Maysville’s Nichols Named Finalist for Ohio’s “Mr. Basketball” Award

SOUTH ZANESVILLE, OH – The accolades just keep on rolling in for one of the more decorated and talented boys basketball players in recent memory for Muskingum County.

On Wednesday, March 11, the Ohio Prep Sports Media Association announced the seven finalists for the annual and prestigious “Mr. Basketball” award in the state of Ohio. This year, that list includes Maysville High School guard Gator Nichols.

Already this season, the senior was named the Division IV East District player of the year for the second year running with an average of over 24 points per game, three and a half assists, and three and a half rebounds for the defending state champions.

Nichols became the boys all-time leading scorer for the Panthers back on February 10 at Sheridan, a record he continues to break with each passing game. Behind their leading scorer, the Panthers have secured yet another Muskingum Valley League title behind a modest 23-game winning streak since game one of the regular season.

He is joined by two-time finalist Trey Drexler of Brunswick High School, 2025 runner-up Cameron Elwer of Delphos St. John’s School, Trey Sagester of Tri-Valley High School, senior Jason Singleton of Columbus Academy, junior Josh Tyson from Lakota West High School, and University of South Carolina commit, and 2025 winner Marcus Johnson from Garfield Heights High School.

The voting is open to registered members of local sports media until noon on Monday, March 16. The winner will be announced at noon on Thursday, March 19.