An increase in the number of Division I schools has necessitated adding a fifth sectional boys basketball tournament in Division I for the 2001-02 season.

        Xavier University has been added as a sectional site to go with Miami University, the University of Cincinnati, the University of Dayton and Wright State University.

        “There's 55 Division I teams, and 11 will be assigned to each sectional,” Southwest District Board secretary/treasurer John Rossi said.

        “This means that there will also be five district champions rather than four. One of the winners will play in the Columbus regional tournament rather than Dayton.”

        XU's Cintas Center drew raves after hosting the Division I regional tournament last season because of a conflict at UD Arena. The championship game between Elder and Western Hills drew more than 7,000 fans.

        But first- and second-round Division I games will remain at Mason and Lakota East, with only the semifinals and championships at the college sites.

        The 33 teams participating in the three Division I Cincinnati sectionals will be placed in an open draw, and the coaches will choose their sites.

        There are no changes in the Divisions II or IV sectionals; Anderson (Div. II) and Loveland (Div. IV) are the sites.

        The Division III sectional has been reduced from three to two sites: Sycamore and UD Arena.

        If dates and arrangements can be worked out, the Divisions II, III and IV sectional championship games would be at college sites.

        “We know that the Cincinnati schools feel they were are at a disadvantage (at districts), because most of the other (Dayton-area) Division II, III and IV teams played the sectional games on a college floor,” Rossi said.

        Howard Brownstein, Cincinnati Country Day's coach, has been the most outspoken critic.

        “One game is better than none, and it's a nice step forward,” Brownstein said. “This will help, because it's a lot different playing in a big arena because of the shooting background and length of the court.”

        Rossi is confident contracts will be signed soon, but the uncertainty of where the Conference USA Tournament will be held could eliminate UC from some of the high school tournaments.

        Firstar Center was the site of the Conference USA Tournament, but the new owners decided not to honor the contract. The C-USA event could be played at the Shoe maker Center or in Louisville.
       GIRLS BASKETBALL: A reduction in the number of Division I teams resulted in the loss of one sectional.

        Instead of five sectionals, there will be only four next season. Lakota East and Milford will host the Cincinnati tournaments, along with Troy and West Carrollton.

        WRESTLING: Wilmington will replace Fairfield as a site for one of the two Cincinnati Division I sectional tournaments. St.Xavier remains the other host school.

        Purcell Marian will continue to host the Division II sectional with Lakota Freshman School hosting the Division III sectional.

        Five Division III schools have been moved from the Southwest to the Southeast sectional at Miami Trace. Those switching are Batavia, Blanchester, Clinton-Massie, Ripley and Williamsburg.

        Wilmington also will host the Division I district wrestling tournament, again replacing Fairfield.

        NCC AD STEPS DOWN: After 35 years as athletic director at Newport Central Catholic, Bob Schneider is stepping down but will remain as assistant principal and football coach.

        Recently retired basketball coach Ron Dawn will take over as NCC's athletic director. Jenny Mertle has been appointed assistant athletic director.

        OFFICIALS TRAINING: The Southern Ohio (football) Officials Association will conduct a training session beginning July 18. If interested, call Bob Duncan at 575-4542.

        CLASSIFIEDS: Bishop Brossart has an opening for a girls varsity soccer and a girls varsity volleyball coach. Call Mel Webster at (859) 635-2108.

        Anderson has an opening for an assistant football coach and two assistant boys soccer coaches. Call Mike Morgan at 232-2772, ext. 2928.

        COLLEGE PICKS: Roman Duty, one of the leading hitters for the Cincinnati Country Day Division IV state champion baseball team, has committed to the College of Charleston.

        Pitcher/shortstop Brett Smith committed to Xavier.

        Jenni Leesman, a state track and field qualifier in the shot put and discus from Mother of Mercy, has accepted a grant-in-aid from Wake Forest.

        The reigning Girls Greater Cincinnati League, district and regional shot put champion, Leesman holds the league (41 feet, 4 inches) and school records (43-4) in the event.

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