Columbus Dispatch Top 25 Ohio High School Basketball Player Rankings for the 2025-2026 Season
- Corey Hayne
- Dec 3, 2025
- 6 min read
By The Columbus Dispatch Sports Staff Columbus, Ohio — High School Basketball Coverage Ohio high school basketball remains one of the deepest and most competitive landscapes in the Midwest, producing nationally ranked prospects, Division I signees, and breakout underclassmen who continue to elevate the state’s basketball reputation.
The Dispatch evaluated players across all divisions, reviewing film, advanced statistics, live scouting reports, and verified recruiting information to compile the 2025 Columbus Dispatch Top 25 Ohio High School Basketball Player Rankings.
This list reflects overall impact, college projection, production, efficiency, leadership, and strength of competition—providing a comprehensive look at the top talent shaping Ohio’s basketball season.
Ohio High School Basketball Columbus Dispatch Top 25 High School Basketball Player Rankings
No. 1 – Marcus Johnson, Garfield Heights in Ohio high school basketball
Position: Guard | Class: 2026Garfield Heights’ explosive guard headlines the list with a combination of elite athleticism, deep scoring range, and national recognition. Johnson is Ohio’s most electric player, capable of taking over games with multi-level scoring and highlight-reel athletic plays. Already one of the top juniors in America, he continues to attract major Power Five interest and represents the gold standard for Ohio prep basketball.
No. 2 – Anthony Thompson, Western Reserve Academy (Hudson)
Position: Guard | Class: 2025Thompson is one of the most polished backcourt players in the Midwest. His blend of size, pace control, shot creation, and decision-making makes him a nightmare matchup for defenses. A high-IQ guard who rarely forces shots, Thompson’s recruiting profile continues to grow nationally.
No. 3 – Cole Brewer, Marysville High School
Position: Guard | Class: 2025Brewer is one of Central Ohio’s premier two-way guards. At 6’4, he plays with a college-ready frame, controls tempo, and scores efficiently at all three levels. Brewer anchors Marysville’s rise within the OCC and has developed into one of the most consistent senior leaders in the region. MAC and Horizon League programs are active in his recruitment, with Division II powers heavily involved.
No. 4 – Alex Constanza, SPIRE Academy
Position: Forward | Class: 2025 | Commit: Georgetown Constanza brings national star power to Ohio after transferring from Florida, where he averaged nearly 30 points and 11 rebounds. At 6’8 with perimeter skill, he fits the modern college-forward mold. Kansas, Illinois, Auburn, Alabama, and Florida all offered, making him one of the most decorated recruits on this list.
No. 5 – Jason Singleton, Columbus Academy
Position: Guard | Class: 2025A steady and fundamentally sharp guard with advanced ball-handling and defensive instincts, Singleton has been the driving force behind Columbus Academy’s success. His maturity and poise under pressure have drawn college attention throughout the region.
No. 6 – Aiden Derkack, SPIRE Academy
Position: Guard | Class: 2025 | Commit: ProvidenceDerkack is one of the most productive guards to arrive in Ohio in recent years. A proven scorer from New Jersey, he averaged 24.7 points and 8.1 rebounds while breaking Colonia High School’s all-time scoring record. His combination of physicality and skill translates immediately to the Big East level.
No. 7 – Tarris Bouie, SPIRE Academy
Position: Wing | Class: 2025 | Commit: AlabamaRanked No. 51 nationally, Bouie’s athleticism and defensive versatility separate him from most wings in the country. His ability to guard multiple positions and finish in transition has made him a major SEC-level recruit.
No. 8 – Isaiah Mack-Russell, Cincinnati Winton Woods
Position: Guard | Class: 2026A transfer from Toledo Central Catholic, Mack-Russell brings a blend of power, length, and competitiveness. He averaged 18.6 PPG as a sophomore and projects as one of the top juniors in the Midwest. His stock continues to climb with every showing against elite competition.
No. 9 – Cameron Elwer, Delphos St. John’s
Position: Guard | Class: 2025Elwer is one of Ohio’s elite shooters—hitting 55.3% from three on over 100 attempts, an Ohio record. His ability to stretch defenses, combined with a high motor and strong leadership, makes him a standout small-school star.
No. 10 – Julian Washington, Castalia Margaretta
Position: Guard | Class: 2025 | Commit: DaytonWashington is a dynamic scoring guard who led Margaretta to a 25–2 record and earned Division V first-team All-State. Dayton secured a well-rounded, athletic backcourt piece capable of contributing early in his college career.
