Softball fans, get ready for an exciting postseason! The Ohio High School Athletic Association released the Division I and II district tournament draws on Sunday, May 10, completing the fields for all divisions. With final seeds locked in on Friday, May 8 at midnight via the MaxPreps RPI formula, teams are now gearing up for a thrilling playoff run. Note that any regular season results after that date won't affect seeding or postseason fate.
This year introduces a major change: a super draw format combining all Southwest District teams, approved in March. Instead of splitting Dayton and Cincinnati schools into separate North and South districts, they'll now compete together in one draw for both Division I and Division II. It's a fresh twist that promises more competitive matchups.
Action kicks off Monday, May 11, with district finals set for May 20-21. All games leading up to the finals will be hosted by the higher seed, while district final locations are still to be determined. Regional finals follow on May 29, and the state finals will take place at Akron's Firestone Stadium from June 3-7. For context, Division III through VII draws were already announced a week ago.
Division I Highlights
Centerville snagged the top overall seed, thanks to a 20-6 record and the second-toughest schedule among the 21 Southwest District teams. The Greater Western Ohio Conference champions lead a stacked field. Milford (21-3) earned the two-seed, followed by Lakota East (20-5), Oak Hills (18-5), and defending state champion Lebanon (17-9).
Other notable seeds include Hamilton (14-7) at seven, Springboro (16-10) at eight, Beavercreek (14-9) at nine, and Lakota West (12-10) at 10. Centerville's bracket looks favorable with no top-10 seeds in its path, while Milford and six-seed Mason (15-10) could set up a blockbuster district final.
Region-wise, Oak Hills and Hamilton will head to Region 1, with the rest competing in Region 4. Region 4 semifinals and finals will be at Indian Hill High School, while Region 1 semifinals are at London High School and finals at Olentangy High School.
Division II Highlights
Kings (22-1), champions of the Eastern Cincinnati Conference, claimed the top seed. Troy (23-2) is the two-seed, Harrison (14-7) sits at three, and Fairborn (17-5) and Little Miami (17-8) round out the top five. Northmont (14-9) earned the six-seed.
The top four seeds are strategically separated until regionals, but Fairborn and Little Miami could collide in a thrilling district final. Mason High School will host Region 5 semifinals and finals.
For the full brackets and a complete list of seeds, check out the Southwest District Athletic Board website. Whether you're a player, coach, or fan, this postseason is shaping up to be one for the books!