03 Feb 2024 Zaniyah Johnson – Searcy (501 Basketball Team 2024)

Searcy made tremendous strides in the win column a year ago, and Zaniyah “Chip” Johnson’s all-state freshman performance went a long way in guiding the Lions. This year as a sophomore, she is ready to take it to another level again.

“Moving up to the high school team last year was a challenge as a freshman,” Johnson said. “Junior high to high school ball was a big difference, but after adjusting and getting confidence, I had a great year. Our team goals this year are to make it to state. Better relationships with each other will elevate everyone’s confidence. We plan to achieve this by being very uplifting, trusting everyone with the ball and really locking in every practice.”

Johnson led Searcy in scoring and assists as a freshman.

“At the point guard position, she does a great job leading the team,” said Searcy Head Coach Kim Sitzmann. “I expect she will continue her success on the court and gain all-state honors again this year, along with being all-conference. She is likely to lead us in scoring and assists and possibly steals. She’s a fantastic ball handler, she has great court vision, her passing is excellent, and she creates a lot of offense. She’s shifty. In the classroom, she’s a hardworking, high-level student. She elevates everyone around her to compete at a higher level.”

As she develops her game throughout her high school career, Johnson has a goal to play Division I collegiate basketball. She wants to pursue a career as a travel nurse.