The reigning Mr Basketball winner, Johnson would be joining only Greg Simpson, LeBron James, Oj Mayo, Jared Sullinger and Luke Kennard as multi-time winners. Johnson also won the award his Dad won back in 1998. Johnson is also no longer committed to Ohio State and will instead play for South Carolina, the school his cousin is currently a sixth year senior at. Garfield Heights has been close to winning a state title and a heartbreaking loss where they held a double-digit lead in the state semis cost them last season, we’ll see if Johnson can lead the Bulldogs to the ultimate stage this season.

Johnson found his rhythm on Saturday and got going as a scorer for an Indy Heat squad that requires him to create a majority of their offense in the half-court through Johnson’s pick and roll and isolation ability. When Johnson can get defenders on his hip and stop or euro step to create space, he’s at his best. Liking the floater shot to avoid shot blockers, Johnson showed soft touch and tough shot-making ability with a few of his future college coaches in attendance throughout the weekend.

Johnson was sensational throughout the game with some tough shots in the third quarter allowing Garfield to stretch their lead to 11 points. One of the best start-stop players in Ohio, Johnson can stop on a dime and hit mid-range and fallaway shots at an elite rate. I was also impressed with Johnson’s defensive effort on Sunday, fighting through screens and being active in passing lanes. Another big time performance on a big stage for Johnson as he continues to show why he’s one of the most productive point guards in the country from the class of 2026.

Johnson’s scoring ability is unmatched in big games as he dropped 36 points after scoring 40 last season at Flyin’ To The Hoop. He also didn’t need the foul line, shooting just three free throws. Nobody has better deceleration ability in Ohio as Johnson can stop on a dime and pull-up. Despite not creating a ton of space, Johnson still hits a ton of mid-range contested shots off the dribble. At the end of the game when Garfield made a comeback, Johnson was still competing on both ends with his future college head coach in attendance.

The early frontrunner for Mr Basketball in Ohio, Johnson has been sensational as a scorer this season. His efforts have also helped Garfield Heights remain unbeaten with three consecutive statement wins over Richmond Heights, Warrensville Heights and now Lutheran East. Johnson is a tough shot maker and hits 1-2 3-pointers a game that would be unbelievable for many other players to make. I also thought Johnson did a nice job at passing out of double teams and giving his teammates a chance to make plays. Finally, Johnson steps up when the lights are brightest and is a flat-out gamer.

It’s rare a Junior could be considered the favorite for the award but Marcus Johnson Marcus Johnson 6'2" | PG Garfield Heights | 2026 State #52 Nation OH is no ordinary Junior. He was named first team all state as a freshman in Division I. After leading his team to the regional final last season in Division I, Garfield Heights is one of the favorites in Division III this season. Being committed to Ohio State also doesn’t hurt, 16 times a future Buckeye has won the award.

Johnson whose an Ohio State pledge showcased his 2-way game. He was to use his strength to get downhill to spots off the dribble. He was a threat to hit shots off the ball from behind the arc. He also jumped passing lanes on the defensive end and turned defense to offense.