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Tri-Village fell short of State goal receives OHSAA DVI Regional Runner-up Medals.

Story & Photos by Dale Barger

VANDALIA – The score in Tri-Village’s 57-43 loss in the regional final to Marion Local doesn’t tell the full story of the battle between the top two DVI teams in the state this year.

Timely shots by Marion Local, along with 23 free throw attempts compared to just 5 for the Patriots, loomed large in a grind-it-out game.

Things started well for the Patriots as they executed the offense and got what they wanted, jumping out to a 5-0 lead on a Dom Black field goal and a triple by Trey Sagester.

Marion answered with a couple of buckets to draw closer at 5-4, but Black and Griffin Richards scored back-to-back to push the lead to 9-7.

Dom Black scored 4 early points but Marion swarmed him most of the game and wouldn't allow him to get any breathing room to score in the paint.

Richards, off to a good start, was whistled for three early fouls in a game full of physical play. The calls seemed out of place, and he had to sit the rest of the quarter and all of the second period.

The Flyers responded with a triple from Oliver Huelsman followed by a layup from Brayden Mescher to grab their first lead, 12-9.

Sagester answered with a triple to tie the game at 12 to end the period, then opened the second quarter with a tough 18-foot jumper to put the Patriots back in front, 14-12.

Marion inched ahead 15-14, but the PATS took the lead back on a triple from Brecken Gray, 17-15, at the 5:30 mark.

Brecken Gray gets a three-ball to drop in the 2nd quarter. 

The Patriots then missed an opportunity to expand their lead on multiple shots on their next possession, and the Flyers tied the game at 17-17.

Sagester earned a hard deuce at the rim, followed by an athletic double-pump layup from Noah Finkbine to put the Patriots up 21-17, and things were looking good.

Marion’s next possession would be fruitful when Grant Kremer connected on a triple (his third of the game) and, at the same time, Dom Black was whistled for a foul underneath. The Flyers made it hurt, cashing in for a six-point swing when Kale Ahren hit a three-pointer from the corner to go up 23-21.

With the momentum flipped, the Flyers finished the first half strong and took a 27-23 advantage into the break.

After halftime, Sagester got the Patriots rolling with a triple to cut the deficit to 27-26, but shortly thereafter Richards picked up his fourth foul and again had to watch from the bench.

Marion increased its lead to 32-26 after a couple of empty possessions as Tri-Village tried to pound the ball inside to Black. Every time Black touched the ball he was swarmed by three and four defenders, determined not to let him score at the rim and making points hard to come by.

Griffin Richards who got a soft whistle against him couldn't get a call to go his way as he takes contact going to the rim.

“Griff getting in foul trouble definitely had an impact on the game as well as my big not getting to the free throw line. I felt like there was some physicality in the paint and then you don’t get to the free throw line … yet my point guard had three fouls in the first quarter and a fourth early in the 3rd quarter, and quite frankly, couldn’t play to his athleticism and do some things he can because of foul trouble, really hurt us,” coach Sagester stated.

Given the need to have him on the floor, TV gambled and reinserted Richards, and he answered with a drive to the rim to pull within 32-28 at the 3:25 mark. But Marion’s big man buried a triple—something he doesn’t normally shoot—to push the lead to 35-28.

A couple of Sagester free throws the rest of the quarter weren’t enough to overcome a buzzer-beating three by Kremer, and the Flyers held a 10-point lead, 40-30, going into the final frame.

Trey Sagester completes a layup to string together 9 straight points to make a run at Marion Local.

Trey Sagester showed why he was a finalist for Mr. Basketball to start the fourth with a drive to the rim and the harm for a three-point play. He followed that up with two straight triples, scoring 9 quick points and finishing with 13 of his game-high 25 in the quarter.

Down 45-39 at the 6:25 mark, the Patriots got a stop and needed a score to make it a one-possession game, but a missed layup and two jumpers wouldn’t fall. Marion scored after that to keep TV at bay, 47-39.

The Flyers now had time on their side, and they let their point guard Mescher do his thing as they spread the floor, looking for either a layup or a foul to get to the free throw line.

Tri-Village was never really able to mount another run, playing catch-up as Marion went 11-of-15 from the line in the frame to claim the DVI Regional Title, 57-43, and secure back-to-back state Final Four appearances.

They denied Tri-Village, whose last appearance at state was in 2022, when they finished state runner-up to Richmond Heights.

