Sunday, April 28, 2024

THE WEST ALABAMA WATCHMAN

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Linden’s Johnson signs with Stillman College

Jeremy D. Smith , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Stillman College signee Alexis Johnson is pictured with her father, Joe Johnson, Linden High principal Dr. Timothy Thurman, Linden girls basketball coach Teressa Bolden and Linden athletic director Andro Williams.
Stillman College signee Alexis Johnson is pictured with her father, Joe Johnson, Linden High principal Dr. Timothy Thurman, Linden girls basketball coach Teressa Bolden and Linden athletic director Andro Williams.

Linden High School girls basketball standout Alexis Johnson has a new home after signing a scholarship offer from Stillman College Wednesday.

“It was the campus visits and talking to the coach and everything. At Tigerfest, I really had fun and just felt at home on the campus,” Johnson said of what appealed to her most about Stillman.

Johnson is pictured with the five Stillman College alumni who are currently in the Linden City Schools system. Pictured with Johnson are Tamika Glover Dial, Teresa Tucker, Joe Young, Telena M. Williams and Sara Blackmon.
Johnson is pictured with the five Stillman College alumni who are currently in the Linden City Schools system. Pictured with Johnson are Tamika Glover Dial, Teresa Tucker, Joe Young, Telena M. Williams and Sara Blackmon.

Johnson, a 2014 West Alabama Watchman All-County performer, averaged 16.5 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, three steals and two blocks a game for the Lady Patriots as a senior.

“I think that I’ve gotten better, but I’ve got a lot more to work on,” Johnson said of where her game is as she readies for the NCAA Division II level.

“Over the past four years, she has definitely developed. She went from me putting her in the post just because she was tall to her coming out and being the point guard,” Linden coach Teressa Bolden said. “She has definitely developed some ball-handling skills and being able to lead on the court.”

Johnson had a plethora of athletic opportunities from which to choose. She held basketball offers from Lawson State and Alabama State as well as track scholarship offers from Cornell University, Mississippi College, Illinois College, Oberlin College, Alabama A&M and others.

“I enjoy playing basketball more than I do track, so I chose that instead. And after talking to my dad about everything, he felt like that was the best choice and I did too,” Johnson said. “After our last game, when we lost, I just knew I wanted to play basketball again. I wasn’t through with it.”

At a shade under six feet tall, Johnson will provide length to the wing spot for Stillman.

“Right now, they’ve told me that I’m going to be playing at the two and the three,” Johnson said. “I think I’m going to be pretty comfortable and be able to adjust. I played there during high school, so I think I’ll be alright.”

“A leader, somebody definitely with good work ethic, somebody that can put up some points for them as a guard and an overall good person,” Bolden said of what Stillman is gaining in Johnson. “Overall I think that, academically and athletically, she’ll definitely stand out there at Stillman and represent Linden High School well. We’re definitely going to miss her.”

While she moves to the next level, Johnson remains mindful of those she leaves behind in Linden and hopes that her success will help to blaze a trail.

“I’m going to further my education at a good school. My skills are going to get better because the coach is going to work with me,” Johnson said. “I think in the community it will show them that they can go to college too through pursuing athletics.”

“Hopefully it motivates (the players that remain in Linden) to see that there is another side to girls basketball other than just playing through my four years of high school,” Bolden said.