LSU commit Zakiyah Johnson drops 2-word reaction while training with Jordan Brangers

LSU commit Zakiyah Johnson recently shared her enthusiasm after a training session with skills coach Jordan Brangers. Johnson reposted the collage on her Instagram story on Thursday and dropped a two-word reaction:

"My Guys🤞🏾"

Zakiyah Johnson via Instagram (@zakiyahmonae_)

The 6-foot small forward from Sacred Heart High School is one of the most prolific basketball players at the high school level right now. The 17-year-old has been instrumental in leading her team to multiple state championships. Over her high school career, she has accumulated 2,378 points, 871 rebounds, 411 assists, 223 steals, and 109 blocks.

Johnson's coach, Donna Moir, had praised her character.

"I think one of the best things about Z is she’s always stayed true to herself. And she knows that little eyes are watching her, and what a role model she needs to be," Moir said.

Johnson's accolades also include being a three-time Gatorade Kentucky Girls Basketball Player of the Year and a three-time Sweet 16 MVP.

Meanwhile, Brangers, known for his collegiate basketball career at South Plains College, where he was a First Team All-American and WJCAC Conference Player of the Year before playing professionally in Germany, has transitioned into coaching. Brangers is the owner of Proficient Skills Academy, where he offers specialized basketball training.

He detailed Johnson's training regimen on X, emphasizing advanced ball-handling drills, finishing techniques, and shooting sequences.

This collaboration indicates Johnson's commitment to elevating her game as she prepares to join LSU's basketball program, which she committed to on Nov. 13.

Zakiyah Johnson and Sacred Heart Valkyries up for fresh challenges

Zakiyah Johnson and Sacred Heart Valkyries had a decent season during the last leg of 2024. The Valkyries remained 6-2 overall, only losing to Lawrence Central and suffering a narrow 48-47 defeat to American Heritage on Dec. 21.

Johnson and her team ended 2024 with a victory against Galloway Scots on Dec. 23. After losing the second quarter 12-20, the Valkyries pulled themselves up and eventually secured a comfortable 71-51 victory.

Now, the No. 12 nationally-ranked player will kickstart the new year with a matchup against Cooper Basketball on Friday. Next, the Valkyrie are set to lock horns with the Ryle Raiders on Wednesday.

Zakiyah Jhonson is slated to join LSU in the fall of 2025. But before that, Valkyries will expect the same level of energy and zeal from their all-time career points record holder, which has helped them claim three state championships.