‘It feels surreal’: CJ’s Washington named Ohio basketball player of the year on verge of state semifinals

“The first day I came, and feeling the way that everything’s handled, the way things are done, opened my eyes to how realistic all those high hopes and goals that I had already coming in really were,” Washington said.

Washington, who has signed to play at Michigan, has led the Eagles to the Division II state tournament this weekend in UD Arena while earning Greater Catholic League Coed Player of The Year and Southwest District Division II Player of the Year.

On Wednesday he was named Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year.

“It feels surreal,” he said. “I really couldn’t explain it in any other way but really just being a blessing. I’ve put a lot of work in in the gym, and it’s good to get a little bit of recognition for it.”

Washington scores from everywhere and is able to create a good shot for himself in almost any situation. He is averaging 24.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists. He shoots 53.8% from the field, 47.1% from three-point range (65 for 138) and 88.9% from the free-throw line.

“I was very excited for him,” Szabo said. “Obviously, he’s had tremendous season and he’s had, quite arguably, the best season in our history. Him and his performance this year are both very deserving.”

The last area player to win the award, which began in 2000, was Luke Kennard of Franklin in 2015 and 2014. Travis Trice of Wayne won the award in 2011.

The Ohio Mr. Basketball award presented by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association was also announced Wednesday. That award went to Pickerington Central senior Devin Royal, who signed to play at Ohio State and is the highest rated recruit in his class. He led Central back to the Division I state tournament in a quest to win consecutive state titles. He is averaging 19.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and is shooting 64.9% from the field. Centerville senior guard Gabe Cupps, an Indiana signee, is the Mr. Basketball runner-up. Cupps won the award last year and is this year’s Southwest District Division I player of the year.

Szabo did not know who Washington was until he enrolled at CJ. Soon after, Washington committed to Ohio State. In September, Washington changed his mind and committed to Michigan.

“It’s probably about the same thing that stood out to me here,” Washington said of his college choice. “The way that it feels like a family from just being up there and seeing how they interact with each other and how the coaches interact with everyone.”

Szabo soon found out he was getting a great player. And the first day of team camp showed him he also had a leader.

“He’s a natural leader,” Szabo said. “Number one, he understands that leadership is connecting with everybody on our team and everybody in our program. He has personal relationships with kids number one through 35 all the way down to the freshman team. He makes you feel welcome. He enjoys talking to people, people enjoy being around him and, because of that, people will follow him.”