The Patriots, who owned a 4-0 record against the Flyers and beat them in the regional title game in 2015 on their way to a 30-0 undefeated state championship, saw the dream of another undefeated state championship come up short.

It’s easy to be consumed and overcome with emotions when you fall short of the ultimate goal, but after the disappointment fades, these young men, coaches and the community can be proud of a season that is now in the record books:

26-1, Regional Runner-up, District Champions, 11-0 WOAC Champions and Flyin’ to the Hoop winners.

The Patriots graduate five seniors who have given much to the program, including 96 wins over four years, four district championships and two WOAC league championships.

Graduating are Carson Bedinghaus, Logan DeLong, Kasyn Hollinger, Noah Finkbine and Trey Sagester.

Bedinghaus filled his role off the bench this year by giving valuable minutes on defense and helping facilitate the offense.

DeLong gave the PATS a big body to bang against in practice, and his sense of humor and smile helped keep things real for the team.

Hollinger had a number of big moments this year with clutch shots, rebounds and big defensive plays, and has been a solid contributor over the last four years.


Noah Finkbine gets a double pump and under lay-up and leaves as one of the most athletic players to don a Patriot uniform.

Finkbine might be one of the most athletic players to ever wear a Patriot uniform, and his value couldn’t be measured by points alone—a tenacious defender, good ball screener, capable ball handler, steady decision-maker and athletic enough to score tough buckets. He’ll be a tough player to replace.

The Patriots have had to replace big-time players over the years—more recently Layne Sarver, Colton Linkous, Damion Cook and Tyler Cook, who have all led the Patriots to the big dance—and now will have to replace another.

Sagester was a generational type of player, a Mr. Basketball finalist and now the Tri-Village boys’ all-time leading scorer with 2,081 points. His 96 wins are the most in school history and his 107 games played is the 5th most in OHSAA History along with being top 25 in three-point goals made in a career

For coach Josh Sagester, who has taken three teams to the state Final Four—including one state championship, one state runner-up and one other Final Four—having his son Trey playing made this run even more personal. Trey was his ball boy on two of those earlier teams, including the state championship squad. It hits hard that the two of them didn’t get to do it together as coach and player … but it doesn’t diminish what they and this team accomplished together.

“The ending is bittersweet. I thought our kids battled. When you’re playing a one-game shot and not a series in high school basketball, it’s unfortunate,” Sagester shared.

“Obviously, this was a real special class, and to walk down the hallway knowing it’s the last time we’re going to be together in the locker room, that’s hard. But boy, they played with heart. They’re winners. They competed at a high level,” Sagester reflected.

“I think they left their stamp on our program, certainly our school district and community, and I’m really proud of all of them,” Sagester commented while holding back tears.

While the pain is real for coach Sagester and especially the five seniors, the experience gained by the remainder of the team should prove valuable and serve as motivation for next season. Returning varsity players Griffin Richards, Dom Black, Brecken Gray and a junior varsity team that went 22-0 will be tasked with the same goals that won’t change because of graduation.

Those “Gold Standard” goals are winning a league championship, winning 20+ games, winning a district, regional and state championship. The 2025-26 team checked off a lot of those boxes, and when your goals are that specific, falling short hits hard … now it’s next team up.

The dream of another undefeated run ended in Vandalia, but the legacy of this group ensures that for Tri-Village basketball, the Gold Standard isn’t going anywhere—only the names on the jerseys will change.

The Patriots didn’t get the storybook finish, but seasons like this one don’t fade quickly. They live on in packed gyms, kids shooting in driveways pretending to be Sagester or Finkbine as the seniors move on and the underclassmen step forward, Tri-Village basketball isn’t resetting—just reloading. The goals remain the same. The names may change … but the standard will not.
It was an emotional ending for the Sagester family.  Trey gets a hug from his dad and coach Josh Sagester, while also gentle hand from grandpa and assistant coach Mick Sagester in their last time on the court together.

Trey Sagester is a 2026 Ohio Mr. Basketball Finalist.  

Story and Photos by Dale Barger - Video by Zeke Hopkins

NEW MADISON – Tri-Village Senior Guard Trey Sagester and the Patriots basketball team are having another great year on the hardwood. The Patriots are currently 26-0, WOAC Conference Champs, District Champs and vying for a Regional Title as well looking to return to the state final four since 2023.  Trey has been selected as a 2026 Ohio Mr. Basketball Finalist. Trey is averaging nearly 25 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.6 APG, 3.7 SPG, 54% 2FG, 41% 3FG & 85% FT.

