Central Ohio’s Elite: High School Girls Basketball Stars Shine in 2025-26 All-OCC Honors

The hardwood courts of the Ohio Capital Conference have once again been a stage for breathtaking talent, fierce competition, and the rise of the next generation of basketball stars. The release of the 2025-26 All-OCC girls basketball honors provides the definitive ledger on a season of excellence, recognizing the athletes whose skill, leadership, and clutch performances defined the year. From established veterans to dynamic underclassmen, this list is more than just names—it’s a map of the region’s basketball power structure and a preview of future glory.

A Deep Dive into the First-Team Phenoms

The All-OCC First Team is a collection of players who didn’t just play the game; they often dictated its terms. This year’s squad is a fascinating blend of championship pedigree and individual brilliance. The Pickerington Central trio of Zoe Coleman, Blossom Wallace, and Deyon Smith stands out, representing the core of a program synonymous with success. Coleman’s junior season cements her as one of the state’s most complete guards, while the senior leadership of Wallace and the two-way dominance of Smith provided an unmatched foundation.

Equally impressive was the Newark duo of Calli Gellar and Emma Quackenbush. Their synchronized excellence propelled the Wildcats, showcasing a potent inside-out attack that few teams could contain. Meanwhile, Naomi Merriweather, the standout sophomore from Reynoldsburg, announced her arrival as a premier force, playing with a maturity beyond her years. The list is rounded out by singular talents who carried their teams: Groveport’s dynamic Zay Shepherd, Lancaster’s consistent Molly Stedman, and Teays Valley’s versatile Tessa Horsley. Each first-teamer brought a unique, game-changing skill set that made them must-watch players every night.

Second Team & Recognized Talent: The Conference’s Formidable Foundation

If the First Team represents the conference’s headline acts, the Second Team, Special, and Honorable Mentions are the compelling supporting cast that elevates the entire OCC. The depth across these squads underscores why the OCC is considered one of Ohio’s toughest leagues.

The Second Team features future stars and invaluable veterans. Newark’s Leah Eckenrode, a sophomore, demonstrated poise as a floor general, while Canal Winchester’s Ashley Cicora, another sophomore, flashed scoring brilliance. The presence of seniors like Lancaster’s Harper Allen and Pickerington Central’s Gabby Plair and Ameera Jenkins highlights players whose contributions were vital to their teams’ systems and culture.

Earning a Special Mention is a testament to players who were crucial cogs in their teams’ engines. Players like Logan’s Ryann Landis and Claire Warren, Reynoldsburg’s Kendyl Bowens, and Groveport’s Tatyana Bailey provided the defensive intensity, leadership, and timely plays that don’t always fill stat sheets but always fill win columns.

The Honorable Mention list further illustrates the conference’s remarkable breadth of talent, acknowledging key role players and emerging prospects like Newark’s Alaina Hann and Pickerington Central’s Ayri Pitts who made significant impacts in their opportunities.

Program Power and Emerging Trends

Analyzing the distribution of honors reveals clear narratives about the 2025-26 season and the conference hierarchy.

• Pickerington Central’s Dominance: With seven players across all lists, the Tigers’ program depth is staggering. It’s not just about star power; it’s about a culture that develops contributors at every level, from first-teamers to key reserves.
• Newark’s Dynamic Core: Placing three players on the first two teams, led by Gellar and Quackenbush, signals a program built for sustained success with a potent, young nucleus.
• Youth Movement in the OCC: The significant presence of underclassmen is impossible to ignore. Sophomores like Naomi Merriweather (Reynoldsburg), Leah Eckenrode (Newark), and Ashley Cicora (Canal Winchester) on the top teams indicate the league’s talent pipeline is overflowing. Their development will shape the OCC for the next two seasons.
• Senior Leadership Legacy: This season was also defined by impactful seniors like Zay Shepherd, Blossom Wallace, Molly Stedman, and Harper Allen. Their departure leaves a void, but their standard of excellence is their lasting imprint.

Looking Ahead: Predictions for the 2026-27 Season

Based on this year’s honors, the trajectory for next season is already coming into focus. The teams that retained the most all-conference talent will have a significant head start.

Pickerington Central, even after graduating key seniors, remains the team to beat with Zoe Coleman and Deyon Smith returning to lead a program that simply reloads. Newark emerges as perhaps the most formidable challenger, with its entire first-team duo of Gellar and Quackenbush back, alongside Eckenrode. They are poised for a potential championship run.

Keep a close eye on Reynoldsburg. With sophomore sensation Naomi Merriweather gaining another year of experience and support from players like Raegan Parham, the Raiders have the foundation for a major leap. Canal Winchester, with the Cicora-Kissinger backcourt, will be explosive and fun to watch.

The biggest question marks will surround programs like Groveport and Lancaster, which celebrated fantastic senior careers but now must rebuild around new leaders. The opportunity is there for the next wave of players—those currently on Special and Honorable Mention lists—to ascend and become the new faces of their programs.

Conclusion: More Than Honors, A Legacy of Excellence

The 2025-26 All-OCC girls basketball honorees list is a celebration of a season’s worth of dedication, early morning practices, and fourth-quarter heart. It recognizes the scorers, the defenders, the playmakers, and the leaders. For seniors like Zay Shepherd and Blossom Wallace, it is a capstone on illustrious high school careers. For juniors like Zoe Coleman and Calli Gellar, it is a milestone on a journey with one chapter left. For sophomores like Naomi Merriweather, it is a confirmation of their arrival on the big stage.

These players have set the bar for OCC girls basketball at its highest level. They have provided unforgettable moments for their schools and communities. As we look ahead, the cycle of competition renews, driven by the example set by this year’s elite. The names may change, but the pursuit of the excellence embodied by the 2025-26 All-Conference selections remains the constant, beating heart of high school sports in Central Ohio.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.