Back row: Head coach Mike Risner, Jonica Shepherd, Tera Daniels, Mandy Turner, Amy Williams, Susan Yoakam, Lisa Cook, Assistant Coach Randy Page, Assistant Coach Jenny Hicks.
Middle Row: Gwen Hurley, LeAnna Hicks, Jill Mizek, Tonya Burkett, Heidi Smith, Courtney Beaman
Front frow: Sean Risner, Managers Scott Risner, Michelle Beaman, Ryan Risner.
The Upper Scioto Valley High School girls basketball teams of 1993 and 1994 set new standards for excellence in Ohio high school basketball, compiling an extraordinary 53-1 record over two seasons while capturing consecutive Division IV state championships under head coach Mike Risner.
The 1992-93 squad posted a perfect 27-0 record, culminating in a historic Division IV state championship victory over Zanesville Bishop Rosecrans. The title game proved to be the longest girls basketball final in Ohio history at that point, with Upper Scioto Valley prevailing 52-50 in double overtime.
Building on this success, the 1993-94 team went 26-1 en route to defending their Division IV crown. This championship season held additional significance as Upper Scioto Valley became the first school in Ohio history to win both boys and girls state basketball championships in the same academic year.
The foundation for this remarkable run of success was laid early, with the core group of players beginning to play together in fifth grade. This long-term development, combined with Coach Risner's leadership, created a program that dominated Division IV basketball in Ohio during the mid-1990s.
Mike Risner, who compiled an overall record of 257-75 with the girls' program, received recognition as Division IV Coach of the Year in 1994 for his role in guiding the team to their second consecutive state title. His ability to maintain the team's high level of performance across multiple seasons was a key factor in their sustained success.
These Upper Scioto Valley teams exemplified the power of long-term player development and consistent coaching. Their achievements—including the double-overtime victory in the 1993 state final, the back-to-back state titles, and helping the school become the first to win both boys and girls championships in the same year—secured their place in Ohio high school basketball history and earned them induction into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame's Class of 2025.
