Alter’s state tourney path goes through GCL North

CJ qualified for the final four last season; Carroll in 2011. Southwestern Buckeye League rep Bellbrook broke the GCL streak in 2012.

“The league is very good and has been for several years,” Alter coach Chris Hart said. “There’s very good coaching in the league.”

Alter (28-0) kicks off the three-day, final four by playing Toledo Rogers (24-4) at 1 p.m. today at the Ohio State University Schottenstein Center in Columbus. Millersburg West Holmes (27-0) plays Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary (25-2) in the other semifinal at 3 p.m.

The winners will play for the state title at 10:45 a.m. Saturday.

Also seeking state titles are Fort Loramie and Versailles. Loramie (26-2) plays Reedsville Eastern (25-1) at 8 p.m. today in a D-IV semi. Loramie is the D-IV defending state champion.

Versailles (23-3) gets Proctorville Fairland (22-3) in a D-III semi at 3 p.m. Friday.

The Divisions I, III and IV state titles games also are Saturday, all at the Schott.

Alter beat Shaker Heights Hathaway Brown to win its only D-II state title in 2008.

Loramie lost just three seniors from last season’s state title team and has a senior-laden team this season. That made for Redskins’ great expectations and they’ve delivered.

“This year was a tough year at times,” Loramie coach Carla Siegel said. “We talked about … not worrying about the past or the future. This is their senior year and this is the year that they’ll remember forever. They’re very clear and focused on what they want to do this weekend.”

Versailles also is loaded with a senior-dominated squad. This is the fourth team in 11 seasons that coach Jacki Stonebraker has taken to state.