Johnson Displays Versatility on North Capitol and Beyond

February 21, 2006 – Cameron ‘Cam’ Johnson is very busy sophomore at D.C.’s Gonzaga College High School. In addition to handling the formidable scholastic demands of that institution on North Capitol St., in Northwest Washington, Johnson is a two sport standout, who is making a name for himself on the hardwood and gridiron. When not playing scholastically, he plays hoops on a national scale with AAU giant, DC Assault.

When playing football at Gonzaga, Cam directs the Eagles on both sides of the ball; playing both safety and quarterback. Johnson feels participating in football has positive ramifications for his basketball game. “It gets me stronger so I can go to the rack harder, and finish my layups”, he said.

On the hardwood, Cam's penchant for versatility jumps out at you. Standing approximately 6’4”, weighing around 210lbs, and averaging 12.7 points per game, he starts at forward for the Eagles. His basketball coach, coach, Steve Turner, was quick to invoke the ‘V’ word when elaborating on the young guy’s basketball ability. “Cam, I would say, epitomizes versatility” said Turner. “He can play pretty much every position on the floor, and creates a lot of mismatch problems”.

This multi-position effectiveness was evident during the Eagles’ recent 55-50 victory over fellow Washington Catholic Athletic Conference member, St. Mary’s Ryken. Johnson dropped 18 points from various points around the court and nabbed numerous rebounds, but his penchant for passing and creating mismatches is what really stood out.

After that contest, Turner expounded on Johnson’s impact: “We played him at the point tonight against a zone…he creates a lot of mismatch problems. What we did tonight was play him at the top of the zone (offensively). He’s a bigger guard (when playing that position), he makes great passes, and he can see inside. And when we reversed the ball it gave him an opportunity to slide into the gaps (of Ryken’s defense)”.

Playing Cam at point-forward position is “definitely” something Turner will do going forward. Johnson welcomes being utilized in this manner, which was evidenced by the pride in his voice when stating “I like dishing the ball to my teammates, allowing them to score”.

One of DC Assault’s longtime coaches and officials, Mike Sumner, responded “He’s a very versatile kid”, when asked to describe Johnson’s on court skill set. This spring/summer with Assault, Sumner shared that Cam will be used as a “small forward” on “Assault’s 16-under and 17-under (B) teams”.

He is also of the opinion that the young man “is a good shooter” who probably “needs to work on his handle a little”, and with continued skill, physical, and experience development will likely be “one of the best in the area when he’s a senior”.

When that time comes, it is likely that Johnson will receive scholarship interest in both sports. Cam hopes to decide upon a school “next year”, but is presently “still deciding” between which sport to choose in college. His dad, Eugene Johnson, does not have a preference. “Everything is on him. Like I say, that’s his life. I had my opportunity” said the elder Johnson. “Wherever he wants to go, as long as he goes to school, enjoys himself, and lives his life, I’m happy”.

According to Cam’s dad, his son’s impressive ability to do many things on the court has been gradually developing, as he revealed, “Year by year, he’s gotten better and better. He’s learned something, picked something up one year, he brings it on up with him…each year he’s progressed”.

That multi-faceted skill set portends future success for Cam Johnson – he can shoot, defend, rebound, pass, and increasingly handle the ball. Turner added to this list, “He’s a leader, even though he’s a sophomore”.

Check back with i95Ballerz.com for updates regarding Johnson’s skill development, and recruitment. There is sure to be much to share.

Johnson to the Rack

Johnson in Transition