PrepXtra means as much to Webb's Johnson as any other

Photo by Saul Young

As much as she did for Webb School, Glory Johnson still wishes she could've done more to prevent a two-point loss to Ensworth in the Division II-AA state championship game.

Glory Johnson's acreage on Cloud Nine has been Texas-sized for some time now.

She's been named an All-American by Parade and McDonald's, the state player of the year by Gatorade.

She signed a basketball scholarship to play for the most storied collegiate basketball coach and program in women's basketball.

She's won two Division II Miss Basketball trophies and a state championship.

But the Webb School of Knoxville senior hasn't lost reality's phone number, nor has she a snobby nose to turn up at a local honor.

Johnson, a University of Tennessee signee, is the 2008 PrepXtra girls' basketball player of the year for the second consecutive year - and it means as much to her as any other award she's received.

"It does," she said. "I still work for it. It's something I work for every day in the gym. Being acknowledged for what I've worked for, it feels good."

Johnson led the Lady Spartans (25-5) to a Division II-AA state runner-up trophy this past season, losing by two points to Ensworth. Johnson's last-second attempt to tie rimmed out, and although she had 24 points and 15 rebounds, 27 and 15 would have been easier to stomach.

"I think about it a little bit almost every day: what could I have done to have made that last shot or make a couple more free throws or an extra pass," said Johnson, who averaged 19.1 points and 11.1 rebounds this season. "You can't change it now. But I'm pretty happy with our season. I try to make things positive."

The last month, Johnson has lived the jetsetter's life, traveling to national all-star games in Milwaukee and Tampa. Keeping up with her academic work has been a box-and-one task to handle.

"It's tough. It keeps me busy and keeps me out of trouble," she said with a laugh. "Time management is a good thing. I think that I have that figured out."

"I know she's been overwhelmed," said Webb coach Shelley Collier. "I'm proud she's been able to maintain her focus in the classroom."

Collier said Johnson will only continue to get better at Tennessee, where the level of talent is such that she'll be pushed daily. Collier's said she's glad to see Johnson get that chance just a few miles away.

"I've enjoyed my time with Glory at Webb," said Collier. "It certainly has been the glory days, a lot of magical moments and special moments. She'll be a measuring stick for those to come. .... We're all very proud of her and will be watching to see what she does next. I want her to go on and achieve all she can."

Johnson said Collier won't be getting rid of her too easily, that the coach shouldn't be surprised to see Johnson peek in on a few practices next season.

"I'm going to miss my team and my coach being on me all the time," said Johnson, the school's all-time leading scorer (2,339) and rebounder (1,375). "I'll have Pat (Summitt) there, and my coach will be right around the corner anytime I need her.

"I keep telling (my teammates) I'm going to come visit. I'm going to come watch them running on the baseline and remind them to keep working hard. It's what I had to go through for four years, and it will pay off someday."