COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame (OBHOF) is proud to announce the 2026 Induction Class, honoring fourteen exceptional individuals and three teams who have made indelible contributions to Ohio basketball history. The Enshrinement Ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Hilton Polaris, located at 8700 Lyra Drive, Columbus, Ohio.
"This year's class represents the extraordinary depth and diversity of Ohio's basketball legacy," said Sheila Fox, OBHOF Executive Director. "From groundbreaking women pioneers to championship teams and accomplished professionals, these inductees have inspired generations of players and fans across our state."
THE 2026 CLASS
Achievement in Women's Basketball, 1981-1990:
• Georgeann Wells (Columbus Northland HS, West Virginia University) – First woman to dunk in an NCAA game, WVU all-time blocks leader with 436
Achievement in Women's Basketball, 2001-2010:
• Brittany Hunter (Columbus Brookhaven HS, University of Connecticut) – 2003 National Player of the Year by Parade Magazine, two-time Big East Champion, played on UConn teams that reached Final Four three times
Achievement in Women's High School Coaching:
• Bob Beutel (Eastlake North HS, Gilmour Academy, West Geauga HS) – Distinguished career coaching girls' basketball across multiple Ohio schools
Pioneer in Women's Basketball:
• Bettye Jo Hansbarger – Instrumental in establishing girls' basketball programs at Swanton, Lima, and Stryker Schools
Achievement by a Women's High School Team:
• Mount Notre Dame High School (2003-2004) – 28-0 record, Division I State Champions, ranked #2 nationally by USA Today
Achievement in Men's Basketball, 1940-1959:
• Dick Walls* (Fort Recovery HS, Miami University) – Three-year varsity letter winner, 1964 U.S. Olympic Team member, 1964 Akron Wingfoots national champion
Achievement in Men's Basketball, 1960-1979:
• Paul Storey (Xenia HS, Ohio University) – Three-time All-MAC selection, 1,138 career points at Ohio University
• Donald Smith* (Dayton Roth HS, University of Dayton) – UD's greatest long-range shooter with 1,655 career points
Achievement in Men's Basketball, Division III:
• Mike Stumpf (Columbus West HS, Capital University) – All-time leading scorer and rebounder at Capital University
• Scott Rogers (Indian Hill HS, Kenyon College) – three-time All-American 1st team selection at Kenyon, led the nation in scoring his junior year, five state championships as coach at Mt. Notre Dame HS
Achievement in Men's College Coaching:
• Ray Dieringer (University of Cincinnati assistant, Cleveland State University) – Coaching pioneer instrumental in moving Cleveland State to Division I
Achievement in Boys High School Coaching:
• Dan Hegemier (Waynesfield-Goshen HS, Spencerville HS, Fort Loramie HS, St. Mary's Memorial HS) – Three-time state championship coaching career, 613-280 record
Achievement in Men's High School Basketball by a Team:
• Ayersville High School (1960-61 & 1961-62 Teams) – Combined 57-1 record, Class A State Champions in 1961, second all-time in Ohio history with 57 consecutive wins
Achievement in Basketball Officiating:
• Bill Ek – Recognized for his 40-year career in basketball officiating for NCAA Division I basketball.
Achievement in Men's Professional Basketball:
• Charles Oakley (Cleveland John Hay HS, Virginia Union University) – 19-year NBA career, renowned for toughness and defensive prowess
Outstanding Contributions to Basketball:
• Goodyear Wingfoots – Pioneering industrial league and AAU basketball teams, founded in 1918, with a rich tradition in amateur basketball
• Paul Keels – Radio broadcaster for Ohio State Men's basketball and football (1998-present), the voice of Buckeye basketball for over two decades
"Each of these inductees exemplifies excellence, perseverance, and the transformative power of basketball," said Jeanne Arnzen Gulick, OBHOF Board President. "Their achievements have enriched Ohio's proud basketball tradition and continue to inspire future generations."
CEREMONY DETAILS
The 2026 Enshrinement Ceremony will feature:
• Red carpet reception beginning at 4:30 p.m.
• Formal induction ceremony with video tributes
• Opportunity to meet and celebrate with Ohio basketball legends
Tickets & sponsorship opportunities will be available soon for purchase at www.ohiobasketballhalloffame.com. For ticket information, sponsorship inquiries, or advertising opportunities in the ceremony program, contact Sheila Fox at (614) 333-8232 or sfox@ohiobasketballhalloffame.com.
ABOUT THE OHIO BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME
Founded by Doc Daugherty & the late Don Henderson, the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame celebrates the achievements of male and female basketball players at the high school, college, and professional levels. The organization is dedicated to preserving Ohio's rich basketball heritage, inspiring future generations, and honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to the sport. The OBHOF also awards scholarships to deserving student-athletes and maintains a comprehensive digital archive of Ohio basketball history.
For more information, visit www.ohiobasketballhalloffame.com or follow the OBHOF on social media.
* Denotes Posthumous Induction
