Class 3A Player of the Year: Jalen Johnson
Jalen Johnson had an incredible season to lead University High to it’s third straight Class 3A State Championship. He is the top uncommitted prospect in the class of 2016 and is our Class 3A Player of the Year. With a variety of offers on his list, someone will be getting a very late steal for this class.
At 6’7, he has the ability to play inside but does most of his work from the perimeter. He’s got some of the best range in the state on his jumper and is even more efficient in the often forgotten mid range. The smooth lefty had to take on a larger role this season with the Cubs and he really flourished doing so. The length on the perimeter and the ability to clean up inside on both ends of the court gave UHigh something not many others could touch this year. This summer Johnson showed off the side everyone was waiting on when he became one of the key defenders for the Arkansas Wings in the EYBL.
On the season, Jalen averaged 21.8 points and 8.6 rebounds while leading the Cubs to a 31-4 record and their 3rd straight title. He was named the Top 28 Class 3A Most Outstanding Player and Overall Co-MOP with Brandon Rachal after putting up 28 points on 9/12 shooting and 4/5 from the three point line in the finals to go along with his 7 rebounds and 5 blocks. In the semifinals, he put up 27 points and 9 rebounds. This past summer with the Wings, Johnson averaged 8.5 points and 5.2 rebounds in only 15.2 minutes.
As stated, Johnson remains uncommitted but has begun looking at his options after completing the season. His list currently is Tulane, FIU, American, Furman, ULL, Southeastern, and Southern but has made it clear that he’s still wide open and looking for the best fit. Regardless of where he ends up, the school will be getting a player who proved this past year he’s ready to step into any role asked of him.