Fresh off a fourty game season with Oak Hill that concluded with a runner up finish at Dicks Nationals, Johnson made his travel ball debut in our Phenom Opening Showcase.

Johnson was everything we expected and even more, it was obvious the sophomore had taken his game to another level since the move Mouth of Wilson. Johnson completely controlled the tempo of each contests and made it easy for his teammates to flourish offensively. Johnson is a pass first point guard; Johnson looked excellent running the break, in half court sets he dissected defenses, Johnson racked up obnoxious assist numbers.

Johnson is a serious problem in the pick N roll he's an extremely gifted passer, Johnson is also a sharpshooter so defenses must respect his offense or beware.

What stood out most personally was his cool demeanor and decision making both of which he carries on and off the court. The big stage doesn't bother the 6'0 2020 Hoop State product, Johnson doesn't let his matchup dictate his pace.

' Playing at Dicks you're going against potential pro's and high level players it's a fast paced game you know. When you play against good players you have to play good it was good experience, then jumping into AAU I've taken stuff from my high school team to lead.' Johnson said.

The emphasis on vocal leadership this year was apparent on the floor Johnson was the quarterback on both ends, directing traffic offensively, on the opposite end Johnson was locked in defensively. Johnson encouraged high energy and communication amongst the 16U group. The game looked easy for him this weekend and Johnson proved he could get anywhere on the floor.

'Practicing every day and playing against high level players everyday made me better; guys like Will Richardson, Keldon Johnson, Keyontae Johnson, and Dave McCormack, those are high level guys and potential pro's, you practice with them everyday you have no choice but to get better.'

Johnson credits Head Coach Steve Smith and Oregon hoops commit Will Richardson with assisting him in the art of controlling pace as a floor general.

' Will taught me how to slow the game down, don't ever let anybody speed you up control the game, and you know Coach Smith gave me the keys a little bit in the game, get everyone involved and win the game.' Johnson said.

The strides are noticeable and Johnson looks every bit the part of a top 100 lead guard at the national level. The emphasis on 'pass first' doesn't overshadow the fact that Johnson is an efficient three level scorer, he consistently connects from well beyond the high school three point mark.

Johnson is a humble young man and after speaking with him you understand his approach to the game is different.

Currently Johnson holds offers from Old Dominion, Hampton, Iowa St, Okla St, and James Madison amongst others. There are some solid programs listed but this list could explode after a good showing in the Nike EYBL. Team CP3 looks like a strong contender to repeat as 16U champs and all eyes will be on the general.

'What's going to sell me as a player is other players like to play with me I'm unselfish, people can really rock, because I recognize what players are really good at and I'll put them in the spots.' Johnson said.

Wise beyond his years whatever program lands Johnson will have their future point guard and team leader.