Male Athlete of the Month: Deji Johnson

For the last three months, Deji Johnson has valiantly led the Marian Mustang Varsity Boys Basketball team as the sole captain. His hardworking, friendly nature has made him popular amongst peers and faculty alike. This, in concert with his dedication to academics, makes him an ideal candidate for February’s Athlete of the Month.

Though his affinity for basketball may seem lifelong, Deji only began playing the game in the eighth grade. He found a great number of similarities between himself and some of his favorite players: Paul George and Kevin Durant. Though born and raised in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Deji’s favorite professional basketball team is the Boston Celtics. He feels as though his favorite college team, the Michigan State Spartans, will win the NCAA Tournament this Spring.

Deji began at Marian as a freshman on the JV basketball team. Halfway through the season, he quit, frustrated with his lack of progress. Since then, he has gained a new appreciation for the game of basketball and the importance of being a committed team member.  As the captain of the 2013-2014 Mustangs, Deji relied on the other senior members of the team to create a sense of unity and ultimately, cultivate success. A constant competitor, Deji found it paramount to help younger members of his team make the right choices. He supplemented his high school play with three years as a member of the Metrowest AAU team. At Marian, his best game of the season was during his senior year while playing Austin Prep. After scoring 15 points in the game, Deji hit a last minute shot, sealing the 57-56 Mustang victory.

As the second of his family to come to Marian, Deji has found the people at the school truly differentiate it from other institutions. Unlike public alternatives, the sense of community at Marian is palpable. “Sister Cathy really looks out for you”, and the mutual respect students have for one another creates an aura of positivity. His favorite teacher is Mr. Conaty because “he is the man” and has “helped with everything” throughout his high school career. Last year’s physics class ranks as the best because of the high quality, humorous classmates.

When not playing basketball, Deji enjoys listening to hip hop music. He indulges in his mother’s fabulously concocted ox tail stew and spaghetti. His family is of supreme importance and his favorite holiday, Christmas, “brings everyone together”.  Deji’s favorites include the color green, the cheetah, and a new pair of basketball sneakers.

Deji plans to continue playing basketball in college, preferably at a college in New England. Hopefully, here he will continue to sport his signature #33 jersey at the collegiate level. He will undoubtedly maintain his current pregame ritual of the sign of the cross, during which he remembers all the people he’s lost in his life. At present, he continues to “work on [his] game” in preparation for playing in college. Following graduation, Marian High School will certainly be missing a positive, talented, accomplished young man.