Being one of a select few finalist for the coveted award, Trey was humbled and honored for being considered.

“I’m very thankful for my teammates and coaches who have helped put me in this position,” Sagester attributed.

Trey joins his sister Rylee who was a 2023 Ohio Ms. Basketball Finalist and finish runner-up in the voting that year.

Rylee is a redshirt sophomore guard at Wright State University and holds the state record for the most made three’s in a career with 401.

Being nominated along with my sister makes this even more special,” Trey said.  We are a basketball family. We both have devoted a lot of time to develop our skills doing a lot of similar work beginning at a young age and I’m extremely proud of her and what she’s done and continues to do,” Trey exclaimed.

“It’s a huge honor to be in the same conversation with the best Ohio has to offer on the court,” Sagester concluded.

The WOAC in its 5th year has had 3 Mr. & Ms. Ohio Basketball Finalist,  Rylee Sagester was Ms Basketball Runner-up in 2023  Mason Shrout two years ago and Trey Sagester in 2026. 

https://youtu.be/IUY3YnxJWNk - Trey Sagester Video Highlights

Congratulations to Trey Sagester and good luck in the voting for Mr. Basketball.

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Trey Sagester slips bounce pass through 2 defenders to Noah Finkbine for score. A lot of attention on Sagester he was able to facilitate others with some big passes.

Story and Photos by Dale Barger

VANDALIA – Tri-Village put together a solid performance on offense scoring 62 points and even more impressive on defense holding Troy Christian to just 31 points to win the OHSAA DVI Butler Regional Semifinal game.

The now 26-0 Patriots will put their unbeaten record on the line against #1 Marion Local who upended Ft. Recovery 69-45 in the second game of the double-header at Butler High School.

The two teams will play again at Butler on Saturday at 7:30pm with the winner to advance to the State Final Four.

Tri-Village has proved all year long that they can score the basketball in a variety of ways … but the offense goes as the defense goes and the further you get in the tournament the more you rely on it.

Noah Finkbine was able to score at the rim and had a couple of three balls as well for 14 points in win over Troy Christian.

“We were really good defensively tonight. And to win regional games, you have to be good defensively. I thought we did a really good job of running them off the three point line and frankly not let them shoot as many as they have during the season. If you look at numbers, numbers don't lie. They've taken approximately 650 threes, so the majority of their offense is outside the arc. So, we felt like we needed to make them make some tough twos today, and if we could do that, we thought we'd be able to score enough points to give ourselves a chance. And I think that kind of proved its worth,” Tri-Village coach Josh Sagester said after the game.

Troy Christian would connect on two three’s one each from Austin Stangel and Noah Fecher, but the Patriots held a 16-10 lead after the first quarter with Trey Sagester scoring 8 and both Dom Black and Noah Finkbine had 4 points.

The Eagles attempted to defensively make it tough on Trey Sagester in a box and one and they were able to get Dom Black to pick up two early fouls, and he would sit the second quarter.

Senior Kasyn Hollinger hit the ground running with this triple in the 2nd quarter.  He had some big offensive rebounds and 9 points for the PATS.

Kasyn Hollinger filled that time nicely in the 2nd quarter and immediately connected on a three-pointer and grabbed 3 tough offensive rebounds converting on one and going to the free throw line on another and scored six points in the frame.

TV’s defense clamped down on Troy Christian who scored just 4 points in the period while Sagester added 4 and Finkbine 3 to go with Hollinger’s 6 points to lead 29-14 at the break.

“I thought Trey did a good job getting us off to a good start in 1st half," Sagester said.

“He commands a lot of attention and did a good job of facilitating our other guys that obviously made plays, and they're capable of doing that.  We had a 15-point lead without the man (Dom) in the middle and knew when we got him in the second half, he was going to be a load, so we tried to make a conscious effort to get him the ball in the paint," Sagester explained.

Dom would deliver as coach expected with 6 points in the paint in the 3rd quarter and he would end the game with 13. 

Noah Finkbine continued to be effective and had a quiet 14 points including 5 in the 3rd quarter taking what the defense gave him. Griffin Richards and Brecken Gray each had a bucket as well as the PATS opened up a 44-22 lead.

