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CLEVELAND (WJW) -- The Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association announced the finalists on Wednesday for the 2024 Ohio Mr. Basketball Award.
Of the nine finalists, two players are from Northeast Ohio. Jesse McCulloch attends Lutheran East High School in Cleveland Heights and Marcus Johnson from Garfield Heights High School.
Voting is currently underway for the 224 registered OPSWA members and will end at noon on Monday, March 18.
Here's what OPSWA wrote about McCulloch and Johnson for their bio's and highlights:
Jesse McCulloch, Lutheran East, 6-10. Senior.
NE Lakes District POY. Michigan State recruit led Falcons (16-5) to the No. 1 ranking in Division III as defending state champions, despite losing high profile forward T.J. Crumble to rival Richmond Heights. McCulloch averaged 22.4 points, 14.1 rebounds, 4.3 blocked shots and 2.7 assists. Also had a signature moment in mid-December, outplaying Cincinnati Winton Woods’ Tyler McKinley in a 71-45 win. McCulloch had 27 points, 18 rebounds and six blocks against him. Other signature performances include 21 points, 12 rebounds and eight blocks to beat Richmond Heights. Had a game-high 26 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks WHILE PLAYING SICK in a loss at Cleveland St. Ignatius. Had in a 55-36 win vs. Isidore Newman (La.) at Flyin’ to the Hoop. Also had 40, 15 and five in a win vs. Mentor. Completely transformed his body since his freshman season, when he was out of shape at 6-6 and 245 pounds.
Marcus Johnson, Garfield Heights, 6-1. Sophomore.
NE Lakes District POY coming off an All-Ohio first team season as a freshman and ranked 12th nationally in the Class of 2026. Johnson led the Bulldogs (21-1) to a 19-0 start that included wins against Huntington Prep, Western Reserve Academy, defending Texas state champion Faith Family Christian and OHSAA champion Richmond Heights. Johnson has offers from Ohio State to Alabama, Cincinnati, LSU and Villanova. Averaged 23.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.9 steals.
The winner announced at noon on Wednesday, March 20.
For the complete list of the nine finalists for the 2024 Ohio Mr. Basketball you can click here.
Also on Wednesday, the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association announced the winner of the 2024 Ohio Ms. Basketball as Cincinnati Purcell Marian junior Dee Alexander.
