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| (Courtesy of SFHS Sports) |
Height & Weight: 6'2" | 180 lb.
School: Norland (Miami, Fla.)
Position: Point Guard
Rating: 3-Star
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Johnson's Meteoric Rise Coming At Perfect Time For FGCU
Two summers ago Zach Johnson was a little known commodity. The 6'2" guard had yet to become a household name when it came to high school basketball in the Sunshine State. That would soon change.
After spending his freshman and sophomore years at Miramar High School, Johnson transferred to nearby Miami Norland High.
"I believed my game would excel if I transferred there," Johnson said. "Also I wanted to win a state championship. I think it was the best decision for me.
The dynamic guard exploded onto the Florida scene in his junior year, building on a productive regular season to dominant the state playoffs. His impressive surge drew attention from high major schools such as Florida State and Miami.
'Game would excel' - goal accomplished.
"It was really preparation. We played great teams all year and that just prepared me for all the upcoming teams in the state playoffs," Johnson said.
Once in Lakeland for the state final four, Johnson continued to make huge strides as he lead the Vikings in scoring. With a 42-30 victory over Pine Forest, Norland captured their second straight 6A State Title.
'Win a state championship' - goal accomplished.
With back to back state titles, Norland was the 6A team to beat entering the 2013-14 season. But still, Johnson stayed focused.
"We try not to put too much pressure on ourselves. We continued to do what we did - work hard and we knew good things would come."
But before his senior season began, Johnson had to make his college decision. He held a plethora of offers, including FGCU, Murray State, Butler, and Tennessee.
Well you know how the story ends - Johnson choose the Eagles, for a multitude of reasons. One came in the form of Providence guard Christian Terrell, who had committed just months before.
"Christian was a big factor in my commitment. He's a great person and a great basketball player," Johnson said. "We will be a great backcourt."
"I loved the coaches. Dooley has great experience and has coached amazing players. Coach Fly and Coach Richter - I built a great relationship with them," Johnson added. "The school that was on me from the beginning is the one I wanted to choose. Florida Gulf Coast was there from day one and they showed me that I was number one on their list."
Knowing where he would spend the next four years, Johnson continued his tear as a Viking. Norland strode through the playoffs and secured a state title three peat with a 60-44 win over Lake Minneola. Johnson scored a game high 19 points and was eventually named to the 6A All-State team by the Florida Association of Basketball Coaches.
Johnson's spectacular climb through the high school basketball has him peaking at the right time and heading to a deep Florida Gulf Coast team that seems primed for another NCAA Tournament appearance.
Check out our two other recruiting profiles: Christian Terrell and Eric Moeller.
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