Fairmont hoops standout to play at Wright State

Johnson, who helped lead the Firebirds to a district championship and a No. 9 ranking in the final Division I state poll, will join the team in June as a preferred walk-on. Johnson, who is 6-foot, averaged 17.1 points and shot 44.4% from 3-point range, 53% overall from the field and 88.6% from the free-throw line as a senior.

“I felt like it was a good situation for me because I know many people in the program,” Johnson said.  “And I believe that I can play at that level. I’m just confident in myself.”

Johnson had Division II offers from Findlay and Mercyhurst. His Fairmont teammate Dasan Doucet committed to Mercyhurst on March 21.

“Anthony’s going to really surprise a lot of people there,” Fairmont coach Kenny Molz said. “They understand he’s a good player, but when they see him in the gym and the work ethic and all the intangibles he brings along with his natural athleticism, he’s going to be a hometown hero in Dayton.”

Molz added that Johnson’s defense and rebounding, even at 6-foot, is underrated. He also noted Johnson’s ball-handling ability, quickness, strength and understanding of team concepts.

“He gives you a little bit of everything, and he can score,” Molz said. “I don’t think he understands how good he is. There were times I had to push him to shoot. His confidence, after this year especially, is just going to keep building.”

Johnson knows Wright State center A.J. Braun, who will be a sophomore. Braun played at Fenwick. Johnson also knows incoming freshman Logan Woods from Fairfield. Johnson and Woods were both named the all-Southwest District Division I second team.

Wright State assistant coach Travis Trice got to know Johnson through local skills trainer Xander Smart. Trice’s sons, former Wayne stars Travis Jr. and D’Mitrik, have worked out with Johnson during their offseasons from overseas pro leagues. Johnson also met with Raiders head coach Scott Nagy.

“I feel like I can find a way to make an impact in any type of way,” Johnson said. “Whatever the coach needs me to do, I feel like I can do it. If you need me to guard the ball full court, then I’ll do that. If you need me to score, I’ll do that. If they need me to get an assist, then I’ll do that.”

Johnson plans to major in marketing. He also is interested in being a skills trainer and a coach after college.

“Whatever opportunity comes up for me, I’ll definitely take advantage of it because I love being around the game,” Johnson said.