When the high school sports seasons come to an end, every team is given one last chance to show out for the overall win during playoffs. In the past, OHS has been a frequent participant in the 6A playoffs, winning many championships. In the past 7years the AIA has changed how playoffs are run in the state of Arizona. They introduced the open division which gives any top team the chance at being the best in the state, regardless of what division they are in. Although OHS sports teams are still finding success in the open division, not all athletes like the way the play-offs are run.
“I feel like while the open division gives everyone an equal opportunity, I also feel like teams take advantage of that opportunity and purposely try to lose the open division in order to drop down to win their division,” said Shay Garraway, senior.
It is not uncommon to see a good team lose the open division playoffs, even though they had success throughout the whole season within their own region. Many OHS sports teams could have won the playoffs, but they push themselves to not take the easy way out.
“The open division should definitely stay, it pushes everyone to find out who the best really is. I don’t think anyone should duck anyone during the playoffs. Aim to win open, not just your division,” said Terrance Byrd, sophomore.
If Arizona switched back to only playoffs based on their division, a lot of teams would not get a chance to go on a playoff run. The majority of the time, the division is sorted into the population of a school. It gives the smaller schools a shot at competing at the higher level.
“I think that the open division gives everyone a chance, and it really evens out the competition… it helps so a really good 5a team doesn’t blow out the 5A league or the mediocre 6a team doesn’t get smoked during playoffs. Everyone can have their chance to win,” said Maksym Furgone, junior.
Overall, the goal for all the teams is to win. The dream for each team is to win the open division so as to become the overall state champions. But in reality, any team would be happy with a division win.
“Even though I do believe that people throw the open playoffs to win their division, you can’t really blame them, everyone wants to win. It just makes things more heated and competitive,” said Furgone.
Overall, having the open division makes the play-off process more exciting and helps make the overall season last longer, which most athletes enjoy.
“I think that the concept of the open division is really good and an appealing option for players and coaches because it makes things more exciting and competitive. If you win it makes you the best team in the entire state for your sport. While having a championship win for 6A is cool, winning the open division is a nice touch on top of everything you worked for that season,” said Sydney Gregory, junior.
