Prep Scene
This past May, I received a Facebook note from Linda Ballard informing me that her son had just been named head coach of the boys’ basketball team at East High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Why would this interest me, as most of my MSR columns focus on prep sports in the Twin Cities metro area?
It just so happens that Ballard’s son is former St. Paul Central boys’ basketball great Sly Johnson.
Since I had the privilege of covering Johnson’s prep career as a young journalist from 1989 to 1992, it is assumed that Ballard felt it was important to inform me of her son’s latest accomplishment.
Johnson has had quite a journey. Before his appointment, he was an assistant at East with head coach Rusty Horsely for six seasons.
During my first year as a sportswriter, Johnson caught my eye as a 6’2” eighth-grade center leading Highland Park Junior High School to the 1988 St. Paul City championship.
Johnson developed into one of the state’s most dominant players after starring on Central’s ninth team during the 1988-89 season and splitting time between the junior varsity and varsity the following season in the 1989-90 campaign. This culminated in his being named a finalist for Minnesota’s Mr. Basketball as a senior in 1992.
Johnson’s first two years of collegiate basketball were spent at community colleges North Dakota College of Science and Casper College (Wyoming), before finishing at the University of Wyoming in 1996.
When I called Johnson at his home in Cheyenne last week, it became apparent that he was unaware that his mom had contacted me.
He also made it known that this was his dream job and that he would take full advantage of the opportunity.
Johnson, who also serves as a guidance counselor at East, hardly contained his excitement during the conversation.
While the Xs and Os will always be important to the team’s success, Johnson emphasized another vital component that he feels is the key to his team’s success.
“The biggest part is the relationships you have with your players,” he said. “That’s the key. It’s about getting everyone on the same page.”
As the conversion neared its end, Johnson paid homage to his high school coaches.
He played three years of varsity basketball and spent his junior year as a football team member under Hall of Fame coaches Dan Brink and Floyd Smaller, respectively.
“I learned a lot from them,” Johnson said. “Without their guidance and leadership, I’m not where I am today.”