Brecken Gray off a steal scored a lay-up in third quarter for the PATS.

The rematch between Tri-Village and Troy Christian for the Patriots coaching staff and fans who can harken back to 2013, was a nightmare.  TV defeated the Eagles by 21 in regular season and entered the regional semifinal game 26-0 vs Troy Christian at 24-2.  The Eagles won that game in overtime, then won the regional and advanced to the state final four.

From the start the Patriots defense set the tone and was never in danger of that repeat performance of 2013.  They were efficient on offense, and the bench was able to get playing time as well in the final frame as they went on to win the game 62-31 to advance to the Elite Eight.

“We were good tonight, this team has guys who can compete.  I thought Kasyn Hollinger played extremely well for us. I couldn't be prouder of our kids that continue to hang with us and take advantage of their opportunities.  He's a senior and some of the plays he made in the second quarter, obviously some baskets that he scored, but more importantly, the offensive rebounds he got for us because he's athletic. So proud of him to have a great night for us,” Sagester praised.

Hollinger would end the game with 9 points.  The Patriots were led by Sagester with 17, Finkbine 14, Black 13, Gray 5, Richards 2, Levi Johnsman and Carson Bedinghaus 1 each.

Tri-Village will now set their sights on Marion Local a 69-45 winner over Ft. Recovery. 

Early in the year everything pointed to this probable match-up and it’s now here. 

Marion Local is the Maxpreps #1 Top Ranked RPI team in DVI with a 30.30 rating.  Tri-Village is the underdog with a rating of 22.00. 

Tri-Village last state final four appearance came in 2022, the Patriots have fallen the last three years in the regional semifinals.

“We’re excited as a team, we haven’t been to regional finals in a while.  Our kids were comfortable and confident in this game … but we’ll have to go back and put a plan together to put in a position to be competitive against a very good team,” Sagester concluded.

Finkbine sets a solid screen for Sagester as the two worked in tandem on the night.  Sagester led all scorers with 17. 

From Sagester’s steady hand to Finkbine’s efficiency, to Hollinger’s spark off the bench, Tri-Village showed the depth and composure of a team built for March.

The Patriots have cleared one hurdle in convincing fashion; now they turn their full attention to Marion Local and a chance to punch their ticket back to the State Final Four.

Riding the confidence of a 31-point regional victory and a perfect 26-0-mark, Tri-Village heads into Saturday knowing that their best basketball still needs to be in front of them.


Dom Black was a tough match-up in the paint.  Foul trouble limited his playing time but he would score 13 in the win. 
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Brody Morton reach 1000 points on two free throws to start the District Title game vs Cincinnati North College Hill.  He ended his career with 1017 points.

Story and Photos by Dale Barger

MIDDLETOWN – Preble Shawnee squared off with Cincinnati North College Hill in the OHSAA DV District Championship.  The Arrows competed well and led much of the first half and part of the 3rd quarter.

College Hill tied the game at 31 at the three-minute mark when the Arrows cold shooting and turnovers opened the door for the Trojans who bolted to a 40-33 lead heading into the final frame.

North College Hill had all the momentum and would go on to win the game 60-48 denying Shawnee their 4th straight district title.

While the goal was to win a district title, one individual set a goal at the beginning of the year to score 1000 career points.

In the previous game senior Brody Morton made two free throws to ice the game 45-43 and it left Morton sitting at 998 career points.

It wasn't sexy, like the dunk Brody had or one of his 3 triples ... but the two free throws he made to start the game gave Morton 1000 career points in his final game. 

Morton opened the game against the Trojans ironically enough making two free throws to reach the magic mark of 1000. He would score 19 in the game to end his career with 1017. 

Although it was a somber moment after the game Brody took the time to share what it meant to him to score a 1000.

“Obviously it means a lot, not a lot of people get the opportunity to score 1000.  I knew that it was possible for me to do in the beginning of the season, so that was one of my goals,” Morton, stated.

“Reaching that mark wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for my teammates. I needed two more points specifically in this game and it was nice to get that,” Morton added.

“I just want to thank my teammates for everything they've done, in getting those two wins in the tournament run helped and of course my teammates got me the ball,” Morton exclaimed.

“I want to also thank my coaches for giving me the opportunity and freedom to shoot the ball,” Morton commented.

Brody being a bit modest and reserved, would thank his teammates and coaches glossing over what he brought to the table.

