Johnson named Southeast Missourian Player of the Year

Three times an all-state selection.

Two times a state champion.

Add two-time Southeast Missourian Player of the Year to the list.

Bell City senior Dominitrix Johnson's numerous achievements, which included a 40-point performance in the Class 1 state title game, helped to earn him the title of this year's Southeast Missourian Player of the Year.

"He's done everything you can do as a high school player," Bell City coach David Heeb said. "He's left his mark not only at Bell City but across Southeast Missouri."

Johnson, a 5-foot-10 point guard, was the area's most prolific scorer, averaging just under 30 points a game. Johnson also led the team in assists and rebounds as well. Johnson posted 40 points or more seven times, and during the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament Johnson exploded for 90 points in Bell City's first two games.

After yielding some of the scoring duties to Eric Henry and C.J. Hadley over the past two years, Johnson said he liked the idea of being the marked man.

"It was kind of fun, knowing you have to do a lot," he said. "You come in knowing you have to work harder."

Despite playing just three years of varsity basketball at Bell City, Johnson finished with more than 2,000 points, second on the school's career list. Johnson's game was not limited to scoring though, as he averaged nearly 10 rebounds a game and over five assists.

"He really exceeded my own expectations," Heeb said of Johnson. "When people talk about how much talent he's got, they don't realize the amount of time he puts in the gym. He's got a great work ethic."

An unselfish approachIn fact, for all of his scoring, Johnson was known by his coach and teammates as an unselfish player. On more than one occasion Heeb would have to remind his star that the team needed him to keep the ball more.

"When you think about the great players and how they played, whether it's Magic Johnson or Larry Bird, you think of how they made the players around them better," Heeb said. "He's (Johnson) always taken pride in that he makes other players better around him."

Johnson showed his scoring prowess when it counted. After a career full of big games, none could match his final game. In one of the most dominating state final performances in the MSHSAA final four history, Johnson simply took over. His 40 points rank fourth all time in a finals game.

"I just did what's necessary," Johnson said of his final explosion.

Johnson's high school career may be over, but Southeast Missouri basketball fans will likely get their chance to see the guard in action next year. Johnson has made a verbal commitment to play at Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff.

With two state championships on his high school record, Johnson said what he will take most from his Bell City playing days is his ability to trust his teammates.

"We talked about that a lot," he said. "If you don't trust your teammates you don't have a team."

Added Heeb: "I think his willingness to get everyone involved is really going to make some college coach happy."

jjoffray@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 171