The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced on March 17 that five individuals will be honored during the finals of the 2026 Boys State Basketball Tournament as part of its Circle of Champions recognition program. The honorees include Pro Football Hall of Famer Orlando Pace, football standouts Paris Johnson Jr. and Brady Quinn, former Ohio State basketball All-American Frani Washington, and collegiate football official Dr. Dennis (Denny) Morris.
These recognitions highlight the achievements and contributions of notable Ohio athletes and officials in both football and basketball. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, during the tournament finals.
Pace was recognized for his outstanding high school and college football career, which led to a successful tenure in the National Football League (NFL), including a Super Bowl win with the Rams and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016. Johnson Jr., a Cincinnati native, has played as an offensive tackle for Arizona since being drafted sixth overall in 2023 after a standout career at Princeton High School and Ohio State University. Quinn was honored for his accomplishments as a quarterback at Dublin Coffman High School, Notre Dame, and his subsequent NFL career; he now works as a college football analyst.
Washington made history as a pioneer in girls sports during the 1970s, excelling in basketball and track at Toledo Woodward High School before becoming Ohio State’s first women’s basketball All-American. Morris has served as an official in both football and basketball for decades, contributing significantly to officiating development within OHSAA.
Additional awards will be presented throughout the tournament weekend to educators, coaches, athletic trainers, media members, and other contributors to high school athletics across Ohio. Recognitions will take place during halftime at various games from Friday through Sunday at both Nutter Center and UD Arena.
The OHSAA said tickets remain available for purchase for those wishing to attend the boys state basketball tournament.