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| The stage at the 26th Greater Cleveland Sports Awards. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
The recipients of the male and female high school athlete of the year awards were Saniyah Hall from Spire Academy and Marcus Johnson, a standout from Garfield Heights.
Hall is in her final year of high school and is having an exceptional season, as she added another accomplishment to her career. "It feels amazing, honored to be here," she elaborated. She is also on her way to the Big Ten Conference, having committed to USC in November of 2025.
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| Saniyah Hall, after winning the Greater Cleveland Sports Award High School Female Athlete of the Year Award. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
"These last four years have been a journey," said Hall after being asked about her high school journey as she started at Laurel in Shaker Heights, then went to prep school at Montverde in Florida, and eventually landed at Spire Academy. "I remember going into my junior year, moving schools, I thought it was going to be crazy."As she wants the younger girls to stay confident on the same journey. "Don't be afraid of a different enviroment just embrace it and be you."
Johnson was a finalist for Ohio Mr. Basketball in 2025 and received numerous awards for his outstanding play. He is having another stellar season to date, as well as being named the athlete of the year. "It's a blessing for sure from God and being known for this, for my city of Cleveland," said Johnson.
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| Marcus Johnson, after winning the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards Male High School Athlete of the Year Award. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
He is committed to the University of South Carolina after decommitting from Ohio State. His dad, a standout at Garfield Heights, keeps him motivated. "My dad he's tough on me; he pushes me for sure. Having my dad as my coach has definitely made my game better."
Receiving the Jim Donovan Courage Award was Elyria's Myles Gimmett for his perseverance in a battle with bone cancer at a very young age. "It's very special, it's a blessing, I'm very grateful," said Grimmett after receiving the honor. He is currently on the Elyria basketball roster as he continues to overcome a truly unique situation.
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| Elyria's Myles Grimmett walking the red carpet at the 26th Greater Cleveland Sports Awards. (Photo: Gene Simmons/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
Another notable occasion was the acknowledgement of the Cleveland Cavaliers' 2016 NBA Championship. Ohsfbmedia.com engaged in a conversation with then General Manager David Griffin, who discussed events that transpired during that history-making season.
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| David Griffin talks about the historic 2016 NBA Championship at the 26th Greater Cleveland Sports Awards. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
Going after the title, Dan Gilbert made it clear what the mission was and how the mission would be played out. "In the pursuit of a title, Dan [Gilbert] made it clear what our mission was, and it wasn't to save money," Griffin said. Cleveland was the highest taxpayer in the league during that run, as they paid $54 million in luxury tax.
It was LeBron's promise as he returned to Cleveland after a stint with the Miami Heat to bring a championship back to Cleveland, as Griffin remembers his first words to him after winning the coveted title. "I'm happy for you. I knew what it meant to him," said Griffin. As Cleveland ended a 52 year major professional sports drought to become NBA Champions.
Other winners from the night included Myles Garrett (Professional Athlete of the Year), Eric Colaco (Male Collegiate Athlete of the Year), and Katie Clark (Female Collegiate Athlete of the Year).
Cleveland Browns great Hanford Dixon took home the Lifetime Achievement Award as he dedicated his life to Cleveland Sports.
The Cleveland Guardians' 15.5-game comeback to win the 2025 American League Central Division title was honored as the Best Moment in Cleveland Sports, and Michael Parr won the 2025 Best Fan Moment in Cleveland Sports.
Additionally, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission also recognized the Volunteer of the Year (Michelle Ricco) and the Sports Development Award winners.
Ohsfbmedia.com coverage of the event was brought to you by The Ross Real Estate Group-KW Legacy Group, and Kingdom Takeover.
Supported by Grip Spritz.
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