Trey Sagester, Josh Tyson among 2026 Ohio Mr. Basketball finalists

Tri-Village senior Trey Sagester and Lakota West junior Josh Tyson are two of seven finalists for the Ohio Mr. Basketball Award, the Ohio Prep Sports Media Association announced Wednesday.

The 231 registered OPSMA members will vote between Wednesday and Monday. The winner will be announced at noon on March 19.

The OPSWA has picked the winner since 2017. The Associated Press selected the winner from 1987-2016.

The last Mr. Basketball winner from the Miami Valley was Centerville guard Gabe Cupps, who won the award in 2022.

Other local winners include: Xenia’s Samari Curtis (2019); Franklin’s Luke Kennard (2014 and 2015); and Springfield Catholic Central’s Jason Collier (1996).

Here’s a quick glance at the finalists with a summary from the OPSMA:

Trey Drexler, Brunswick, 6-0, Sr.

"A two-time Mr. Basketball finalist who averaged a school-record 26.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting .497 from the floor, .451 from 3-point range and .850 at the foul line this season."

Cameron Elwer, Delphos St. John’s, 6-2, Sr.

Last year’s Mr. Basketball runner-up is an NCAA Division I Furman University commit. During the regular season, Elwer averaged 29.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists and two steals per game for the undefeated Blue Jays (25-0) from the Midwest Athletic Conference."

Marcus Johnson, Garfield Heights, 6-2, Sr.

The state’s reigning Mr. Basketball has been even better this season, averaging 30.1 points with 7.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 2.7 steals.

Gator Nichols, Maysville, 6-0, Sr. “Two-time East District Player of the Year and reigning D-IV Ohio Player of the Year. Averaging 24.2 points, 3.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 steals for the defending state champions.”

Trey Sagester, Tri-Village, 6-3, sr.,

“Two-time Division VI Southwest District and Western Ohio Athletic Conference Player of the Year and the reigning OPSMA D-VI Ohio Player of the year is averaging 24.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 3.7 steals for the undefeated Patriots.”

Jason Singleton, Columbus Academy, 6-4, sr.

After leading Academy to a state runner-up in 2025 when he made third-team All-Ohio, the guard is averaging 21.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 3.7 steals and 1.0 block while shooting 51 percent from the field (31 from 3-point range with 40 made) for a top-seeded 21-4 district championship team riding a 17-game win streak."

Josh Tyson, Lakota West, 6-3, jr.

“Southwest District and Greater Miami Conference Player of the Year averages 16.5 points, 3.8 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 2.1 steals. Super quick guard who led team to 21-1 regular season with only loss to national prep power La Lumiere, 72-71 in OT, at Flyin’ To The Hoop when he scored 28 points.”