Heights boys, girls basketball soar toward success in undefeated start to seasons
19 January 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — When Maize native and Kansas State University quarterback Avery Johnson steps on the field, it’s faith, determination, and humility that lead him to success.
Those qualities allowed the freshman to thrive in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, his first collegiate start under center.
“It like hit me, and I was like, ‘It’s for real. I’m going to get my first start.’ I also knew it’s all God’s timing and just to be patient with it. So I knew when I did get my chance, I was going to be ready for it,” said Johnson.
Johnson showed he was more than ready, recording 178 passing yards for two touchdowns and rushing in a score of his own. Then, he got to experience the taste of sweet victory — and a sweeter Pop Tart.
“The bowl itself did a really good job of putting it together. And whoever the mascot is needs a raise because he was bringing life throughout the whole entire game. And not a lot of bowls are like that,” he said.
While the opportunity to start for K-State as a freshman was unexpected, Johnson was well prepared to lead the team.
“Ultimately, I had a lot of people around me that could guide me and, from coaches to players, to kind of get me on the right path. And all I need is like a layout and a platform. And then once I have that, I’m sticking to it, and I’m going to be locked in, locked into that and locked in and being the best person I can be,” he said.
His perseverance and preparedness amazes his teammates and coaches.
“Oh, he is pretty spectacular,” said K-State offensive coordinator Conor Riley, “Everybody can see his maturity, his knowledge, his desire to learn is truly the thing that impresses me the most.”
For getting this far in his career, Johnson credits his family and his faith, which he continues to explore on campus.
“I feel like if I know more about football and the game of football than I know about God, then something is backwards. So just being able to learn as much as I can, because I know ultimately I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without Him,” said Johnson.
With Will Howard headed to Ohio State, Johnson is the presumed starter for the Wildcats in the fall. It’s a responsibility he doesn’t take lightly.
“I’m holding myself accountable, holding the people around me accountable because we’re talented enough, and we have great coaching and great support staff around us. We’re talented enough to be one of those top two teams in college football next year,” he said.
In order to reach those heights of success, Johnson is stepping into a leadership role.
“This offseason, [I’m] just trying to be more of a vocal leader and hold people accountable because I know I want to be held accountable as well. And I’ve never been the person … like if I was slacking off and somebody was telling me to pick it up, then I know it’s not personal, and I know it’s just they just want what’s best for the team. So I’m going to try to do the the same,” he explained.
While his role on the team has grown, his motivation to get better still remains.
“My mindset can’t change, and the work has to match my dreams and everything I want to accomplish this next season. So, my biggest thing is just not getting complacent, staying mature, and just continuing to go about my work the same way as when I came in. Because ultimately, I’ve still done nothing yet,” said Johnson.
The spotlight is on the Maize High School alum. But it’s not something he’s hiding from. It’s something he’s ready to attack head-on.
“Just being able to perform for Kansas State as a whole and for the state in general is just a great feeling because I bleed, I bleed purple. I bleed Kansas, and I want that like loyalty. And that’s something that I can carry with me for the rest of my life,” he said.
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