One of the top shooting guard/wing forward combos in Dayton, Ohio is 5’10” Kelley Johnson of Clayton Northmont. Now that the AAU season has ended, this sleeper is now ready to see what recruiting interest comes her way during her senior year.
Last year as a junior playing mostly in the post, Johnson averaged 8 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals per game. She shot approximately 50% from the floor.
This coming season Johnson is looking to lead her team to a GWOC league title. Johnson said her relationships with her teammates will be the key to Northmont’s success. She explained, “I am friends with all my teammates. We are really close which makes us a better team.”
This summer she played AAU ball with Ohio based Vipers. The Vipers had a good season and won a couple of tournaments. Playing out on the wing, her per game AAU averages were 12 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. Getting to be seen as a ballhandler in front of college coaches is a huge plus for her recruiting.
Johnson describes her game as follows:
“I am a rebounder, a garbage player who can put the ball back up. I am in good shape and run the floor well.”
Johnson said she idolizes Candace Parker of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks and “strives to be like her.”
An evaluation after participating in the recent Blue Chip exposure camp said she rebounds well but needs to improve the “timing” of her shooting.
Johnson has not been offered a scholarship yet, but has received interest from VMI and West Virginia State. She is open to all schools at the moment.
She said ideally she would like to follow her older brother Kenny Hayes to Miami. Hayes is a 5th year senior guard on the men’s team and likely preseason 1st team All-MAC selection). Specifically she said, “I would like to go to Miami.”
She does not have any visits scheduled right now but may visit West Virginia State.
Johnson said she is looking for a school that has “a good coach, nice school, good education, and a good team in general.”
She plans to follow her mother Sheila Johnson into social work and therefore would like to major in psychology or sociology.
Johnson maintains a G.P.A. of 2.47. She earned a 17 on the ACT and will be retaking the exam soon.
Johnson describes herself as fun and outgoing. She added, “I am a fun person to be around. I like to hang with friends, go shopping, and play basketball.”
Kelley Johnson expects big things from her brother Kenny this year at Miami. She said, “I think this will be his best season. Things happen for a reason. (His hand injury last season) will make him only stronger as a player.”
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