At 6’5”, sophomore DeAngelo Johnson brings both height and heart to the court for Perkins-Tryon High School. A dual-sport athlete who also competes in football and track, Johnson’s ambitions reach far beyond high school hoops. “I want to be a leader on my team and average 20,” he said. “I want to go D1 for basketball.”
This season, Johnson is averaging 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, but his focus isn’t only on stats—it’s on growth. “We are working on being more disciplined and defense,” he said. “Win a championship, I’m working on trying to be a better leader.”
Johnson says the team’s chemistry sets them apart. “Our bond—we are a team that’s bringing everyone back, so we have good chemistry,” he said. “We are respectful and love to go after each other to make each other better.”
Trust and respect are core to the Demons’ success. “We treat each other with the most respect and we trust each other,” Johnson said. That unity shows up in their preparation and their play style. “How we can break them down and if there’s ways for us to score,” he said when asked about game strategy.
As a small forward and power forward, Johnson takes his development seriously. “I get lots of shots up and I work on my moves,” he said. “I’m the best player on the court and ready for whatever.”
The young star’s motivation goes beyond personal accolades—he wants to make history. “My name in the record books and a player who brought a state championship back to the town,” Johnson said of his ultimate goal.
Music helps him lock in before tipoff. “Switch It Up by Pooh Shiesty,” he said when asked about his go-to song. And his favorite memory? “How we took a picture after beating our rival in the stands with the fans—it was an amazing moment.”
From leadership goals to championship dreams, DeAngelo Johnson is proving that confidence, commitment, and chemistry can take the Demons far this season.
