time accomplishments........otherwise, it would be very unfair to only consider a 15-20 year time period when most schools have been playing basketball for much longer than that.

[Manxious2]

In fairness to any high school program you have to consider their overall achievements old and new. Any program is going to sustain "down periods of time" in their programs.
Portsmouth would/should definitely be rated as a strong candidate for best program.

TrojanDave, thanks for the info. It's quite impressive

[Manxious2]

runner00:

I don't think that Oak Hill would be in the running. Although they have garnered a great state championship this past year with one of Ohios best coaches I would have to hear a lot more about their past history of success.

[John Wooden]

I think you would have to put Racine Southern in. They are one of the ten most winning teams in the state of Ohio. They have 35 district appearances, 16 district finals, 8 district crowns, 6 regional appearances, 2 regional crowns, 3 state appearances, 1 state runner up. I also would have to put McClain in. How many 20 win seasons did Rick have?

[sparky]

whiteoak has had a nice run since the late 90's.

[frank-n-beans]

The best "all time" goes to the Trojans. 4 State Titles is unmatched around here. Although times have been tough the last 15 years, the Trojans are the benchmark in SE Ohio.
2nd is the 'Burg. 5 final 4's since the early '80's.
Next is the 'Peake. Numerous regional appearances the last 30 years.\
Other great programs (but not in any particular order)
Ironton has had several "Sweet 16" appearances and 2 Final 4's
Green has had 5 "Sweet 16" trips Since the mid '80's
SW had a great run of 4 "Sweet 16" showings, 2 Final 4's and 1 Title in '06 in the last 7 years.
East had some great teams in the late '80's early '90's. 4 "Sweet 16's" I believe
Belpre, SE Ross, North Adams, Whiteoak, Clay, Eastern Meigs, OH and 'Chilly all had Final 4 appearances with 'Chilly taking the title last year and OH this year

[jiveturkey]

I think you would have to put Racine Southern in. They are one of the ten most winning teams in the state of Ohio. They have 35 district appearances, 16 district finals, 8 district crowns, 6 regional appearances, 2 regional crowns, 3 state appearances, 1 state runner up. I also would have to put McClain in. How many 20 win seasons did Rick have?

Is this another thread touting the accomplishments of the almost state champions....?

[earp]

What about Greenfield McClain??

[Manxious2]

jiveturkey:

Why the hostility to a forum that is just talking about successful basketball programs? I think there is plenty of room for understanding the pride that any school has in their basketball program whether they have won state championships or not.
Dont be a downer!

[Bozo]

I look at success of a program over the long run.
Not just a couple of years when a good group of kids go through the system.

[Manxious2]

Bozo"
Exactly, hence I have used the words "best on-going" and also stated "you have to consider their overall achievements old and new" when looking at the success of any basketball program. Also, I think the replys pretty much understand that as well.

[rivercat]

I agree with earp. While I'd take Portsmouth as number 1 hands down, Greenfield McClain is one of the best teams in the Southeast district year in and year out.

[John Wooden]

Looking at some team records from Ohio. This is what I found.
WINS ALL TIME
____________
(1) Canton McKinley-1,747
(2) Archbold-1,436
(3) Newark-1,418
(4) Mansfield Senior-1,372
(5) Middletown-1,365
(6) Canal Winchester-1,363
(7) Delphos St.Johns-1,354
(8) Barberton-1,349
(9) East Liverpool-1,341
(10) Strasburg-1,313
(11) Steubonville-1,266
(12) Dover-1,244
(13) Zanesville-1,239
(14)Racine Southern-1,235
(15) Portsmouth-1,233
(16) Findley-1,232
(17) Marrieta-1,223
(18) Cin. Elder-1,200
(19) Ottoville-1,194
(20) Massilon Wash.-1,181
So out of southeastern Ohio teams you have Racine Southern 1,235 wins, Portsmouth 1,233 wins, Marrieta 1,223 wins and if you consider Zanesville in southeast Ohio 1,239. These teams are all close in wins and will jump around each year.
Most State Championships
____________________
(1) Middletown-7
(2) Columbus East-5
(3) Akron St. Vincent
(4) Cleveland Villa-4
Columbus Wherle-4
Dayton Stivers-4
Hamilton-4
Portsmouth-4
St. Henry-4
Top four is all they showed. Portsmouth has most state championships in southeast Ohio.
Portsmouth is also third in state appearances with 13,which is also most in southeast Ohio.
Only three southeast Ohio schools in these records. Four if you count Zanesville. Looks like to me Portsmouth has the best resume right now.