Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school basketball. The tradition continues to close out the 2024-25 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades.
Marcus Johnson of
Garfield Heights is the 2024-25 Ohio MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1 junior guard led the Bulldogs to a 23-3 record and the Division III state semifinals.
For the season, Johnson averaged 29.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.2 steals per contest.
Marcus Johnson had a dominant junior campaign in the Buckeye State. (PHOTO: Scott Mayberry)
Johnson broke his father's single-game scoring record at Garfield Heights with 55 points in a 93-55 victory over Maple Heights. He followed that by scoring 38 in the first half of a lopsided win over Lakeside (Ashtabula) that saw him sit out the second half due to the score.
Garfield Heights is 72-9 record during Johnson's three seasons with the program while playing for his father Sonny Johnson.
Regarded as the No. 29 prospect in the Class of 2026 according to
247Sports, Johnson committed to Ohio State over offers from Alabama, Cincinnati, Illinois, LSU, Oklahoma, Seton Hall, Villanova and West Virginia among others.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which is scheduled to be released April 8. Past selections include 2023-24 All-NBA picks Devin Booker (2014), Jalen Brunson (2014, 2015), Anthony Davis (2011), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony Edwards (2019) and Jayson Tatum (2014, 2015, 2016).
Past Ohio MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – VonCameron Davis, Walnut Ridge (Columbus)
2020-21 – Chris Livingston, Buchtel (Akron)
2021-22 – Gabe Cupps, Centerville
2022-23 – Devin Royal, Pickerington Central (Pickerington)
2023-24 – Marcus Johnson, Garfield Heights
