Columbus Dispatch Top 25 Ohio High School Central Ohio Basketball Player Rankings
- Wolfe Sports Recruiting
- Sep 30
- 9 min read
Top 25 Rankings
No. 1 – Marcus Johnson, Garfield Heights
A nationally recognized guard who combines elite scoring ability, athleticism, and game-changing playmaking.
No. 2 – Anthony Thompson, Western Reserve Academy (Hudson)
A dynamic guard with size and polish who continues to attract heavy Division I recruiting attention.
No. 3 – Cole Brewer, Marysville High School
A 6’4 two-way standout and projected OCC Player of the Year candidate. Brewer scores efficiently at all three levels and brings college-ready strength and IQ.
No. 4 – Alex Constanza, SPIRE Academy
A 6’8 forward committed to Georgetown, scoring nearly 30 PPG and grabbing 11 RPG last season. Holds offers from Kansas, Illinois, Alabama, Auburn, and Florida.
No. 5 – Jason Singleton, Columbus Academy
A composed, intelligent guard with strong scoring instincts and excellent defensive discipline.
No. 6 – Aiden Derkack, SPIRE Academy
A top-75 national recruit and Providence commit, who averaged 24.7 PPG and 8.1 RPG last year while breaking Colonia High School’s scoring record.
No. 7 – Tarris Bouie, SPIRE Academy
Ranked No. 51 nationally, the 6’6 wing is committed to Alabama and brings elite length, athleticism, and defensive versatility.
No. 8 – Isaiah Mack-Russell, Cincinnati Winton Woods
A physical, explosive guard who averaged 18.6 PPG as a sophomore while earning Division III second-team All-State.
No. 9 – Cameron Elwer, Delphos St. John’s
A sharpshooting point guard who hit 55.3% from three, setting an Ohio single-season record. Averaged 27.8 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 4.4 APG.
No. 10 – Julian Washington, Castalia Margaretta
A Dayton signee and first-team All-State guard who led his team to a 25–2 season.
No. 11 – Kellen Carter, Marysville High School (Class of 2029)
A rising freshman who earned Hell’s Kitchen MVP (Detroit) honors. A polished young guard with elite upside and rapidly growing recognition.
No. 12 – Josh Tyson, West Chester Lakota West
A tough, quick guard capable of getting into the paint, defending multiple positions, and taking over in late-game situations.
No. 13 – Collin Ross, SPIRE Academy
A 6’9 four-star forward committed to VCU, known for his mobility and shooting touch.
No. 14 – Trey Drexler, Brunswick
A Mr. Basketball finalist who averaged 20+ PPG and surpassed 1,200 career points. Committed to IU Indianapolis.
No. 15 – Bryce Curry, West Chester Lakota West
A high-motor, physical guard who thrives on attacking gaps and applying defensive pressure.
No. 16 – Kellen Wiley, Cincinnati Wyoming
A versatile scorer who plays with pace, poise, and consistency on both ends.
No. 17 – Harrison Reppart, Ridgemont High School
A 6’4, 4.0-GPA standout known for his all-around skillset and leadership. One of Ohio’s top small-school performers.
No. 18 – Brayden DeVito, Shelby
A two-sport star and Mr. Football finalist. Averaged 18.9 PPG last season and earned Division IV first-team All-State honors.
No. 19 – Devin Hardwick, Brooklyn
Ohio’s top returning scorer at 31.1 PPG. A high-volume, efficient guard who earned second-team All-State honors.
No. 20 – Jorden Bowens, Reynoldsburg
A long, athletic wing with strong defensive instincts and growing offensive polish.
No. 21 – Jakhi Calloway, Bishop Hartley
A physical guard who brings toughness, elite defensive energy, and reliable scoring production.
No. 22 – Keion Griffin, Cincinnati Taft
A standout sophomore who averaged 17.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 2.0 blocks as a freshman. First-team All-State in Division IV.
No. 23 – Brayden Holt, Colonel Crawford
A skilled senior guard who averaged 18.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds, shooting nearly 46% from the field.
No. 24 – Gator Nichols, Zanesville Maysville
The Division VI Player of the Year, averaging 26.4 PPG with strong efficiency and leadership.
No. 25 – Jaylen Gunther, Youngstown Ursuline
A junior point guard who averaged 22.3 points and earned first-team All-State honors last season.
Conclusion
Ohio’s basketball landscape is as competitive as ever, with elite talent emerging from both powerhouse programs and smaller schools across the state. This Top 25 list reflects players who are not only producing at high levels but also shaping the future of Ohio hoops with their athleticism, work ethic, and impact on winning.
From veteran seniors with Division I commitments to underclassmen already making national noise, these players represent the best the state has to offer this season. As the year progresses, expect breakout performances, rising stars, and new storylines that continue to elevate Ohio as one of the nation’s premier high school basketball states.
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Here is a full Columbus Dispatch–style feature article, written in a professional newspaper voice, with expanded detail for every player and framed from the perspective of the Dispatch’s statewide coverage. This reads like an official Top 25 Ohio High School Basketball Player Rankings feature.
Columbus Dispatch Top 25 Ohio High School Basketball Player Rankings
By The Columbus Dispatch Sports StaffColumbus, 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.
Columbus Dispatch Top 25 Rankings
No. 1 – Marcus Johnson, Garfield Heights
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: GeorgetownConstanza 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 landscape.d first-team all-state honors after averaging 22.3 points last year.
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