His sophomore year he scored around 8 points a game in the wake of Preble Shawnee all-time leading scorer Mason Shrout.

His junior year he averaged around 13 a game alongside other capable scorers. 

His senior year he emerged as the “go to guy” averaging 17 points a game and the guy who made the tough buckets when the team needed them.

But Morton preferred to give credit to his team winning the tournament games to allow him to get to that point where he could score 1000.

“If we didn’t win the last game, I wouldn't have got this and would have stayed at 998 and that would have hurt, for sure,” Morton assured.

Preble Shawnee coach Ryan Robinson chimed in on his senior star.

“I’m so happy for Brody, he deserves it. Man, he's had a heck of a career here, and he's one heck of a role model. I don't know if I should say this, but I told him, I wish I had a son that was running around, following him and looking up to him. He's just a heck of a guy on the court, but even better off the court, so proud of him, and glad we were able to get him that 1000,” Robinson shared.

No one wanted the season to end, and there were those who doubt they could get to another district this year.  The Arrow seniors can be proud along with the rest of the team making the run they did to a 4th district that Morton talked about.

“We've been here four years in rows, as players we knew what it took to get here, and our coaching staff knew what it took to get here also. Obviously we didn’t get the result we wanted but we accomplished a lot, and it was a good season,” Morton stated.

“I want to thank all the coaches for my whole career, starting from coach Turner and coach Rob, and all the assistant coaches as well, it’s been a good run,” Morton concluded.

It’s always hard for a coach to address the team at the end of the season and the further you go the more it hurts and harder to do, especially saying goodbye to the seniors and that’s what coach Robinson would have to do after the game.

“First and foremost, man, we’ve got great guys in the locker room that make it a joy to be around every day. So that's first and foremost,” Robinson beamed.

Soph, Blaine Singleton subs in for senior Trent Geise to be recognized in his last game as an Arrows late in the game with North College Hill.

“We knew it was going to be a game that we could compete in, and we wanted to be hanging around to try and have a chance at the end .. but it got away from us a little bit in that third slash fourth,” Robinson hinted.

“So, it's tough. You got to give credit to them. They play a style of basketball that's tough to match when you don't see that type of skill and athleticism every day in practice,” Robinson noted.

Then coach shifted gears to talk about his seniors … but he had to take a moment to collect himself.

The four seniors Trent Geise, Colton Shroeder, Brody Foxbower and Brody Morton would conclude a good year with a 20-5 record, 10-1 in the WOAC and District Runner-up.

Senior Colton Schroeder developed into a key part of the team filling a role vital to the team  making the big hustle plays needed.

Colton Shroeder filled an important role for the team this year, he was willing to sacrifice his body, win the 50/50 balls, get rebounds and was the glue guy on defense that was key to the team’s success.

Brody Foxbower was the immovable object in the paint on defense and was efficient scoring there as well 10 ppg  and had several double-double games averaging 8.2 rebounds for the Arrows.

Brody Foxbower wanted to feel what it was like to drive to the basket like a guard and showed his agility and athleticism for a big man.  He averaged nearly a double-double this season and was a big part of the Arrows success this year.

Brody Morton would be the guy who could take a game over and led the team with 17 points a contest.

“Obviously, they're all unique in their own way, and they all have their stories … but they all just persevered. They've all had little battles, ups and downs throughout their career here at Preble, but they finished out strong and had a great senior year. Just great guys and a joy to be around, I look at them as brothers and family for life,” Robinson concluded.

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The Patriots picked up their 6th straight district championship via a 78-42 win over Oyler.  They improved to 25-0 to advance to the Sweet 16. 

Story and Photos by Dale Barger

MIDDLETOWN – The Tri-Village boys basketball team won their 6th straight district championship.  They defeated Oyler 78-42 and now advance to play Troy Christian in the OHSAA DVI regional semifinal game at Vandalia Butler on Tuesday with game time TBA.

Tri-Village won the game handily with a running clock by the end of the 3rd quarter and led 66-28 heading into the final frame. 

And although the game wasn’t close via the scoreboard there was the game within the game taking place on the floor both physically and mentally with a total of 5 technical fouls assessed.

The Madhatter’s started the game in a box and one face guarding Trey Sagester with the intent of frustrating and slowing him down by whatever means they could.  

The Patriots showed poise against the pressure applied, while Sagester worked to shake off his defender constantly holding, shoving and restricting his freedom of movement to the point Trey was assessed a double foul fighting through it.

