The Scholastic Play by Play Classics have been staples of the high school basketball season all up and down the East Coast since the mid-90s. Founder Jeremy Treatman was one of the first to put LeBron James on center stage, showcasing him as an underclassman; from his home in Philly, to Cleveland, to Columbus, to North Carolina, and all the way in between, Treatman has held events that have offered far more NBA talent than just the King himself.
LaMelo Ball, Tyreke Evans, Kobe Bryant, Rajon Rondo, Dwight Howard, OJ Mayo, Jameer Nelson, Kyle Lowry and a handful of other NBA starters have all put their talents on display at one Play By Play or another, truly showing that this is one of the nation’s premier events for fans to get an early look at guys who will soon be doing work in the League.
Cleveland play-by-play classic MVP pic.twitter.com/3A8zzj2bpJ
— Mekhi Asberry (@MekhiAsberry28) January 25, 2026
Now in its 27th year, the Cleveland Play By Play Classic brought a three-game slate that had The Land rocking. All games featured top-10 ranked programs in the state, culminating with an electric matchup of Lutheran East (ranked No. 1 in Northeast Ohio regardless of class and No. 1 in state Division V poll) against host Garfield Heights (#2 ranked regardless of class in Northeast Ohio and No. 1 in state Division III).
Despite a massive snowstorm, the atmosphere was electric, the city came out, and ultimately it was Lutheran East who walked away with a 64-55 W in front of the sold-out crowd.
Here’s a look at some of the players who shined at the Cleveland Play By Play Classic:
Photo Credit: framebyjaxon
Dylan Zeigler, 6’3, PG/SG, Lutheran East HS (Ohio), 2028
The best sophomore in Cleveland (and arguably the state of Ohio) backed up his reputation at the Cleveland Play by Play Classic. Able to play either guard spot, Dylan Zeigler is a shot creator who flourishes playing through contact, can easily create separation to get his own shot, and is rapidly improving as a playmaker for others.
Already holding offers from Creighton, undefeated Nebraska, Stanford, and Ohio State, the consensus top-75 recruit is shooting up the national rankings and is in conversation with Kam Mercer for top sophomore in the Buckeye State.
Marcus Johnson, 6’3, PG/SG, Garfield Heights HS (Ohio), 2026
It wasn’t the best night for the state’s top senior, but Marcus Johnson still gave the sold-out crowd a glimpse as to why he is Ohio’s reigning Mr. Basketball. Lutheran East coach Sam Liggins deployed a platoon-style defense on Johnson, blending face guards, double teams, and blitzes throughout Saturday’s affair. The electric lefty still managed to finish with 23 points, five assists, and four rebounds in the loss.
The natural scorer was outstanding coming off of screens in either direction, has some of the best touch in the nation on his floater in the paint, and has a 3-point range approaching half-court. South Carolina’s highest-ranked recruit is vying to represent Ohio’s traditional programs (Spire and Western Reserve Academy should both have players selected) in the McDonald’s All-American Game and has been playing the part throughout his senior year.
Landon Evans, 6’5, SG/SF, Pickerington Central (Ohio), 2027
A jack of all trades, Landon Evans impacted the game in an abundance of ways during his 21-point, MVP outing in Pickerington Central’s 63-53 win over Akron Garfield. The long swingman was able to defend all five positions for stretches, had a great change of pace with explosive takes to the rim, and was highly active on both ends of the floor.
Holding several mid-major offers, Evans continues to project upward as a prospect, especially as his jump shot continues to improve.
Mekhi Roddy, 6’1, PG, Reynoldsburg HS (Ohio), 2028
While there were plenty of others who were playing at the rim, Mekhi Roddy was the most consistent player on the floor for either team, despite just being a sophomore. The sturdy lead guard has effortless range as a shooter, can play through contact at the rim, and knows how to throw defenders off balance with his change of speed.
His 23-point MVP showing came completely within the flow of the game, and his refined style of play should allow him to shine in the EYBL.
Jorden Bowers, 6’6, SF, Reynoldsburg HS (Ohio), 2026
One of the higher upside long-term wings in the state of Ohio, Jorden “Jordie” Bowers, is just scratching the surface of the prospect that he can become down the road. The slithery wing is a game-changing athlete who plays above the rim on both ends, can create his own shot off the bounce, and is continually improving as a 3-point shooter.
The package of versatility, athleticism, and raw talent that he offers makes him an outstanding get at the mid-major level for Jeff Boals and his staff at Ohio University.
Mekhi Asberry, 6’1, Euclid HS (Ohio), 2028
The MVP for Euclid throughout their upset win over Reynoldsburg was Mekhi Asberry, a fearless scoring point guard. Asberry is a constant threat as a 3-point shooter with his feet set, can finish with creativity at the rack, and is growing as a facilitator.
Already owning an offer from UNLV, Asberry is the next big-time prospect whom coach Quentin Rogers (formerly of Ohio power Richmond Heights and All Ohio Red) has developed.
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