ATHENS, OH — The road to the state title is narrowing, and for two local powerhouses, that road leads directly through one another.
On Wednesday night at 6:00 p.m., the Circleville Tigers and the Unioto Shermans will converge on the Ohio University Convocation Center (“The Convo”) for a Division IV Elite Eight showdown with a trip to the Final Four on the line.
A Historic Run for the Tigers
Circleville is currently playing its best basketball in decades. Just two weeks after securing their first league championship in 43 years, the Tigers punched their ticket to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1997. They earned the spot with a hard-fought 51-42 victory over Waverly in the District Final on Thursday night.
The Tigers enter the matchup riding a blistering 17-game winning streak, bringing their season record to an impressive 22-2.
Unioto’s Road to the Rematch
Standing in their way are the Unioto Shermans (20-3), who are currently on a four-game tear of their own. Unioto secured its spot in the Regional Final with a decisive 60-46 victory over Washington Court House.
The Shermans, ranked 86th in the state by MaxPreps, have shown they can handle the pressure of the postseason, but they face their toughest test yet in a Circleville team that has already proven it can beat them.
History or Revenge?
Wednesday’s game is more than just a playoff matchup; it is a rematch of a February thriller. In their last meeting, Circleville edged out Unioto 66-59 in a high-scoring battle.
For the Shermans, the goal is clear: avenge their February loss and halt the Tigers’ historic momentum. For Circleville, it’s about proving that their previous win wasn’t a fluke and continuing a season that has already redefined the program’s history.
“Can the Shermans avenge their loss, or is history doomed to repeat itself? We’ll find out soon enough at The Convo.”
Game Day Info
- Matchup: Unioto Shermans vs. Circleville Tigers
- When: Wednesday, March 11, 6:00 p.m.
- Where: The Convocation Center (OU), Athens, OH
- Round: Division IV Regional Final
