The biggest jump of teams in the Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference belonged to the Golden Eagles of United High School. The Eagles finished 11th in the 2024 Sectional Tournament and jumped seven spots in 2025 to finish 4th in 2025 and qualify for Districts for the first time in school history. That gives them something to build on for the 2026 season. The top team will still be Columbiana as they just reload from season to season and have done that for multiple years under coach Chad Moreschi. Seniors Maddie Jackson and Claire Banner are very talented players and should be the low scorers for the Clippers. Southern Local continues to build their program and are poised for a breakthrough season. East Palestine will have an inexperienced roster and will be ready to start the learning process in 2026.

Impact Players

Claire Banner (SR) Columbiana
Kaitlyn Boston (SR) Southern Local
Alaina Brewer (SR) United
Victoria Buckingham (SR) Columbiana
Ashlynn Day (SO) Columbiana
Rylee Digman (SR) Southern Local
Maddie Jackson (SR) Columbiana
Alivia Magness (SR) East Palestine
Claire Whetstone (SO) United

Freshmen to Watch

Hailey Cehrs (United)
Rhyann Ferro (United)

Columbiana Clippers

Head Coach- Chad Moreschi
Last Year’s Results- 1st at Pine Lakes Sectional, 4th at Good Park District, 13-0 regular season, Runner up Tiger Invitational @ Old Avalon, Runner up Terlesky Invitational at the Lake Club, 3rd place OVAC Championship @ Oglebay
Coach’s Comments- Returning 3 of the 4 scorers that finished 4th in districts last year. We expect to replace the lost seniors with talented players and continue to take that last step to State.

East Palestine Bulldogs

Head Coach- Stephen Bycroft
Last Year’s Results- DNS at Pine Lakes Sectional

Southern Local Indians

Head Coach- Gerard Grimm
Last Year’s Results- 11th at Pine Lakes Sectional

United Golden Eagles

Head Coach- Stacey Zines
Last Year’s Results- 4th at Pine Lakes Sectional, 7th at Good Park District
Coach’s Comments- We are looking forward to a great season.