Falls cager opts for college
Johnnie Richardson will be emphasizing learning, both on and off the court, after he graduates from Saint Paul Catholic High School and begins playing basketball at Niagara College in the fall.
“School comes first and fitness and health promotion is the program I really wanted,” the Niagara Falls native said. “I plan on making sure my grades are where I expect them to be, and really excelling academically.”
The 5-foot-11 point guard opted to play hoops close to home after attracting interest from Algoma College in Sault Ste. Marie, Fredonia State in Fredonia, N.Y., southwest of Buffalo; and Redeemer University College in Ancaster.
Richardson, who was the most valuable player on his high school team and was selected in a 2016 showcase hosted by the college, came away from that experience impressed with Keith Vassell, the head coach of the Niagara men’s basketball team.
“When I first met Coach Vassell I felt he knew what I was capable of from the outset,” Richardson said. “That connection, and the success the program has had over the last few seasons, proved to be the difference maker in my decision to choose Niagara.”
Vassell is happy to add Richardson to an already loaded lineup that last season finished 13-3 and that will host the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) men’s basketball championships next spring.
“I am excited to have Johnnie join our program,” Vassell said. “He can play the game and make plays at multiple speeds, all with the maturity of a veteran player.”
“I think his ability to shoot the ball will help him be an immediate impact while he adapts to the college game.”
Richardson knows he will have to earn playing time if he hopes to make a contribution at the next level.
“I know there’s a big difference between the way the game is played at the high school and OCAA level,” he said. “The college game is faster and the players are a lot more physical, but I am looking forward to the opportunity to compete.”
Said Vassell: “Johnnie is coming from a good program at St. Paul so I know he has been coached well and has a strong drive to win and compete.”
Richardson will enroll in the fitness and health promotion program being taught out of the community college’s main campus in Welland.
The men’s basketball program will officially open the 2017-18 season on Sept. 11 when training camps opens at the Athletic Centre, also at Welland campus.