GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio — Marcus Johnson is hoping to accomplish something that Cuyahoga County hasn't seen in 25 years and that Garfield Heights High School hasn't seen since his dad did it in 1998. 

What You Need To Know

  • Marcus Johnson is hoping to be Cuyahoga County's first Mr. Basketball since 2000
  • His father Sonny won the award in 1998 for Garfield Heights
  • The Bulldogs are in the OHSAA state final four for the 5th time in program history

The Garfield Heights junior and Ohio State commit is a candidate for Ohio's Mr. Basketball award. It's an award last won by a Cuyahoga County player in 2000. Marcus' father and head coach Sonny Johnson won Mr. Basketball himself in 1998 when he played for the Bulldogs. 

"I feel like that would be an amazing opportunity for me and my family especially since my dad won it," Marcus said. "Winning it with my dad would be amazing for sure. My family you know is obviously a big basketball family. I know I got to keep working hard. I don’t want to let them down. I don’t want to let myself down. I just got to keep pushing to become the best version of myself every single day.”

"I’m getting sick of him, breaking all my records, coming after Mr. Basketball," Sonny joked. "But no, everything he’s getting, he’s deserving of it. And it’s all hard work. When you put forth the work, the results are going to show.” 

Marcus and his father knew that basketball would be a big part of his future from a young age. 

"1st or 2nd grade, my dad would always put me in drills with my older brothers," Marcus said. 

"Since he was younger he would always play with older guys and was having his way a little bit so I always knew he was pretty special," Sonny said. 

Sonny has coached Marcus throughout his high school career at Garfield Heights. They both agree that their on-court relationship as player and coach has been strengthened by their off-court relationship as father and son. 

“Off the court you know, my dad is my dad. He shows a lot of love," Marcus said. "On the court, he pushes me to be great, which coaches do. Playing for my dad is amazing. Who wouldn’t want to play for their dad? It’s a blessing and an honor to play for him.” 

“The thing I’ve been working on is separating the father from coaching," Sonny expressed. "Just watching him play, it’s spectacular. Being able to coach him, being able to see him grow as a leader this year and just everything’s been perfect. God’s got his hands on him. We’re headed in the right direction, he’s headed in the right direction.” 

Despite the potential of Marcus being named Mr. Basketball in the coming weeks, the Johnson's sole focus remains on trying to help Garfield Heights win its first boys' basketball state championship. 

"I think this is our fifth final four in program history, it’s my fourth final four as a head coach here for 20 years," Sonny said. "It’s been a lot. We’ve had a lot of great players, a lot of big time moments, a lot of big time games. To finish it off would be something special.” 

“We’ve never won a championship here at Garfield," Marcus said. "Our main goal is to stay locked in and get a win and get a championship ring.” 

Garfield Heights will play Louisville in a Division III state semifinal at the Canton Field House on Sunday.