A Night to Remember: Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame Celebrates 19th Annual Induction Ceremony
The Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame welcomed its Class of 2026 on June 6, at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus, bringing together generations of players, coaches, officials, and families to celebrate the game that unites us all. We welcomed over 400 guests for this year's ceremony.
A Voice Forever Honored
The evening began with a fitting tribute: Bill Hosket, 2006 Charter Class inductee and Buckeye legend, took the podium to induct the man who would soon guide the rest of the ceremony. Paul Keels, the beloved voice of Ohio State football and men's basketball since 1998, was formally enshrined before stepping directly into his role as Master of Ceremonies. A six-time Ohio Broadcaster of the Year and author of "Tales from the Buckeye Championship Season," Keels brought the same warmth and authority to the podium that he has brought to Ohio airwaves for nearly three decades.
Paul Keels receives his enshrinement award from Rich Venuto.
Honoring our Heart & Heritage
One of the evening's most emotional moments came early, as the Ohio Heritage Award was presented to a man who needs no introduction to anyone in this organization: Co-Founder Doc Daugherty. At 95, Doc continues to work on behalf of the Hall of Fame nearly every day, and his lifetime of service, coaching, and community building earned a standing ovation. The award was presented by Board President Jeanne Arnzen Gulick.
Jeanne Arnzen Gulick presents Doc Daugherty with the Ohio Heritage Award.
Investing in the Next Generation
The Hall of Fame also continued its commitment to young Ohioans, awarding scholarships to two deserving student-athletes. The Don Henderson Scholarship went to Alexandra Dixon of Urbana High School, who plans to pursue a degree in Sports Management. The Doc Daugherty Scholarship was presented to Cameron Elwer of Delphos St. John's High School, a freshly minted state champion in basketball who was already on his way to Furman University to begin his collegiate athletic career.
Alexandra Dixon received Don Henderson Scholarship.
Cameron Elwer received the Doc Daugherty Scholarship.
The Class of 2026 Takes Its Place
Over the course of the evening, Paul Keels enshrined an extraordinary class of individuals and teams. Click on their name to jump to their tribute page and watch their video highlight reel. Akron Goodyear Wingfoots — The storied amateur program founded in 1918, whose 1964 National AAU Championship team sent three players to the U.S. Olympic gold medal team in Tokyo. Ayersville High School Men's 1961 & 1962 Teams — The small-school Pilots who compiled a 57-game winning streak and an 81-2 record across four seasons under Coach Lee Himmeger. Bob Beutel — A girls basketball coaching giant with a 726-217 career record, 16 district titles, and a 2017 State Championship at Gilmour Academy. Ray Dieringer — The Wapakoneta native who led Cleveland State University's transition to Division I basketball, producing 150 victories from 1969 to 1983. His granddaughter, Kayla Ross, accepted the honor on his behalf. Bill Ek — An elite official who worked for more than 30 years in Division I basketball, including 13 NCAA Tournaments and the 2003 McDonald's All-American Game featuring LeBron James. Bettye Jo Hansbarger — A trailblazer who helped establish girls basketball programs in northwest Ohio and compiled a 305-111 career coaching record. Dan Hegemier — One of only 13 coaches in Ohio history to win three state titles, including a perfect 27-0 championship at his hometown New Knoxville. Brittany Hunter — The Brookhaven High School superstar who became the first woman to compete in the McDonald's Slam Dunk Contest and went on to star at Duke and UConn. Charles Oakley — The Cleveland native who became an NBA All-Star and one of the most physically imposing players in league history, finishing 22nd all-time in rebounds. Donald Smith (posthumous) — The Dayton legend and University of Dayton's greatest long-range shooter, whose son Kalen accepted the honor. Paul Storey — The Xenia and Ohio University star who captained the 1964 Bobcats to the NCAA Elite Eight. Mike Stumpf — Capital University's all-time leading scorer and rebounder, whose records still stand today. Dick Walls (posthumous) — The Miami University dominant center whose number 84 was retired by the RedHawks. His children, Cindy and Dale, accepted the honor. Georgeann Wells — The Columbus Northland legend who became the first woman to dunk in a regulation NCAA game, now commemorated at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Scott Rogers — The Indian Hill and Kenyon College scoring star who has built a 429-74 coaching record and six state championships at Mount Notre Dame and Indian Hill. Mount Notre Dame HS Women, 2004 Division I State Champions — The perfect 28-0 team coached by Scott Rogers, ranked second in the nation by USA Today. |
Season to Remember Awards
The Hall of Fame also honored two coaches whose 2025-26 seasons will be remembered for generations. Denison University's Maureen Hirt was recognized for leading the Big Red to the NCAA Division III National Championship. Miami University's Travis Steele was honored for guiding the RedHawks to a historic 31-0 regular season, making them only the third Division I program in history to achieve that feat.
Denison University Head Coach Mo Hirt with Jeanne Arnzen Gulick.
Miami University Head Coach Travis Steele with Miami basketball alumnus and OBHOF Inductee & Board Member Jim Hamilton.
Gratitude and Looking Forward
Executive Director Sheila Fox opened the evening by recognizing the Hall of Famers and team inductees in attendance and thanking the organization's generous partners, including the Gordon and Llura Gund Foundation, IVP Media, Learfield and 97.1 The Fan, Hosket Ulen Insurance Solutions, and the John F. and Mary K. Savage Family Foundation.
OBHOF Executive Director Sheila Fox
The ceremony also paused to remember the legends lost since last year's ceremony, honoring their lasting contributions with a moving In Memoriam tribute.
The evening concluded with closing remarks from Paul Keels and Jeanne Arnzen Gulick, leaving the room filled with gratitude, inspiration, and anticipation.
Members of the 2026 Class gathered after the ceremony for a group photo.
