The Kenton Ridge High School softball team continues to dominate, holding onto the No. 1 spot in the latest Ohio High School Softball Coaches Poll for Division IV. Released on Monday, May 4, this marks the ninth consecutive week the Cougars have claimed the top ranking, a streak that dates back to last season.

The defending state champions boast an impressive 23-0 record and are riding a 55-game winning streak—the third-longest in state history. Their prowess extends beyond Ohio, as they are ranked No. 16 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association poll and No. 12 in the MaxPreps Top 25. For a team that wears its dominance like a well-worn jersey, every game is a chance to add to their legacy.

In Division I, Lakota East (18-4) holds the No. 3 spot, while Centerville (18-6) sits at No. 5, just ahead of No. 7 Lebanon (16-8). These teams are proving that competition at the top is fierce, with every pitch and swing carrying playoff implications.

Division III sees Greenville (22-1) at No. 2, earning one first-place vote after a statement week. The Green Wave swept Troy in Miami Valley League play, shutting out the previously unbeaten Trojans 5-0 and 6-0 in back-to-back games. Oxford Talawanda (17-4) follows at No. 8, showing depth in the division.

In Division V, Springfield Shawnee (22-2) is ranked second with a first-place vote, while Miami East (17-4) holds steady at No. 4. Both teams are making strong cases for postseason success.

The defending Division VI state champion Tri-Village sits at No. 2, also receiving a first-place vote. Parkway, a powerhouse from the Midwest Athletic Conference, remains No. 1, and Marion Local checks in at No. 9.

Rounding out the poll, South Charleston Southeastern (20-3) is No. 7 in Division VII. The Trojans had an 18-game winning streak snapped in a tight 1-0 loss to Division VI No. 5 West Jefferson (16-4) on Monday, a reminder that in softball, momentum can shift with a single swing.