Braves' all-state forward departs on winning note

COLUMBIA -- Senior Caleb Johnson pulled down four rebounds in his final high school game, while freshman Otto Porter finished with 11.

Consider Friday's Class 1 state third-place game a changing of the guard.

Johnson, who earned first-team all-state honors last year, led Scott County Central in rebounds this season, averaging 7.7 boards per game. But that's partly because Porter didn't move into the starting lineup until later in the season.

Johnson enjoyed his final game, even though third place was on the line instead of a state title.

"It's pretty tough ending your high school career," Johnson said. "I think it would be tough for anyone. I'm going to miss it a lot."

He vowed Friday's game won't be his last.

"I don't know where, but I'll be playing somewhere next year," he said.

Johnson's knack for rebounding can be attributed to his nose for the basketball, more than his superior height. The 6-foot-1 forward manages to snatch the ball away from players 5 or 6 inches taller than him.

"It's probably my speed," he said. "I can get off the ground faster than the big guys."

Foul trouble limited Johnson's playing time Friday. He picked up three fouls in the first half, and ended up fouling out with 6 minutes, 15 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

"I was kind of mad a little bit," Johnson said of the foul trouble. "But my teammates stayed in there and played hard because I couldn't play."

Johnson received a standing ovation from the Scott County faithful after picking up his fifth foul.

"I noticed it," he said. "It meant a lot. They support us a lot. I appreciate it."

Johnson finished with eight points and was credited with three assists. But it's how he earned his assists that was most impressive. He used some no-look passes to throw off the defense and create wide-open chances for his teammates.

"I don't really practice them," Johnson said. "But being my size, I think I pass pretty good. I get double-teamed, so I know someone's going to be open. I just dish it off to the open guy."

With 25 seconds left in the first quarter, Johnson slipped a no-look pass to fellow senior D.D. Gillespie, who converted the easy layup. Then with 5:45 left in the first half, Johnson spotted the wide-open Porter, who nailed a jumper to earn Johnson another assist.

"They more than likely double-team him, which leaves me wide open," Porter said of Johnson.

The no-look passes went the other way, too. Porter found an open Johnson underneath for an easy layin.

Johnson's relentless work for rebounds will be missed next season, but he's left his imprint on some of the returning players.

"He taught me a lot about how to get on the defensive boards," Porter said. "He pushed me. He works real hard."

Scott County coach Ronnie Cookson also noted Johnson's work ethic when asked about Johnson's best attribute.

"Mr. Big C, he's a great kid," Cookson said. "He works hard. He gets in there and gets after it. He usually comes through with some big plays and big buckets and stuff like this."