Chase Johnston talks state championship and current offers
Sophomore Chase Johnston fell four points shy of a state title a year ago. This time around, Johnston and Westminster pulled it off by defeating Providence in the 4A state championship last week in Lakeland.
Johnston called getting to the state title game and winning another challenge that he had to face.
The 2019 guard had 15 points in the semifinal win over Seffner Christian which included 3-of-4 from 3 and eight points in the final.
“I knew that it wasn’t going to be easy because we have a big target on our back and me being considered the best shooter in the country, I knew that I was gonna have to work on other aspects of my game,” Johnston told Prep Hoops Florida. “So whatever came my way I knew how to handle and help my team get the job done and win a state championship that we haven’t won since 2002.
“The dynamics of our team were outstanding. We aren’t just a team we are a family. We ate, breathed, and slept basketball for the last eights months, the highs and the lows, the laughing and the crying. Our motto is family first, hard work second.”
He called the season pretty good for his group overall even after capturing the school’s second title in program history.
“I think we had a couple games that came down to the wire and we should’ve won them but I know that those losses definitely helped us mature as a team and motivated us to become a better team,” he said. “We found our weaknesses and worked on those so when we got into playoffs we were ready for anyone who came our way.”
Johnston says since age 7, he’s played with teams that included players two years older than him.
“I think that helped me adjust to the pressure and feel comfortable when under pressure,” he said. “Playing in the wings of my older brother prepared me. I love pressure and those moments when it really counts, I love being on the big stage. My teammates call me the ‘Ice Man’ because I stay cool under pressure.”
Here’s what he says he brings on the court: leadership, calmness, basketball IQ and skills
Off the court, he prides himself on this: leadership, academics, good character as a result of his Christian faith.
Johnston’s offers currently are FGCU, Stetson and UCF.
He says Yale is at the top of interest list as of now while Liberty, Holy Cross, Princeton, FAU, FIU and Campbell are also showing interest in him.
Johnston’s ability to stretch the floor is undeniable. At 6’3″, he’s still growing. His speed and overall smarts help him get up and down and get his teammates involved as well. He’s a 2019 prospect to monitor and it seems colleges are already taking a liking in his game.