NEW PHILADELPHIA — If you want a season where just one or two standout players stand out on area high school basketball courts, 2025-26 is not the year for you. Instead, the Times Reporters coverage area welcomed one of the deepest talent pools in recent memory — a winter season defined by 1,000-point milestones, double-double machines and lock-down defenders in every division.
Now, with the OHSAA tournament bracket reaching a boiling point, we take a moment to look back at the individual performances that made this season memorable. From the grit shown on the field at Dover and New Philadelphia to the high-octane offense of Strasburg and Zoll, the excellence was everywhere.
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We’ve seen the stats and highlights, but now we want to hear from the community.
It’s time to name The Times Player of the Year. We invite readers across the region to vote for the best. Who are the Boys and Girls Players of the Year for the 2025-26 basketball season.
Each nominee was named to the first team in their respective leagues and received postseason honors for their efforts during the season.
Strasburg seniors Allie Miller (left), Sophia Secrest and Olivia Speedel celebrate winning the championship trophy after a 50-33 win over Reedsville East in the Class VII regional final on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Jim Myers Stadium in Logan, Ohio. Strasburg allowed just 17 points in the final three quarters to reach the state tournament for the first time in school history.
Make sure your favorite players get the recognition they deserve!
High school sports fans can take two polls this week to select the top male and female athletes to grace the hardwood in the 2025-26 season. Voting will be open until 5pm on Sunday, March 15th.
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2025-26 Boys Nominees:
2025-26 Girls Nominees:
KSutton1@gannett.com; X: @KSuttonDJSports; Instagram: kevinsutton_dailyjeffsports
This article originally appeared in The Times Reporter: Selecting the top basketball luminaries The Times Reporter covers