Johnson Transfers to IMG Academy
The WIAA has lost its third star to a prep school heading into the 2019-20 season.
First, there was Michael Foster (Milwaukee Washington – Hillcrest Prep). Then came Jamari Sibley (Nicolet – Oak Hill Academy). And now, it’s Jalen Johnson, who announced on Friday that he’s headed to IMG Academy for his senior season.
The former Sun Prairie and Nicolet star made a statement on Instagram regarding his decision:
“First off, I would like to thank Nicolet for an amazing year and welcoming my family and I with open arms,” Johnson wrote. “Nicolet will always have a special place in my heart, but with that being said, I’m excited to announce that next year I will be attending IMG Academy.”
Johnson spent the first two seasons of his high school career at Sun Prairie, before suiting up for the Knights as a junior. Last season, Johnson claimed Gatorade State Player of the Year honors, averaging 20.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 2.5 steals per game while leading Nicolet to the Division 2 state championship.
In June, Johnson committed to Duke over his other finalists Arizona, Kentucky, and Wisconsin. According to the 247sports composite, Johnson was the nation’s fourth ranked player in the class of 2020.
Per their father, Rod, Jalen’s younger brother, Kobe Johnson, will remain with the Knights. As a sophomore, Johnson contributed 10.3 points per game and already holds scholarship offers from the likes of UW-Milwaukee, Indiana State, and DePaul.
Nicolet is expected to remain competitive in the Division 2 race with Johnson, as well as top 10 rising junior James Graham and 2022 guard Donovan Sparks. However, La Crosse Central and Onalaska will likely enter the 2019-20 season as the favorites in that division.
With Johnson gone, La Crosse Central guard Johnny Davis, a Wisconsin commit, will take over the top spot in the class of 2020 rankings.