We don't normally single out one player when we're covering sports. We try to remain impartial especially when we write up a basketball game. It's a team sport played with five athletes on the floor at one time. In our collages we try to get as many team members included as we can. We feel that each and everyone of them contribute in some way.
Some players excel on offense, some do better defensively and some do good both ways. Then there's the guys on the bench that contribute just as much as the starters. They usually don't get as much playing time but they are definitely a very important part of the team. Their contribution to any game is just as important as the starters. Any coach in any sport will tell you their bench strength is more often than not the difference in winning or losing a game. Basketball is a team sport that requires a total team effort.
WHS Senior Michael Johnston will be one of the first to tell you that. On January 15 in a home game against Beaver Local Johnston passed the 1,000 point scoring mark in his high school career. By the end of the game his three year high school scoring totaled 1,020 points. It's a milestone that is not often reached by that many.
In the newspaper account Johnston acknowledged he does what he can but added it's a team effort. He spoke of his playing buddy Jalen DeSarro and what the team is trying to accomplish. From that newspaper account we think Head Coach Bug Thompson was more excited about the 1,000 points than Michael. Being an unselfish guy Michael wasn't tooting his own horn, even when he had center stage.
Michael started playing Varsity ball in the 2008-2009 season. That year he scored a total of 367 points playing in 20 games, averaging 18 points per game (ppg). He was one of the starters last year and played in 23 games. In the 2009-2010 season he recorded a total of 420 points, again averaging 18 ppg. As of January 29 of this year, when they played the Toronto Red Knights, his year-to-date total is 267 points, averaging 22 ppg. He does have the touch with an eye for the hoop. When he's hot he can kill WHS opponents with his 3-pointers. They're sweet to see but Michael is not just an outside shooter or even just a shooter.
He's a team player on both sides of the court. If he doesn't have a good look he'll dish it off just as quick. If he spots someone open he'll pass it off. We can't tell you how many times we've seen him do that when we thought he had an open shot himself. If he's jammed up outside the arch he's not afraid to take it inside. He got his legs taken out from under him a couple of weeks ago up at Lowellville going to the the bucket. He got his bell rung and was taken to the hospital. Fortunately it wasn't that serious. Everyone was thinking concussion. Michael was back in action the next night at Toronto.
On defense he's plays just as hard and is not leary of mixing it up. He's got quick hands, quick feet and can run like a gazelle. The running is required if you want to play wearing the Orange & Black. It's a Tiger tradition.
Congratulations Michael Johnston and Good Luck. We're happy you're a Wellsville Tiger. Mike is the son of Pete Johnston and Janet Meeks. The Tigers return to action tonight in the Tiger's Den hosting the McDonald Blue Devils. We've been waiting for them to pay a visit.
Go Tigers...
ole nib
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