His team had just lost a tough contest to DeMatha in the The Rock Summer League, but Brian Johnson of Mt. St. Joe’s was gracious enough to talk to us outside the High Point HS Gymnasium on Thursday night before the Gaels’ trip back to Baltimore.

Johnson played DeMatha’s heralded rising junior point guard Nigel Munson to a standoff. Johnson had 11 points, 4 assists, 4 steals and 5 rebounds, but Mt, St. Joe’s was outscored 9-0 in the last 1:30 of the second half and lost 55-52.

Johnson will be one of the few returning First Team All-Met players from the 2003-2004 Baltimore Sun All City/All-County All-Met Teams. As a junior Johnson averaged 12 pints, 5.5 assists, and 2.5 steals as Mt. St. Joe’s won the Baltimore Catholic League (BCL) Tournament and was ranked Number One by the Baltimore Sun. It was the second season that Johnson, a 5’10 point guard”, had helped Coach Pat Clatchey’s Gaels win the BCL Tournament.

Johnson is a quick, heady, hardnosed player who, despite his 5’10” 163 pound frame, is willing to take and give a bump. He is fundamentally sound, but relishes opportunities to go for the dramatic open court steal or take the ball to the rim in heavy traffic. His fearlessness and toughness is part of what makes him a special player.

“I love that kid,” said a rival BCL head coach who tried to recruit Johnson and has had the misfortune of having to coach against him the last two years. “He is smart, tough. He knows how to run the offense and he can lock you up on defense. I think he might be the best senior in the BCL next year.”

Mt. St. Joe’s Head Coach Pat Clatchey agrees with this assessment and, frankly, is a little confused and frustrated that Johnson is getting more high D-I college recruiting interest at this point. Sitting in the High Point bleachers on Thursday night, Coach Clatchey told MdVarsity.com, “Brian is probably the most under-recruited player out there right now. He is a terrific player and a proven winner. He is a pure point who makes the players around him better. I can’t understand why he isn’t getting more offers at this point.”

With Baltimore Sun Player of the Year and All-Met Will Thomas off to George Mason University next fall, perhaps Johnson will get more publicity and exposure. Based on seeing the Gaels a couple of times this summer, Coach Clatchey clearly is developing a very deep and talented team for 2004-2005. As a returning All-Met and a three year varsity player, Johnson will be asked to lead the Gaels as they seek another BCL, and possibly Baltimore area, top ranking.

“Yes, we lose some really great players like Will (Thomas),” Johnson told MdVarsity.com, “but I think we can be a contender in the BCL again. We have some good players back and some new players coming up. I’m looking forward to next season.”

Johnson, who is from Severna Park, told us that he is working on a few things this Summer as he readies for his senior season.

“I want to keep getting better at seeing the floor, getting better court vision. I’m always working on my shooting and ball handling skills. Mostly, I just want to get my all around game better.”

What does Johnson consider his strengths to be?

“I think I’m a good floor leader. I play hard on both ends, I try to play with energy, I play intelligently. I get my teammates involved. I know how to win. I’m pretty happy with my game, but, like all players, you always have to be looking for areas to improve.”

Brian told us that he would like to major in Computer Science in college.

What colleges is he presently considering?

“Right now, I like Ohio University, Akron, George Mason. Those are three schools that have recruited me that I’m interested in now.”