Hilliard — What a difference a year makes. The Hilliard Darby boys’ basketball program has transformed from a rebuilding project into one of the most remarkable turnaround stories in the state. After a brutal 4-19 campaign last season, the Panthers have surged to a 14-2 record, finding their identity along the way.
At the heart of this resurgence is senior guard Ty Maul, whose consistent performances have not only fueled Darby’s success but also elevated his own profile. Maul’s impact was on full display Saturday at Upper Arlington, where he delivered a statement performance that put him on even wider radar.
Saturday presented a once-in-a-career challenge for Maul: going head-to-head with a Power Four conference commit while giving up five to six inches in height. Tasked with guarding 6’8″ Ohio State commit Alex Smith, Maul embraced the moment with strong confidence.
“I had never had the opportunity to guard a player like him before,” Maul said. “Going into the game, I had all the confidence in the world.”
To contain Smith, Maul had to elevate his game to a new level, demanding more effort and execution than ever before.
“I had to put forth relentless effort, physicality, and determination on every play to stop him,” Maul said. “Like every game, I gave everything I had and executed our team’s defensive game plan.”
Despite the height gap, the 6-foot-3 guard rose to the occasion, holding Smith to just three field goals while making his own mark on the offensive end with 17 points. However, the most stunning aspect of Maul’s performance came on defense—recording six blocks, most of them against Smith.
Though Darby ultimately fell short, Maul was the best player on the floor, delivering a statement performance that won’t soon be forgotten. His impact extends beyond the court, earning the respect of teammates across sports.
“One conversation with him will tell you everything you need to know about him and his upbringing,” said football teammate Sage Kean. “He has an absolutely amazing family.”
For Maul, leadership isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a cornerstone of his identity.
“I take the leadership role on our team as the most important role in my life,” Maul said. “Nothing means more to me than this team, and I love them to death. They all know I will do anything for each and every single one of them. They are my family.”
True to his character, Maul understands that success is something to be shared with his teammates.
“Last year, we went 4-19 with no seniors and, as players, very little knowledge of how to win a varsity game,” Maul reflected. “It was a real struggle, and we faced a lot of challenges, but those challenges made us stronger. That’s why we are the team we are today.”
As his final season winds down, Maul is searching for a collegiate basketball home—one where he can continue his career while pursuing a degree in engineering. But for now, his focus remains firmly on the task at hand.
“I feel this team can do anything we set our minds to,” Maul said. “I believe we can hang with any team if we have the right mindset and give everything we have to win.”
When reflecting on what Darby has done for him, both as an athlete and as a person, Maul’s words speak volumes.
“Darby, along with basketball, family, and friends, has completely made me who I am,” he said. “Darby itself, both school-wise and basketball-wise, has come with many challenges and struggles that I’ve had to push through and overcome. These obstacles have taught me to always maintain a consistent and relentless work ethic, great time management, communication, commitment, and leadership in order to accomplish the things I’ve accomplished. Now, through Darby, I am defined by those attributes, and that is who I am.”
As Maul’s high school career draws to a close, his journey with Hilliard Darby has left a permanent mark, both on the basketball program and on those who have witnessed his growth. As he looks ahead to collegiate basketball and his future, one thing is clear: the lessons learned at Darby, both on and off the court, will continue to shape the person he’s become and the legacy he leaves behind.
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