MARIA STEIN, Ohio (WLIO) — The boys basketball state tournament tips off this week, and Marion Local Flyers is heading back to the biggest stage with something to prove.

Fresh off a Division VI regional championship win over Tri-Village, Marion Local is returning to the state tournament for the second straight year and the seventh time in program history.

After finishing as state runner-up in 2025, the Flyers enter this year’s Final Four with unfinished business.

Marion Local brings a 25-1 record into the state semifinals and has won 15 consecutive games heading into its matchup with fellow Northwest Conference foe Lincolnview Lancers.

Head coach Kurt Goettemoeller says his team’s focus remains on maintaining intensity and sticking to their identity as they prepare for the challenge ahead.

The Flyers and Lancers are set to meet in the Division VI state semifinal in Dayton, with a trip to the state championship game on the line.

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