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CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission has announced the finalists for Male and Female Athlete of the Year, presented by University Hospitals Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute.
The community can vote online until Jan. 9, 2026. Winners will be announced live at the 26th Greater Cleveland Sports Awards, which will take place on Feb. 5, 2026, at Rocket Arena.
Link for voting here
These are the finalists for Male High School Athlete of the Year:
Shahn Alston, Harvey High School, Football
Alston capped his outstanding high school career in 2025 by rushing for 1,548 yards and scoring 29 touchdowns. He also recorded 489 receiving yards and 5 receiving touchdowns. His total of 34 touchdowns ranked second in Ohio and 42nd in the nation. Alston was a finalist for the FOX 8 Friday Night Touchdown Player of the Year. He is ranked No. 9 nationally in the Class of 2026 by ESPN and will continue his football career next season at the University of Southern California (USC).
Marcus Johnson, Garfield Heights High School, Basketball
Johnson’s stellar 2024-25 season resulted in him being named 2025 Ohio Mr. Basketball, Ohio MaxPreps Player of the Year, and Cleveland.com boys basketball Player of the Year after averaging 29.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. Johnson is a two-time First Team All-Ohio selection, ranked No. 28 nationally in the Class of 2026 by ESPN, and committed to playing basketball at the University of South Carolina.
Jack Ragon, Saint Ignatius High School, Volleyball
Ragon was named the 2025 Cleveland.com boys volleyball Player of the Year after a remarkable season. He totaled 365 kills, 103 service aces, and 54 blocks. Ragon was an eight-time “Player of the Match” and played a key role in delivering the 2025 Division I State Championship to St. Ignatius, the first in school history. He was selected for the Junior Volleyball Association Boys’ All-National Team Class of 2026 and has committed to continuing his volleyball career at Ohio State University.
These are the finalists for Female High School Athlete of the Year:
Sydney Borowy, Magnificat High School, Volleyball
Borowy finished her career at Magnificat by leading the Blue Streaks to a regional championship and a berth in the OHSAA state semifinals. She was named Co-Player of the Year in Division II, District Two, and earned First Team All-Ohio honors for the second year in a row. She recorded 455 kills, averaging 5.2 per set, with a 45.7% kill rate and a .341 hitting percentage, while adding 233 digs. Borowy is set to continue her volleyball career at the University of Connecticut.
Saniyah Hall, SPIRE Academy, Basketball
During her junior season at Montverde Academy, Hall led the team in points (20.3 per game), rebounds (6.7), and steals (2.8), while also adding 3.6 assists per game. She set school records for single-season points (569) and blocks (38), while ranking second in rebounds (188). Internationally, she starred for Team USA at the 2025 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup, averaging 19.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2.9 steals per game. Hall helped lead the U.S. to the gold medal and earned All-Tournament Team and Most Valuable Player honors. She is committed to playing at the University of Southern California (USC).
Emily Morgan, Hathaway Brown School, Lacrosse
Morgan wrapped up her senior season at Hathaway Brown by earning Cleveland.com’s girls lacrosse Player of the Year, USA Lacrosse All-American, All-Ohio First Team, and Ohio Division II Midfielder of the Year honors. She led Ohio with 162 points, scored 108 goals, collected 54 assists, and picked up 73 ground balls. She also received the Hathaway Brown Blazer Award for athletic excellence and leadership. Morgan currently plays club lacrosse at Boston College.
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