Published: April 30, 2008 11:47 pm            

East senior signs with Thomas More

Johnson: Northern Kentucky school ‘is best choice for me’

GRAYSON — Thomas More College invested a considerable chunk of time and effort into recruiting Drew Johnson.

It paid off in the end, as the East Carter senior signed a National Letter of Intent with the Division III school on Tuesday afternoon.

“B.J. Aldridge, my assistant, did a great job with Drew,’’ Thomas More head coach John Ellenwood said following the signing ceremony in East Carter’s library. “We saw Drew at a summer camp at Georgetown, got him up for a visit and were at several of his games. At the end of the season, we really knew we wanted Drew Johnson.’’

Johnson, a 6-foot-3 shooting guard, had interest from other college programs but Thomas More remained at the forefront.

“They have been recruiting me for a while,’’ Johnson said. “Coach (Brandon Baker) told me to go where you are wanted. Thomas More showed a definite interest in me.’’

Thomas More does not offer athletic scholarships, but Johnson — a 4.0 student — will receive academic and extra curricular scholarships including: The Dean’s Academic Scholarship; a Leadership Grant and the Service Fellowship Award.

“Drew can do a lot of things with the basketball, but more importantly, he can get it done in the classroom as well,’’ Ellenwood said.

Johnson, an All-Area selection the past two seasons, sees a lot to like about Thomas More and the Saints’ basketball program. The college has an enrollment of 1,265 and is located in northern Kentucky just outside Cincinnati.

“It’s in a great area, so there’s a lot to do,’’ Johnson said. “With the combination of academics and basketball there, it was the best choice for me. I like where the basketball program is going.’’

Thomas More rebounded from a 3-23 finish in 2007 to win 11 games last season. The Saints also posted their first Presidents’ Athletic Conference Tournament victory by upsetting Westminster 95-77 in the first round.

Ellenwood said Johnson brings all the essentials to compete for playing time right away.

“He’s athletic and has the build to play college ball,’’ Ellenwood said. “It’s a matter of adapting to the strength and speed of the college game. Drew can score, defend and has shown the ability to lead by example.’’

Thomas More’s head coach was totally sold on Johnson after watching him in a regular-season game in Sandy Hook. Johnson had 28 points and connected on all 12 of his free throw attempts in a one-point loss to regional champion Elliott County.

“Drew had about as complete a game as a player could play,’’ Ellenwood said.

Johnson averaged 16.7 points last season and finished as East Carter’s No. 6 all-time scorer with 1,245 points. He also had 81 assists and 50 steals as a senior in leading the Raiders to the 16th Region finals.

Baker praised Johnson’s work ethic and determination to make himself an even better player.

“Not many kids get to continue on with basketball after high school, but Drew earned it,’’ Baker said. “It wasn’t unusual to see him in the gym on a weekend night. He put a lot into conditioning, weightlifting and working on his shot and skills. It’s paid off for him.’’

Baker thinks Johnson’s best basketball is still ahead of him.

“Drew will excel at the college level,’’ Baker said. “I think Thomas More got a steal.’’

        

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