Street Talk - "L.A."
Street Talk - Keeping It Real
with Christen Johnson
When I first saw 6-3 Christen Johnson last year a freshman I could tell that she was really just starting to understand the game of basketball yet alone understanding how to play the post. Well it’s a year later and after a summer playing up in age group on the AAU circuit Johnson has made a 160-degree turn in her understanding of the game and playing the post.
Johnson attends high school at Lovett and is a member of the Nike Elite/GA Pistols AAU program coached by Percy Gordon. Under Gordon; Johnson (just a sophomore) is starting to turning into a real “Beast” inside on the glass and already has schools like NC State, South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Louisville and Vanderbilt knocking on her door.
I was able to sit down with Christen to get her thoughts on her game, school and life in general.
L.A.: Who have been some of the most influential people in your life?
Christen: My mother and great-grandmother.
L.A.: What moment(s) would you most like to forget?
Christen: I try to forget my very first AAU tournament in Memphis last year.
L.A.: What is the strongest part of your game?
Christen: Rebounding and blocking shots.
L.A.: What do you think you need to work on to take your game to the next level?
Christen: I need to work on doing the little things consistently like finishing around the rim and boxing out, just being a consistent player overall. The biggest thing I need to work on though is my offensive game.
L.A.: Who has been one of the toughest players you ever had to play against and who is the best high school player you personally have ever seen?
Christen: I think the toughest player I've played against has been Quanisha McCurty and the best HS player I've ever seen is Brittany Griner.
L.A.: Tell me something about yourself that people wouldn’t know by just looking at you?
Christen: Well, I absolutely love performing and visual arts. Everything from orchestras to poetry all the way to art galleries, I love it all.
L.A.: Do you have a nickname?
Christen: Shu-Sha
L.A.: Do you look forward to playing AAU and if so why?
Christen: I do look forward to playing AAU because it's a lot more competitive and I love hanging out with my teammates.
L.A.: What has been one of the most memorable moments in your career?
Christen: My most memorable moment would have to be my 8th grade All-Star game and of course winning AAU Nationals this year.
L.A.: Now we are going to do a little something called “CONFESSION”
Christen: Uh oh...
CONFESSION
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| Johnson's post play fundimentals get better each time she hits the floor |
L.A.: As an athlete is it easier to get a date or harder or do you just have it like that (lol)?
Christen: 80% of the time its going to be easier.
L.A.: Who the best player, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant or Lebron James?
Christen: Michael by far.
L.A.: Who would you rather play with Candice Parker and Tennessee or Maya Moore and UCONN?
Christen: Maya Moore and UCONN
L.A.: Do you get special treatment at home and school because you play sports?
Christen: Definitely not at home but at school yes.
L.A.: What kind of ride would you like to be driving right now?
Christen: VW Jetta
L.A.: Are you a baller first then a young lady or a young lady first then a baller?
Christen: Young lady then a baller
L.A.: When you and your girls are hanging out, do you like to be noticed or recognized (noticed because people have seen you play ball)?
Christen: Recognized
L.A.: When you are playing are you cocky, confidant, or both?
Christen: Both
L.A.: Keep it Real: do you use the fact that you are an athlete to sometimes get your way?
Christen: Never...
L.A.: Have you ever backed away from a challenge and later told yourself that that will never happen again?
Christen: Yeah
L.A.: Who is your favorite teacher in school?
Christen: Senora Mitchell
L.A.: Which subject do you like most and which subject do you like least?
Christen: My favorite is Spanish and I strongly dislike Biology.
L.A.: Last CONFESSION, if you could sit down with anybody in the world past or present who would it be and what would you talk to the about?
Christen: Little Wayne and we would just talk about life.
Until your next CONFESSION
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| Until Coach Gordon, Johnson's game has taken 160-degree turn and college recruiters have noticed. |
L.A.: If you were not playing basketball what would you be doing now?
Christen: Most likely be playing club volleyball.
L.A.: What is your favorite TV Show and Movie?
Christen: Baldwin Hills and Mean Girls.
L.A.: What type of hobbies do you have?
Christen: Well, I do a little writing, short stories and poems; and a little scrap booking here and there.
L.A.: What type of music do you like and do you have a favorite artist or group?
Christen: I like all music but mostly the urban stuff. My favorite is Little Wayne!
L.A: What’s your favorite food?
Christen: Wings
L.A.: Who’s your favorite player, college or professional (any sport)?
Christen: Dwayne Wade
L.A.: Who’s your favorite team, college or professional (any sport)?
Christen: Maryland Terps
L.A.: Christen, Thank you for taking the time to sit down and share your thoughts with us on Street Talk.
If you want to be on Street Talk, e-mail me
This is Larry "L.A." Williams….God Bless!
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