Recruiting Report: Brandan Johnson (2018)
Brandan Johnson – 6’1” | G | North Side | Class of 2018
Brandan Johnson is gearing up for his fourth year of varsity basketball at North Side High School following their State Runner-Up finish last season in Class 4A. Johnson has been a crucial piece to the Legends success over the past few seasons and is looking to continue that this year. Brandan is currently playing his AAU ball with OPS and is starting to find his place on the team.
“The spring session went well, we didn’t lose much at all.” Johnson had no issues transitioning to this team as they needed a player with his skill set. He is a tough-nosed player who takes pride on both sides of the floor. “The team kind of complimented my game, and vice versa.”
A big part of the team’s early spring success is how well they play together. “We all like each other and it translates to the court, which makes me play better not just to win, but for the guys next to me.”
Brandan reflected on his play in the spring session. “I think what I did well was bring energy, scoring, and passing. We have a lot of shooters and I can get them open easily with my driving ability and my center, John, sets great screens.”
Johnson is a player that has always been better slashing and finishing at the rim. He has shown more confidence in his mid-range and three-point jumper but is still working on it during the off-season.
“Still focusing on becoming a scorer from inside out, shooting the ball more consistently, and also becoming a better free throw shooter.”
Now that June is here, Brandan is transitioning back into playing alongside his high school team. “North is really a family environment, so it’s not hard to fit in there. I’m the only senior we have that played heavy minutes last year, so I’m just being a leader, helping the new guys become accustom to what we do at North.”
North Side brought in 2019 Lucas Kroft and his younger brother, 2021 Andrew Kroft from Blackhawk Christian last month. They are looking to build on the successes that they had last season with the added pieces. Johnson will be the senior that the team turns to that will help lead the younger guys through some of the season.
The team is poised for another State Title run and Johnson has one goal in mind for his senior year, win state. He knows that improving his game will be just as important as helping the others around him get better so they are ready for the big stage come post-season play.
Brandan’s length and work ethic make him a good on-ball defender and he is one of the best rebounding guards in the Fort Wayne area. “I am unselfish, a threat offf the pick and roll, and my jumper has improved. Attacking the basket and finishing is my strength.”
When it comes to recruiting, Brandan wants to join a program that has a family environment and good relationships amongst the players and coaching staff. “I’m more concerned about the environment among the players.”
“A few schools have contacted me and I took a visit to Kent State in December.” With North Side’s success last season and playing alongside some great players in the Fort Wayne area, Brandan will continue to get exposure up until the day that he graduates.
Make sure to keep North Side and Brandan Johnson on your radar heading into the high school season. Be on the lookout for OPS to be playing late on Sunday come the month of July as well as that team is looking for opportunities to turn heads.
Prep Hoops Profile: https://prephoops.com/archived-player/brandan-johnson/
Highlight Video from Jerome Jordan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfbbWiu0fiw