From practice squad guy to varsity contributor, Johnson an inspiration for Cheboygan basketball

CHEBOYGAN – Jordan Johnson wasn’t happy with the news he had just heard.

Just a sophomore at the time, Johnson received word he wouldn’t be selected as a member of Cheboygan’s junior varsity boys basketball team. But instead of being bitter, he made a choice when Cheboygan JV coach Scott Hancock asked if he still wanted to be around the squad.

“I was upset about it, obviously, but I kind of understood that some players were better, but I was offered the opportunity as a practice player,” Johnson recalled. “I really had nothing else going on, to be honest, but at the same time, I do actually like basketball, and I enjoy the sport. I had a chance to play on the JV team and then get better for varsity.

“I took the chance.”

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Years later, it’s safe to say Johnson made the right choice by deciding to hang around. Now a senior, not only is Johnson a part of Cheboygan’s varsity squad, but he’s also a contributor for the Chiefs, who have shown drastic improvement this winter.

It’s been quite a journey for Johnson, who made the varsity his junior season but rarely saw playing time. With some of Cheboygan players out because of injuries, Johnson finally received his chance to make something happen late in the season. As a result, he gained valuable experience by playing those final games.

“It was kind of weird because even on JV, I wasn’t in as much, I barely played when I did get my jersey, and it felt weird to get on the court for a varsity game,” Johnson said.

This season, Johnson’s minutes have gone up by being one of the team’s most relentless defensive players. As a standout on Cheboygan’s soccer team in recent campaigns, it’s no surprise that Johnson’s aggressive defense has translated from the pitch to the basketball court.

When it came to preparing for his senior hoops season last summer, he knew what had to be done.

“I really kind of just worked on the game that I knew, which was my defensive ability,” Johnson said. “At this point, I was clearly not a shooter. I could finish a little bit but not much compared to my teammates. From the start, I only had my defense. I really love defense. Defense has always been my thing. I feel an urge when I can stop a team’s best player.”

Johnson's overall defensive versatility has benefited the Chiefs in a big way, according to his coach.

“Long arms, he causes problems defensively, but I’m just happy he’s such a great kid. That’s my favorite part about Jordan,” Cheboygan coach Jason Friday said. “He will do whatever you ask of him. If we need him to play a guard, with his length and trying to give him fits, he’ll do that. If we need him to guard a big, he’ll do that. If we need him to play the point guard in our 3-2 zone, he’ll play that.

"I’m just very thankful he’s a member of this team.”

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While his play has improved, what Friday also loves about Johnson is the ultimate team guy mentality he's brought to the program.

“The whole team loves him," Friday said. "The coaching staff loves Jordan. He doesn’t say a whole lot, but he just works hard. Usually, when he goes in the game, you’ve got about two minutes with Jordan, and he’s tired because he’s working hard.”

With only a few days before districts, Johnson is close to wrapping up what’s been an inspiring career on the hardwood. From practice squad player to solid reserve, Johnson will never forget a journey that's featured some frustration but also resiliency.

“Honestly, (I'll miss) spending time with my teammates,” Johnson said. “I’ve grown up with my teammates, I’ve played basketball with them all of my life, and I’ve really just enjoyed playing with them. It’s going to be tough (to say goodbye), but I had the same thing with soccer, and I know that one was tough, too. I’ll come out of it really well, but it’s going to be very tough for me.”

Cheboygan hosts St. Ignace in its regular season finale on Friday.

Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Jordan Johnson the ultimate team guy for Cheboygan boys basketball