Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in prep basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2023-24 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 2023-24 Ohio MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1 sophomore guard led the Bulldogs to a 25-2 record and Division I state quarterfinals.
For the season, Johnson averaged 23.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 39 percent from 3-point range.
Marcus Johnson helped guide Garfield Heights to a record of 47-6 and back-to-back trips to the state quarterfinals over the past two seasons. (Photo: Scott Mayberry)
Johnson earned All-Ohio Player of the Year honors in Division I and made the All-State first team for the second consecutive season. He scored a career-high 40 points in a 68-67 double-overtime victory over Oak Cliff Faith Family (Dallas) in January.
Regarded as the No. 24 prospect in the Class of 2026 according to
247Sports, Johnson holds offers from Alabama, Cincinnati, Illinois, LSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Seton Hall and Villanova among others.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released April 10. Past selections include 2024 NBA All-Stars Bam Adebayo (2016), Paolo Banchero (2020), Scottie Barnes (2020), Devin Booker (2014), Jaylen Brown (2015), Jalen Brunson (2015), Anthony Davis (2011), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony Edwards (2019), Tyrese Maxey (2019), Julius Randle (2013), Jayson Tatum (2016), Karl-Anthony Towns (2014) and Trae Young (2017).
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)