No. 11 – Kellen Carter, Marysville High School (Class of 2029)
Position: Guard | Class: 2029One of Ohio’s most exciting freshmen, Carter burst onto the scene after earning MVP honors at Hell’s Kitchen in Detroit, one of the Midwest’s toughest youth showcases. His game blends creativity, confidence, and advanced skill for his age. Carter projects as a future Division I guard and one of the youngest players to crack the Dispatch Top 25.
No. 12 – Josh Tyson, Lakota West
Position: Guard | Class: 2025Tyson is a poised, composed guard with the ability to create offense off the dribble and defend multiple spots. His late-game execution and toughness make him a key piece for Lakota West.
No. 13 – Collin Ross, SPIRE Academy
Position: Forward | Class: 2025 | Commit: VCUAt 6’9, Ross stretches the floor, rebounds well, and moves fluidly for his size. VCU landed an underrated gem with high developmental upside.
No. 14 – Trey Drexler, Brunswick
Position: Guard | Class: 2025 | Commit: IU IndianapolisA Mr. Basketball finalist, Drexler surpassed 1,200 career points and averaged over 20 PPG. His shot-making and understanding of angles make him one of Ohio’s most dangerous scorers.
No. 15 – Bryce Curry, Lakota West
Position: Guard | Class: 2026Curry brings athleticism, physicality, and a powerful downhill game. His versatility enables Lakota West to use him as both a primary scorer and a defensive stopper.
No. 16 – Kellen Wiley, Cincinnati Wyoming
Position: Guard | Class: 2025A crafty scorer and underrated defender, Wiley has built a reputation for performing in big moments and controlling the tempo with maturity.
No. 17 – Harrison Reppart, Ridgemont High School
Position: Forward | Class: 2025Reppart is a 6’4 all-around forward with a 4.0 GPA and a reputation as a hard-nosed competitor. He scores, rebounds, defends, and plays with high intelligence—one of the best small-school players in the state.
No. 18 – Brayden DeVito, Shelby
Position: Guard | Class: 2025A dual-sport star and Mr. Football finalist, DeVito averaged 18.9 PPG and brings elite competitive fire. He impacts games through shot creation and relentless physical play.
No. 19 – Devin Hardwick, Brooklyn
Position: Guard | Class: 2025The state’s top returning scorer at 31.1 PPG, Hardwick can fill up the scoring column in a hurry. His scoring versatility makes him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses.
No. 20 – Jorden Bowens, Reynoldsburg
Position: Wing | Class: 2025A long, active defender with a rapidly developing offensive game. Bowens’ upside and athletic traits place him firmly in the top 20.
No. 21 – Jakhi Calloway, Bishop Hartley
Position: Guard | Class: 2025Calloway plays with toughness and edge. His high-level defensive instincts and ability to attack off the dribble make him one of Central Ohio’s most impactful guards.
No. 22 – Keion Griffin, Cincinnati Taft
Position: Forward/Guard | Class: 2026Griffin averaged 17.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 2.0 blocks as a freshman. His length and instincts point to major long-term upside and high Division I potential.
No. 23 – Brayden Holt, Colonel Crawford
Position: Guard | Class: 2025An efficient scorer and creator who averaged 18.1 points and 5.6 assists, Holt is the engine of one of Ohio’s most disciplined programs.
No. 24 – Gator Nichols, Zanesville Maysville
Position: Guard | Class: 2025Nichols earned Division VI Player of the Year after averaging 26.4 PPG. A relentless scorer with a strong competitive motor.
No. 25 – Jaylen Gunther, Youngstown Ursuline
Position: Guard | Class: 2026Gunther averaged 22.3 points and earned first-team All-State honors. A smooth scoring guard with a strong feel for the game, he projects as one of Ohio’s top junior prospects.
Conclusion — Ohio’s Talent Pool Continues to Rise
From nationally ranked prospects to young underclassmen already making noise, the 2025 Ohio high school basketball season features one of the deepest talent pools the state has seen in years. The Columbus Dispatch will continue to track player performances, recruiting developments, and breakout stars as the season progresses.
Expect movement throughout the year—especially with emerging freshmen, transfer additions, and postseason surges—but this Top 25 list provides the clearest picture yet of the players shaping Ohio’s basketball landscaped first-team all-state honors after averaging 22.3 points last year.
For more related content check out our player promotion and college sports recruiting page that helps athletes get found all over the country!
Follow us on Twitter!
Like and subscribe to our FREE Player Promotion and college sports recruiting channel!
Support or Donate!
