Lawrence County is part of the state of Ohio, contrary to some people.

But one of the group who knows the area is part of the state is the Ohio High magazine, which is produced by J.J. Huddle.

The magazine covers a variety of high school sports throughout Ohio and meticulously looks for news from the entire state, not just the large cities or more popular schools.

Ohio High magazine's May issue recaps the boys' and girls' state basketball tournament including a feature on the Ironton vs. North College Hill Division III title game.

The story beginsby talking about the stars coming out, which they did for North College Hill including two-time Player of the Year O.J. Mayo.

But the story talks about the impressive effort of Ironton which fell in the final minute of the game 71-65.

Besides the recap, the magazine lists the top players across the state by class.

North College Hill has three listed in the top sophomores: Bill Walker, Keenan Ellis and Mayo.

The only player from the Southeast area listed is sophomore Dante Jackson of Greenfield McClain.

Rankings of players is based on Scout.com and Hoop Scoop national and Prep Spotlight.

Even when the emphasis is placed on basketball and other winter sports such as wrestling, football remains a topic of discussion and this issue is no different.

The top 100 senior prospects are rated with running back Chris Wells of Akron Garfield at the head of the list and Cincinnati Princeton lineman Aaron Brown No. 2.

Although not in the top 100, Ironton senior running back Darius Lewis is listed among the "More Seniors to Watch" list. Lewis has already given a verbal commitment to attend Marshall University.

Columbus DeSales cornerback Chris Thomas is listed as the No. 67 player. DeSales plays at Ironton this season.

Besides the top seniors, there is a short list of juniors profiled in the "Coming Along" list.

South Point junior Chris Smith is listed among the quarterbacks. The report says the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Smith is "as impressive as any of the quarterbacks in the class of 2006. By this time next year, he may be more impressive. Big and athletic."

For more information about the magazine, go to JJHuddle.com.