Griffin Richards handled the pressure applied by Oyler and attacked the basket for lay-ups and 14 points in district win.

Despite their best effort he would score 10 points in the first quarter and 18 by the end of the first half.  Griffin Richards would pitch in with 10 points in the 2nd quarter as the duo combined for 28 in the first half.

Defensively the PATS stymied Oyler holding them to 13 first half points and led 36-13 at the break.

Coach Josh Sagester was pleased with how his team played early, especially on defense.

We played really well, especially defensively early, and we rebounded really well,” Sagester stated.

Oyler started the second half with relentless pressure all over the court, but Tri-Village handled it well. 

And although the Madhatter’s scored 15 points in the 3rd quarter, Tri-Village doubled them up with 30 for a 66-28 lead heading into the final frame.

The third quarter yielded four technicals three on Oyler, as frustrations boiled over and one on Tri-Village.  Trey Sagester made all six free throws on the three technicals and added 12 more points to his tally, and he would end the game with 32 leading all scorers.

Dom Black in foul trouble in the first half scored 10 of his 12 points in the game in the quarter.  Griffin Richards had two more lay-ups and ended with 14 points.  Levi Johnsman stepped up in the 3rd when Dom took a seat to score four points.

Carson Bedinghaus goes in for 1 of 3 lay-ups for six points in game vs Oyler.

With the starters taking a seat in the 4th quarter Carson Bedinghaus shined with six points, Brecken Gray and Colton Clevenger had lay-ups as well with the Patriots claiming the District Championship game 78-42.

Sagester gave accolades to a few players handling the pressure applied by Oyler.

“Obviously, I thought Griff was outstanding with the ball for us today, and I knew he would play well against their pressure, he’s seen it and played against it, that’s why we played the schedule we played in the summer. He's extremely athletic with the ball. I don't even know, he might have had one turnover all day, he was unbelievable with the ball for us,” Sagester praised.

Noah Finkbine unfolds like a Swiss Army knife on his way to the rim. 

“I also thought our second ball handler today, Noah Finkbine, was great with the ball. He's big, he's strong, he's athletic, he's a 6’3” “Swiss Army Knife” who can pass, post and score,” Sagester complimented.

“Those two guys were great with the ball for us,” Sagester added.

“Although, Dom didn't play a ton. He had a foul or two, but when he was in, he was pretty good in the paint offensively. We knew it was a matchup we wanted to win,” Sagester acknowledged.

“I thought Trey was really efficient for us, and did what he usually does, he scores the ball in multiple ways.  Then I thought our bench did a great job of giving us minutes when they were in the game,” Sagester shared.

Trey Sagester showing his agility and one of the many ways he can score as his dad and coach Josh Sagester alluded.

After the medal ceremony, the cutting of the net, and pictures … coach Sagester took a couple more minutes to reflect on the program winning it’s 6th straight district title and his 25-0 Patriots squad.

“It's pretty special (District Championship) I think it speaks volumes about our program and kids in our community, about what they do and how much time, work they put in. it's not easy to get these district championships. And, you know, our kids have worked really, really hard to be 25-0,” Sagester explained.

He was pleased with how his team handled the adversity in the game, and attributes that to them being seasoned.

“I think that's maturity and experience, we've been in these moments, we understand things are going to happen. We understand there's going to be some adversity, where they were trying to do some things to obviously throw us for a loop. And our kids did a really, really good job, staying composed, being strong with the ball. Obviously, making free throws converting off those technicals. We’re an old team, experienced, and we've played in big games,” Sagester said.

With another district trophy in hand and their perfect record still intact, Tri-Village now turns its attention to the regional stage. The Patriots will face 20-5 Troy Christian who will arrive with plenty of motivation after the Patriots handed them a defeat back on January 10th, 60-43.  The Eagles had their own convincing win over Deer Park 60-45 to reach the regional semifinal game and none of the previous 25 Patriot victories will mean much when the ball goes up in Vandalia.

Still, if Saturday’s performance was any indication, Tri-Village’s mix of discipline, depth and big-game experience travels well. They have been here before, expect to be here, and understand exactly what’s at stake. One game at a time, one challenge at a time — and a win will get them one step closer to a return trip to state.


Carson Bedinghaus, Trey Sagester, Kaysen Hollinger and Noah Finkbine hold up the 2026 DVI District Championship trophy. 

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