Mt. San Jacs Johnson Provides Offensive Punch
Tihon Johnson's sophomore year has been through the proverbial peaks and valleys, but the strong 6-3 small forward/swingman from Mt. San Jacinto College in California is playing some of his best basketball down the stretch for the Eagles.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Johnson averages 19.2 points per game, which ranks 17th in the state of California. He's become that much more important for Mt. San Jac since the season-ending injury to 6-8 1/2 forward Waki Williams.
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In addition to his point totals, Johnson also averages 5.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. He's shooting 42 percent from the floor, 36 percent beyond the arc and 75 percent from the foul line this winter.
Johnson has helped Mt. San Jac to a 19-6 mark and 9-2 record in Foothill Conference play entering the stretch run.
"Tihon has responded well and bought into his role," MSJC Head Coach Patrick Springer told JUCO Junction. "He has developed more trust in his teammates as the season has progressed."
That may have been something lacking in Johnson when Springer suspended him back in December for conduct detrimental to the team. Johnson sat out three games as a result, but he has been a new man since getting back into the lineup.
"He shoots it, and he's a big physical guard who can be a combo guard," Springer said. "He's not explosive enough to be a wing, but he can spot people at the point guard position."
Johnson took one official visit in the fall to Creighton, and the Blue Jay program had offered him a scholarship. Others in the mix include East Carolina, Akron, Weber State and Idaho.
Johnson won't take any more official visits until the conclusion of the Eagles' season. Just when that happens is dependent on how deep a run Mt. San Jac can make in the Cali State Playoffs.
JUCO Junction will keep you posted on Johnson's situation as the signing period approaches.