Margaretta Battles Colonel Crawford Monday Night! NORTH ROBINSON, Ohio — Margaretta will face one of its toughest early-season challenges Monday night when the unbeaten Polar Bears travel to Colonel Crawford for a nonconference boys basketball matchup. Margaretta enters the game 8-0 after a Division V regional semifinal appearance last season and has used a fast-paced, balanced attack to build momentum early this winter. The Polar Bears are averaging 74.8 points per game and have consistently pressured opponents with transition offense and unselfish ball movement. Senior Julian Washington has been at the center of Margaretta’s strong start. Washington recently set a school record with 51 points against Edison and has led a scoring attack that features multiple contributors. Senior point guard Judah Keller is averaging more than 15 points per game while directing the offense. Coach Steve Keller said games in challenging road environments are an important part of preparing for postseason play, especially against experienced, physical opponents. Colonel Crawford, a Division VI state semifinalist last season, is 3-0 after a delayed start to its basketball schedule following a deep football playoff run. The Eagles are led by 6-foot-5 senior Payne DeGray, who is averaging 22 points per game, and senior Brayden Holt, who is scoring 15 per contest. Despite the challenge, Margaretta welcomes the opportunity to compete against a program known for defensive toughness and rebounding. The Polar Bears have gone 56-5 since the start of the 2023-24 season and have routinely scheduled difficult nonconference opponents to test themselves before tournament play. Colonel Crawford is averaging 61.7 points per game while allowing 33.3 through three contests. Margaretta is giving up 48.9 points per game and has shown the ability to score quickly in transition when forcing turnovers. Junior varsity action is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday’s matchup gives Margaretta another chance to measure itself against a proven program as the Polar Bears continue to build toward the second half of the season. CAPSULE MARGARETTA POLAR BEARS • Record: 8-0 • Division: V • Strengths: Transition offense, ball movement, scoring balance • Key players: Julian Washington (school-record 51 points vs. Edison), Judah Keller (15+ ppg, floor leader) • 2024-25: 74.8 ppg scored, 48.9 ppg allowed • Program note: 56-5 since start of 2023-24; Division V regional semifinalist last season COLONEL CRAWFORD EAGLES • Record: 3-0 • Division: VI • Strengths: Physical defense, rebounding, half-court execution • Key players: Payne DeGray (22 ppg), Brayden Holt (15 ppg) • 2024-25: 61.7 ppg scored, 33.3 ppg allowed • Program note: State semifinalist last season