On March 11th, the Ohio Prep Sports Media Association announced the Ohio Mr. Basketball Finalists. Among the seven finalists on the list was Maysville Panther Gator Nichols.
At the time of the nomination, Nichols was listed as two-time East District Player of the Year and reigning D-IV Ohio Player of the Year. Averaging 24.2 points, 3.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.1 steals for the defending state champions. Shooting 45% FG, 68 3s (40%), 77%FT (117-152). All-time scoring leader in Maysville history (1,858 points heading into the regional tournament). Through 99 career games, he has 326 assists, 319 rebounds, and 161 steals (three straight seasons of 50 or more).
“Obviously, that’s really special to just be on that list of seven people. I mean, across the state, I just got to feel honored to be on there. I just got to thank all my coaches, my family, and all my teammates for just being with me along the ride,” stated Nichols.
The other six nominees were senior Trey Drexler from Brunswick, senior Cameron Elwer from Delphos St. Johns, senior Marcus Johnson from Garfield Heights, senior Trey Sagester from Tri-Village, senior Jason Singleton from Columbus Academy, and junior Josh Tyson from Lakota West.
The winner was selected by a vote from 231 registered OPSM members on Thursday, March 19th. This year’s winner was senior Marcus Johnson, a two-time winner and the son of the 1998 winner William “Sonny” Johnson, who is Marcus’s coach.
From 1987 to 2016, Ohio’s Mr. Basketball was selected by the Associated Press. Since 2017, it has been presented by the Ohio Prep Sports Media Association.
Past Ohio Mr. Basketball Ohio winners are:
- 2025 – Marcus Johnson, Garfield Heights
- 2024 – Colin White, Ottawa-Glandorf
- 2023 – Devin Royal, Pickerington Central
- 2022 – Gabe Cupps, Centerville
- 2021 – Malaki Branham, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary
- 2020 – VonCameron Davis, Columbus Walnut Ridge
- 2019 – Samari Curtis, Xenia
- 2018 – Dane Goodwin, Upper Arlington
- 2017 – Kaleb Wesson, Westerville South
- 2016 – Xavier Simpson, Lima Senior
- 2015 – Luke Kennard, Franklin High School
- 2014 – Luke Kennard, Franklin High School
- 2013 – Marc Loving, Toledo St. John’s Jesuit
- 2012 – Justin Fritts, Mentor
- 2011 – Trey Burke, Columbus Northland
- 2010 – Jared Sullinger, Columbus Northland
- 2009 – Jared Sullinger, Columbus Northland
- 2008 – William Buford, Toledo Libbey
- 2007 – Jon Diebler, Upper Sandusky
- 2006 – O.J. Mayo, North College Hill
- 2005 – O.J. Mayo, North College Hill
- 2004 – Jamar Butler, Lima Shawnee
- 2003 – LeBron James, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary
- 2002 – LeBron James, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary
- 2001 – LeBron James, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary
- 2000 – (tie) Tony Stockman, Medina; Chester Mason, Cleveland South
- 1999 – Emmanuel Smith, Euclid
- 1998 – William “Sonny” Johnson, Garfield Heights
- 1997 – Kenny Gregory, Independence
- 1996 – Jason Collier, Springfield Catholic
- 1995 – Damon Stringer, Cleveland Heights
- 1994 – Aaron Hutchins, Lima Central Catholic
- 1993 – Geno Ford, Cambridge
- 1992 – Greg Simpson, Lima Senior
- 1991 – Greg Simpson, Lima Senior
- 1990 – Bob Patton Jr., Youngstown Liberty
- 1989 – Jimmy Jackson, Toledo Macomber
- 1988 – Jimmy Jackson, Toledo Macomber
More information about the Ohio Prep Sports Media Association can be found at: https://www.ohsaa.org/news/OPSWA
CAPTION: Mr. Basketball Ohio Nominee Gator Nichols hits a two-point jump shot against Circleville. | Matthew Dotson, The Buzz
