Ohio’s top high school boys basketball players: Meet the state’s best point guards

Who are the top point guards in Ohio high school boys basketball this season?

By Ryan Isley

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be taking a position-by-position look at some of the top players in Ohio high school boys basketball.

We started with the shooting guards, and now we'll focus on the point guards.

There are hundreds of standout boys basketball players in Ohio, and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive! Use the comments section to discuss the other point guards worthy of fans’ attention in 2021-22.

Pictured above is Gahanna Lincoln's Sean Jones (photo by Jeff Harwell).

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Michael Bova, St. Edward, senior, 6’2”

Was named honorable mention All-Ohio last season after averaging 18.8 points per game during the season. He raised his game in the postseason, averaging 26.7 points to help lead St. Edward to the regional semifinals. He is a two-time captain for the Eagles and has signed to play at Bellarmine University.

Solomon Callaghan, Wadsworth, junior, 6’1”

Honorable mention All-Ohio last season, he averaged 16 points per game. Solomon has a unique ability to score the ball in a variety of ways. He can shoot it, drive it and pull up. He has incredible court vision and is an elite passer as well.

Dior Connors, Pickerington North, senior, 6’1”

A crafty PG with great size and great feel for the game, he can score from all three levels as well as facilitate. Has dealt with injury issues and hopes to be healthy this season for the first time in his high school career.

Gabe Cupps, Centerville, junior, 6’2”

A first-team All-Ohio selection last season, Cupps averaged 15.2 points and 4.9 assists per game, while shooting 82% from the line and 35% on 3s. He is tough, poised and provides leadership for Centerville. He's committed to play college ball for Indiana.

Luke Denbow, Ashland, senior, 6’1”

Averaged 23 points, 6.3 assists, three steals and 4.8 rebounds per game last year and earned second-team All-Ohio honors. Tremendous competitor with a very high motor and plays extremely hard. He has great court awareness and an incredible ability to score as well as create for his teammates.

Mekhi Elmore, Taft, senior, 6’0”

Was a second-team All-Ohio selection last season despite playing in just eight games dues to transferring from Thurgood Marshall. In those games, he averaged 21.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.

Josh Harlan, Pickerington Central, senior, 5’10”

A solid ball handler and shooter who can score from all three levels, Harlan also has the ability to make the right pass to his teammates at the right time. His high basketball IQ makes him a force on the defensive end of the floor as well.

Sonny Johnson Jr., Garfield Heights, senior, 5’10”

Johnson is a point guard who looks to pass first but can also be a deadly shooter for Garfield Heights. He has committed to play college ball for Detroit.

Sean Jones, Gahanna Lincoln, senior, 5’10”

Averaged 17 points, four assists and 3.5 rebounds last season in earning first-team All-Ohio honors. He is also a two-time conference player of the year. He's a quick guard who can create for himself or his teammates and also defends the length of the floor. He is committed to Marquette.

Sean Keller, Elder, senior, 5’11”

Keller was the primary playmaker for Elder last season on offense and the leader on the defensive end. A left-handed shooter, he can shoot off the dribble from range and is a confident shooter. He also has the ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Plays with the heart of a champion.

Khalil Luster, Lima Senior, senior, 5’6”

Earned third-team All-Ohio honors last season by averaging 16 points and five assists and was also the runner-up for conference player of the year. Small but has always been able to get to his spots and has the heart of a lion.

Paul McMillan IV, Cincinnati Woodward, senior, 6’3”

After leaving Woodward for Hillcrest Prep in Arizona for a brief time, McMillan is back in Cincinnati and has already had an impact this season. A two-time first-team All-Ohio selection, he has now surpassed 2,000 career points. While he is a volume scorer, he also has the ability to create plays for his teammates and make the right pass.

Lawrent Rice, Wayne, junior, 6’3”

As a sophomore, he averaged 13.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game last year and shot 46% from 3. He makes everyone else better around him. He is extremely humble and his teammates love playing with him. Already holds offers from more than 15 Division I colleges.

Trey Robertson, Waverly, senior, 5’11”

A two-time conference and district player of the year, Robertson earned first-team All-Ohio last year by averaging 25.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 3.6 steals per game. He always puts what the team needs first and has a high basketball IQ. His toughness (mental and physical) is what separates him from other great players. 

Max Roth, Findlay, senior, 6’1”

An explosive athlete who can finish at the rim, he averaged 14 points per game last season in finishing honorable mention All-Ohio, second-team all-conference and second-team All-Northwest Ohio. He has committed to the University of Findlay.

Ajay Sheldon, Dublin Coffman, senior, 6’1”

Averaged 23.5 points per game last season in being named as a first-team All-Ohio selection. He is a versatile scorer who can shoot or take his defender off the dribble. Once at the rim, he is a good finisher. He has committed to play at Ohio University.

Jamal Sumlin, Rhodes, senior, 6’2”

Returns to Rhodes after transferring to Cleveland Heights and ultimately Ypsi Prep a year ago because Rhodes did not have a season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a sophomore at Rhodes, he averaged 14 points, eight assists and seven rebounds per game and started every game. A true leader, Sumlin is expected to guide the way for Rhodes this season.

Dailyn Swain, Africentric, junior, 6’8”

A big point guard, he averaged 17.7 points and 7.5 rebounds last season, along with 3.8 assists and 3.5 steals. Swain is a great passer and facilitator, runs the floor well, and is a good finisher in transition. He is extremely unselfish and constantly looks to keep his teammates engaged. Because of his size and athleticism, he can guard all five positions if needed.

Khoi Thurmon, Buchtel, junior, 6’1”

Honorable mention All-Ohio as a sophomore last year at Copley while winning the conference player of the year, Thurmon transferred to Buchtel. He goes to the Griffins after averaging 18 points, five assists and four rebounds per game last season.

Daniel Young, Shaker Heights, senior, 6’2”

Averaged 25.4 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals per game last season in winning the Lake Erie League player of the year and garnering second-team All-Ohio honors. Had eight games with at least 20 points and four games with at least 30 points last year, including a 33-point performance against St. Edward, which was top-5 in the state at the time.