Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-AJ Johnson

On January 28th, the IHSA made the determination that sports would resume in the state of Illinois. Immediately, winter sports coaches and athletic directors around the state began scrambling to set up gym space, schedules, registration, and all of the other procedures that ordinarily take weeks to months to prepare. Athletes rejoiced as this meant at least some of their season had an opportunity to be salvaged. For senior point guard AJ Johnson, this meant he would have one more opportunity to compete with his teammates and have an opportunity to showcase his skills for an opportunity to play at the next level. AJ’s leadership and talent have helped the Wolves jump out to a hot start, which is one of the many reasons he is the Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

AJ began his competitive basketball career in the 6th grade but has always been involved in sports. “AJ has always enjoyed being a multisport athlete,” says Rodney and Susan Johnson, AJ’s parents. They go on to add, “He played basketball, soccer, and volleyball his freshman year. He loves playing tennis and beach volleyball during the summer as well.”

After his sophomore year, AJ decided to focus on basketball. “I decided to focus on improving my basketball game, and my parents encouraged and supported my decision,” says AJ. Although a difficult decision, AJ understood if he wanted to achieve his dream of playing at the next level, he would need to improve in all areas of his game. “[AJ] has always been talented-especially as a shooter, but I think through the years he realized that it isn’t enough,” says Rodney and Susan. “At the varsity level, everyone is talented, so you have to do more to stand out. He has really bought into working harder and putting in the extra time and effort that it takes to succeed on both ends of the court.”

Fortunately for Coach Ryan Velasquez and the boy’s baseball program, AJ’s improvement has led him to take on a leadership role on the court and propel the Wolves’ to a 5-1 start. “AJ has a positive attitude, and a desire to get better every day, not only individually but by pushing his teammates to give their very best,” says Velasquez.

With limited time to gear up for the season, every minute of practice has been imperative to prepare for games. AJ has played a prominent role in making sure his team is game ready, saying, “AJ has been the one that holds the team accountable and knows that these practices are at a premium,” says Velasquez.

During the extended pandemic layoff, AJ kept his dreams of becoming a scholarship player at the collegiate level alive by doing whatever he could to improve his game. “I was able to play in a few tournaments with my travel team this summer before we got shut down again, but I connected with my teammates and senior buddies by going to the park every couple of days to get some shots up and get our touches in,” says AJ. Rodney and Susan noticed how their son refused to allow obstacles to stand in the way of his dreams, saying, “AJ adjusted by doing daily individual strength and conditioning workouts and by working on his game on the driveway hoop or anywhere he could find an open basketball court.”

AJ’s has been a leader for the Wolves, helping them to a 5-1 record while averaging 11.3 PPG and 3 assists per game. While the pandemic has drastically cut the season short, the SPC will hold an end-of-the-year tournament, one the Wolves have their eyes on winning, building on the success of the last two season’s conference championships.

Not only does AJ excel on the hardwood, but his work in the classroom has positioned him well to be recruited by several schools. AJ has earned a 3.7 G.P.A., and his work in the classroom has been noted by his coach as well. “AJ is a very strong student in the classroom and has learned how to manage academics and basketball to be successful in both,” says Velasquez.

AJ plans on majoring in physical therapy in college, following in the footsteps of his mom. “My mom was a physical therapist so I had the opportunity to see her help others, and I want to be able to help other athletes recover from their injuries,” says AJ. Connor Downs, AJ’s Honors Earth and Space teacher, believes AJ has the ability to succeed in any field. “AJ is a hard-working, bright, and quick to respond student who is always ready and prepared to learn. It is easy to understand how his success in the classroom has translated to the court,

While this was not the senior year AJ and his teammates envisioned playing out, they are thankful they are getting an opportunity to play at least some games in their last season together. AJ is hopeful this shortened season will give college coaches one last opportunity to see him play and help him earn a scholarship, something Velasquez believes is a no-brainer, saying, “AJ’s playing days are long from being over. Whatever school AJ decides to play at he is going to make that program better. They are getting a team guy that loves to compete!”

Looking back on his four years, AJ laments on just how quickly the time feels like it flew by. He advises future Wolves’ to, “Make the most out of your time at East by being involved.” Despite the obstacles of the past year, AJ has done just this by consistently finding ways to improve and better himself, and has helped the Wolves and himself off to a fast start.