CENTERBURG – He works his way back-and-forth and side-to-side, always searching for opportunity.
Centerburg junior post-player Alex Johnson is finally getting his opportunity on the hardwood. After patrolling the middle for the Trojans' jayvee boys basketball squad for two years, he has stepped into a starting spot on the varsity team through hard work and perseverance.
Johnson takes the same approach in the classroom.
"As a coach, people are always coming at you letting you know that someone needs help or they're not doing as well academically or discipline-wise or whatever," Centerburg coach John Marhefka said. "But I've been hearing that Alex is a leader in the classroom. They have said he is the true model of a student-athlete. I think that's great because he really is."
"My best subject is definitely geometry," Johnson said. "I wanted to take college math this year, but they wouldn't let me because I'm a junior. I'm pretty good in English and pretty good with my writing. I'm also good with technology; I'm taking two computer classes."
Johnson is looking toward a career in personal financial management. His 3.5 grade point average and his leadership in the classroom are part of what will attract opportunity.
"I definitely want to go to college," Johnson said. "I have my eye on a couple of colleges. I'm just waiting for that one college to give me an offer that would kind of help me take care of it financially."
If it's about financial planning or managing a bank, Johnson knows his hard work as an athlete will multiply his opportunities in the classroom and in life.
"Sports has been my motivation ever since I was a little kid," he said. "It's definitely helped me get through school so far. I know if I work hard in the classroom and give the same effort I do on the floor or the field, it will pay off."
Centerburg senior Carter Jones led the way with 19 points as the Trojans defeated visiting East Knox 55-43 in Knox Morrow Athletic Conference play on Tuesday, Dec. 15. Johnson scored four points.
The Trojans (4-0, 4-0) are off to a good start, considering they were under COVID-19 quarantine for the final two weeks of the preseason.
"I think it made them appreciate the opportunities more," Marhefka said. "They're not taking it for granted. They're saying, 'It's one game at a time.' We're starting to come into our rhythm, and we want to be playing our best basketball in February and March."
Against the Trojans, the Bulldogs (1-3, 1-2) were led by Weston Melick with 16 points.
"We didn't make very many shots," East Knox coach Ryan Powell said. "I thought we played well enough to win the game. We just didn't make enough shots."
