The two are the first father-son duo in state history to take home the prestigious honor. Sonny, who now coaches the Bulldogs, did so back in 1998.
In Garfield Heights, Ohio, Sonny Johnson, a former high school basketball star in Northeast Ohio, proclaimed his son Marcus as “the best player, honestly, to ever put on the Garfield Heights jersey” earlier this month.
This is high praise, particularly considering Sonny himself received the state’s esteemed Mr. Basketball Award when he played for the Bulldogs in 1998. The only way for Marcus to equal that achievement would be to also earn the award.
You see where this is going?
The Ohio Prep Sports Media Association announced Marcus Johnson as the recipient of the 2025 Mr. Basketball Award on Thursday. This recognition not only makes Marcus the winner but also establishes him and his father as the first father-son duo to both hold this prestigious title in the history of the state. This accomplishment is even more meaningful as Sonny currently serves as the head coach for Garfield Heights.
“This will last forever, me winning Mr. Basketball,” Marcus told 3News after the voting results were announced. “I used to go play for my dad when I was younger, and they (would) always say ‘1998 Mr. Basketball,’ you know? So now I think of myself — me winning in 2025, so I’m really happy.”
During the regular season, Marcus averaged 29.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 2.2 steals per game to lead the Bulldogs to a third straight Lake Erie League title. He also scored 55 points during a victory over Maple Heights, breaking his father’s own school record.
Marcus’ efforts were essential to Garfield Heights posting a 23-3 record and making it all the way to the Division III state semifinals. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs fell short of the state title game, losing to Louisville 49-48 on Sunday.
Marcus’ high school basketball story is not finished, however, as the point guard is still set to return for his senior season before heading to Ohio State in 2026. In addition to Mr. Basketball, the teen has maintained a 3.52 GPA while at Garfield Heights, and was also named Gatorade Ohio Boys Basketball Player of the Year on Thursday.
