The night Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament dreams were officially shattered, another Buckeye hopeful saw his season come to an end. Marcus Johnson, the electrifying four-star point guard from Garfield Heights, left everything on the court in a thrilling 49-48 loss to Louisville in the Ohio Division III state semifinals—a game that could very well mark the end of his high school career.
But despite the heartbreaking finish, Johnson’s commitment to Ohio State remains rock solid.
“Definitely Locked In” with Ohio State
After his final high school game of the season, Johnson didn’t hesitate to reaffirm his allegiance to the Buckeyes, praising Ohio State’s coaching staff—particularly newly appointed head coach Jake Diebler, with whom he shares a close bond.
“I just got off the phone with (Jake) Diebler today,” Johnson said. “He’s a really good coach, a really good guy. Definitely locked in with Ohio State.”
However, the burning question remains: Will he make the jump to Columbus in 2025 instead of 2026?
Reclassification: A Tempting Possibility
While Johnson is committed to Ohio State, the possibility of reclassifying to the 2025 recruiting class remains very much on the table.
“It’s an option right now, but I don’t know yet,” he admitted. “It’s a decision for sure.”
With Ohio State’s roster facing potential shake-ups in the transfer portal, a dynamic playmaker like Johnson could be exactly what the Buckeyes need. His ability to handle pressure, distribute the ball, and take over games offensively makes him a prime candidate to make an immediate impact at the college level.
Garfield Heights starts the second half on a 12-3 run to take a 41-34 lead. Marcus Johnson already has nine points in the third quarter (20 for the game). pic.twitter.com/bOxJaQivpD
— Josh Poloha (@JorshP) March 16, 2025
A Spectacular Final Performance, But a Painful Ending
In what might have been his last game as a high school player, Johnson put on a show, delivering 25 points on an efficient 10-of-15 shooting. He erupted in the third quarter, scoring 14 points to fuel a dominant 17-6 run, giving Garfield Heights a 46-37 lead heading into the final quarter.
But just as it seemed the Bulldogs were marching toward a state championship appearance, the game took a dramatic turn.
Louisville, desperate and relentless, clamped down defensively and ended the game on a shocking 12-0 run. Garfield Heights did not score in the final six minutes, allowing Louisville to punch its ticket to the first state championship game in school history.
“You Can’t Check Him” – High Praise from Opposing Coach
Johnson’s elite talent has been well-documented, but when an opposing coach calls him the best player they’ve ever faced, it speaks volumes.
After the game, Louisville head coach Tom Siegfried approached Marcus’ father and coach, Sonny Johnson, offering high praise for the young phenom.
“He’s the best ever,” Siegfried told Sonny.
Marcus’ ability to handle relentless defensive pressure was on full display all night. Double teams, triple teams, face-guards—none of it mattered. Early in the game, he facilitated for teammates, but when it became clear that Garfield Heights needed him to take over, he switched into attack mode, relentlessly driving to the basket.
“Stay aggressive. Keep going downhill,” Sonny said of his son’s second-half mentality. “He got it going, which opened up shots for other guys, but that fourth quarter pretty much killed us.”
Louisville takes down Garfield Heights, 49-48, to advance to the Division III championship. The Bulldogs scored just two points in the fourth quarter.
Marcus Johnson had 25 points.
— Josh Poloha (@JorshP) March 16, 2025
A Future Built for the Bright Lights of College Basketball
Despite the tough loss, one thing is clear—Marcus Johnson is ready for the next level.
At Ohio State, he won’t be facing triple teams. He’ll have space to operate, elite teammates to run with, and a coaching staff that believes in his potential. Whether he stays in the 2026 class or makes the bold move to 2025, Buckeye fans have every reason to be excited.
His next step? A decision that could shape Ohio State’s future. Will he reclassify and take his talents to Columbus a year early? The clock is ticking.
