Best High School Basketball Players in Ohio of All Time: Legends of the Buckeye State Hardwood
Ohio has a rich tradition of producing some of the most talented high school basketball players in the country. Known for its competitive high school leagues and passionate basketball culture, the Buckeye State has been the breeding ground for numerous athletes who have gone on to achieve greatness in college and professional basketball.
This list celebrates the 10 best high school basketball players in Ohio of all time, highlighting their remarkable achievements, contributions to the sport, and lasting legacies that have inspired generations of basketball fans and players alike.
10. Mel Nowell (1957-1959)
High School: Columbus East High School (Columbus, OH)
Position: Guard
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 180 lbs
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Mel Nowell was a standout guard at Columbus East High School in Columbus, Ohio, during the late 1950s. Known for his scoring ability, quickness, and leadership on the court, Nowell was instrumental in leading his high school team to significant success.
After his impressive high school career, Nowell continued to excel at Ohio State University, where he was a key member of the Buckeyes’ 1960 NCAA Championship team. Nowell’s contributions to the game, both at the high school and collegiate levels, have left a lasting legacy in Ohio basketball history.
9. Jalen Crutcher (2014-2017)
High School: Ridgeway High School (Memphis, TN)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 175 lbs
Jalen Crutcher was an outstanding point guard during his high school career at Ridgeway High School. Known for his scoring ability, court vision, and leadership, Crutcher averaged 18.4 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game in his senior year.
His impressive performance earned him All-State honors and a scholarship to the University of Dayton, where he continued to excel and became one of the top guards in college basketball.
8. Trey Burke (2009-2011)
High School: Northland High School (Columbus, OH)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 185 lbs
Trey Burke was a standout point guard at Northland High School in Columbus, Ohio. Known for his scoring ability, quickness, and leadership, Burke led Northland to an undefeated season and a Division I state championship in 2009.
He averaged 23.3 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.1 steals per game in his senior year. Burke went on to play for the University of Michigan, where he was named the National Player of the Year in 2013 before embarking on a successful NBA career.
7. Jon Diebler (2005-2007)
High School: Upper Sandusky High School (Upper Sandusky, OH)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 205 lbs
Jon Diebler was one of the most prolific scorers in Ohio high school basketball history. Playing for Upper Sandusky High School, Diebler set the state record for career points with 3,208.
Known for his exceptional shooting ability, Diebler averaged 41.2 points per game in his senior year and led his team to a state championship in 2005. He continued his career at Ohio State University, where he became the school’s all-time leader in three-pointers made.
6. Jared Sullinger (2007-2010)
High School: Northland High School (Columbus, OH)
Position: Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’9″, 260 lbs
Jared Sullinger was a dominant force at Northland High School, where he played alongside Trey Burke. Sullinger led Northland to a state championship in 2009 and was named a McDonald’s All-American in 2010.
Known for his scoring, rebounding, and physical presence, Sullinger averaged 24.5 points and 11.7 rebounds per game in his senior year. He went on to play for Ohio State University, where he earned All-American honors before being drafted into the NBA.
5. Michael Redd (1995-1997)
High School: West High School (Columbus, OH)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 215 lbs
Michael Redd was an outstanding player at West High School in Columbus, known for his scoring ability and athleticism. Redd averaged 30.2 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in his senior year.
His impressive high school career earned him a scholarship to Ohio State University, where he became one of the top players in the Big Ten. Redd went on to have a successful NBA career, including an All-Star appearance and a gold medal with Team USA in the 2008 Olympics.
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4. Jim Jackson (1988-1992)
High School: Macomber-Whitney High School (Toledo, OH)
Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 220 lbs
Jim Jackson, known for his exceptional scoring and versatility, was a standout at Macomber-Whitney High School. He led his team to a state championship and was named a McDonald’s All-American.
Jackson averaged 27.1 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game during his senior year. He continued his success at Ohio State University, where he was a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year and an All-American. Jackson was selected fourth overall in the 1992 NBA Draft and enjoyed a lengthy professional career.
3. Clark Kellogg (1975-1979)
High School: St. Joseph High School (Cleveland, OH)
Position: Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’7″, 225 lbs
Clark Kellogg was a dominant force at St. Joseph High School in Cleveland, where he was known for his scoring, rebounding, and leadership. Kellogg averaged 28.0 points and 17.0 rebounds per game during his high school career and led his team to the state championship game.
He was named a McDonald’s All-American in 1979. Kellogg continued his career at Ohio State University, where he was a standout player before entering the NBA. Injuries shortened his professional career, but he has remained a prominent figure in basketball as a broadcaster.
2. Jerry Lucas (1956-1959)
High School: Middletown High School (Middletown, OH)
Position: Center / Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 230 lbs
Jerry Lucas is considered one of the greatest high school basketball players in Ohio history. At Middletown High School, Lucas led his team to two state championships and a remarkable 76-game winning streak.
Known for his scoring, rebounding, and intelligence on the court, Lucas averaged 34.0 points and 21.0 rebounds per game during his high school career. He was named Mr. Basketball USA in 1959. Lucas continued his success at Ohio State University, where he won an NCAA championship, and later in the NBA, where he was a seven-time All-Star and a Hall of Famer.
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1. LeBron James (1999-2003)
High School: St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (Akron, OH)
Position: Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 250 lbs
LeBron James is widely regarded as the greatest high school basketball player in Ohio history and one of the best of all time nationwide. Playing for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, James led his team to three state championships and a national championship.
He was named to the USA Today All-USA First Team three times and was a two-time Gatorade National Player of the Year. LeBron’s high school career was marked by his exceptional scoring, passing, and athleticism, averaging 31.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game in his senior year.
Following his legendary high school career, LeBron was selected first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft and has since become one of the greatest players in NBA history, with multiple MVP awards, championships, and All-Star appearances.
