’22 Cortez Johnson’s stock is on the rise

Every year we see prospects use early season high school events to set the tone for the season ahead and possibly establish/gain college interest/offers. For the 2021-22 season that award goes to 2022 St. Frances forward Cortez Johnson Cortez Johnson 6'7" | PF St. Frances | 2022 State MD . 

The Panthers competed in the National High School Hoops Festival, which has become one of the top events throughout the country, and collected two massive wins against the likes of Huntington Prep and DeMatha to insert themselves in the top 25 nationally. Johnson was a pivotal piece to their success, especially against DeMatha where he won MVP honors thanks to his double-double effort of 16 points and 20 rebounds.

"We’re two teams from Maryland and we came in as the underdog this year," Johnson told Prep Hoops after the DeMatha win. "There were a lot of people thinking we weren’t that good coming into the season because we lost Julian Reese (Maryland), Khyrie Staten (Delaware State), Elijah Davis Elijah Davis 6'0" | PG St. Frances | 2022 MD (Mississippi State) and 2024 Derik Queen (Montverde). We knew DeMatha was the top team coming into this, so it was personal for us and we had to bring home the win."

As Johnson mentioned the names they lost, it caused for changes in his role as a senior. At 6-foot-7, Johnson isn’t the ideal height to be featured as a center, but it’s what this year’s team needs and he’s willing to step up to the plate.

"I played the five when I was younger, so it’s always going to be implanted in my mind of how to play in the post and just being expected to block shots and all that. When they need me to play on the wing I’ll play on the wing and when they need me to play down low, that’s what I’m going to do. If it helps contributing to us winning, I’m going to do it."

Johnson battled his share of bigs over the weekend and not only held his own, but walked away with wins and better stat lines. He made steady progression in his growth and game over the summer with Team Thrill on the UAA Circuit and it’s coming to light this winter.

"I got stronger and more physical over the summer. I still have work to do with that and just getting better with using my body. I’ve developed an all around game where I can guard a bunch of different position defensively and now on offense I can shoot, put it on the floor and finish around the rim. Anything my team needs, I got it."

Coming into last weekend’s event, Morgan State was the program heavily pursuing Johnson. On Monday UNC-Greensboro and Siena officially extended offers to the St. Frances standout and I wouldn’t be shocked if another program or two enter the fold here soon. 

Brief scouting report:

Johnson is the definition of versatility. A 6-foot-7 wing/forward with plus length that uses it to challenge shots around the rim. He’s athletic and agile enough to contain guards in ball screen action and can spend chunks of games keeping wings at bay. Dynamite rebounder who pursues the ball at its peak and quickly locates the guard on outlet passes. Can be impactful off the ball offensively as he understands how to free himself up within the flow for easy looks. Pogo stick jumper who can catch and quickly rise above the rim off the vert to finish dunks. His shot is still a work in progress, but certainly an aspect of his game that has improved drastically over the calendar year. Great teammate who is willing to fill whatever role his team needs to win.