The stage is set for an exciting Ohio high school softball postseason, as Division I and II district tournament draws were finalized Sunday, May 10, completing the field for all divisions. The final seedings were locked in Friday, May 8 at midnight, using the MaxPreps RPI formula—meaning any regular season results after that date won't impact bracket positioning.
This year brings a major change: for the first time, the Southwest District is using a "super draw" format, approved back in March. Instead of splitting Dayton and Cincinnati schools into separate North and South districts, all teams in Division I and Division II will now compete in a single, combined draw—raising the stakes and creating some compelling early matchups.
District play kicks off Monday, May 11, with all games leading up to the finals held at the higher seed's home field. District championship games are scheduled for May 20 and 21 at sites to be announced. From there, regional finals take place May 29, and the state finals run June 3-7 at Akron's Firestone Stadium. (Division III through VII draws were released a week earlier.)
Division I Highlights
Centerville takes the top overall seed, powered by a 20-6 record and the toughest schedule among the 21 teams in the Southwest District. As GWOC champions, the Elks have earned a favorable path: no team seeded above 10 sits in their bracket.
Milford (21-3) grabs the No. 2 spot, followed by Lakota East (20-5), Oak Hills (18-5), and defending state champion Lebanon (17-9). Hamilton (14-7) lands at No. 7, Springboro (16-10) at No. 8, Beavercreek (14-9) at No. 9, and Lakota West (12-10) rounds out the top 10. The most intriguing potential district final could be Milford vs. Mason (15-10), the No. 6 seed.
Oak Hills and Hamilton will head into Region 1, while the rest compete in Region 4. Region 4 semifinals and finals will be played at Indian Hill High School, with Region 1 semifinals at London High School and finals at Olentangy High School.
Division II Highlights
Kings (22-1) earned the top seed after dominating the Eastern Cincinnati Conference, followed by Troy (23-2) at No. 2 and Harrison (14-7) at No. 3. Fairborn (17-5) and Little Miami (17-8) round out the top five, with Northmont (14-9) at No. 6. The top four seeds are separated until regionals, setting up a possible Fairborn-Little Miami district final showdown. Mason High School will host Region 5 semifinals and finals.
For the full bracket breakdown and complete seed list, check the Southwest District Athletic Board's official release. With the super draw adding new drama and top seeds looking to defend their turf, this postseason promises plenty of action on the diamond.