by Isai Carmona | sports editor
Girls end the playoff run at third round Regional Quarterfinals failing to beat Clark 62-52, boys follow ending their season playing Wagner at first round Bi-District 89-67.
Coach Dustin White is proud of the recovery the boys made this season.
“It was kind of an up and down year. We had a lot of injuries early, had some guys who were really crucial to our team out,” White said. “Still some guys stepped up and got some very valuable minutes that helped build our debt going into district.”
The team stayed head to head with Wagner, yet lost control at the end.
“We played hard, we did what we were supposed to do, we did our best; sadly we did not come out with the victory,” White said.
White still does not fail to recognize effort where recognition is due.
“This season we had some very good contributions from the guys – Kendall Dow, David Paine, Evan Amsler, Daryl Banks – they have all done a really good job,” White said. “We had other players come off the bench and play well for us, Curwin, which has been a really good lift for us coming from football. It has been a team effort all year. We started the year off struggling to get wins, had a losing record, and went to being an 11-5 team all the way to getting third place by two games.”
Coach Stephanie Desmarais led her team to the third round Regional Quarterfinals, but Clark, ranked second in the state, got the upper hand.
“It was a good season since we started out with two or starters being out, and once we finally got everybody back we still struggled to keep everybody healthy,” Desmarais said. “We kind of had an up and down year, but I think we fought through all the adversary, so it was a good year.”
Although their streak was cut off, this team will remain as one of the most memorable teams in Johnson history.
“I call this team my unicorn team, pretty much exceded expectations, since we had a lot of changes on our team in the spring, so we came back with not the same team we thought we had,” Desmarais said. “Still they fought through and they were so resilient and persistent in achieving their goals.”
And as the season comes to an end, Desmarais knows she’s going to miss these seniors.
“We can’t win without the effort of everyone having that same desire and focus and determination to achieve: which is what has allowed us to over achieve. Kylie Norman, she is a senior now, who has been the heart and soul for the last three and a half years,” Desmarais said. “She’s a starter and now a captain, and she went down with a knee injury that took her out the whole year, but still brought that same fire and passion on the side now. Kind of like a student coach. If there is anyone I can say has gone above and beyond it would probably be her.”
