Team first for East Allegheny standout

Tri-State Sports & News Service

The individual accolades rolled in for Amani Johnson after a junior campaign in which she was the WPIAL’s leading scorer and a Post-Gazette Fabulous 5 selection.

Her senior season, though, isn’t about her. It’s all about team legacy.

East Allegheny ran through the regular season unbeaten last year, but fell short in the WPIAL semifinals to Neshannock and in the PIAA second round to Bishop Canevin. That didn’t sit well with Johnson.

“If it’s the last thing I do, we are going to Petersen Events Center and we are going to win it,” said Johnson. “I want to win the PIAA championship. I am so excited for this season. So excited.”

Look out, because when Johnson sets her mind to something, chances are it gets done. She’s a four-sport athlete who plays soccer, volleyball, basketball and softball. On top of that, she has a 4.0 grade-point average.

“It’s unbelievable, she must get up at 3 o’clock in the morning,” Wildcats coach Mike Osiecki said.

Basketball is in Johnson’s future. The point guard has signed on to play at Division I Kennesaw State, led by former Pitt coach Agnus Berenato.

Last season, Johnson averaged 29.5 points per game to go with 5.1 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 4 steals. With 1,570 career points, Johnson has a shot at joining the elite 2,000 point club.

“Will she lead the WPIAL in scoring again? I’m sure she could if she wants to,” said Osiecki. “She’s got the Division I scholarship, she’s got the individual accolades. But she doesn’t have that team accolade. I guarantee she would trade them all in to get a WPIAL or state medal. It’s all about the championship.”

Osiecki said that all she needs to do is “just be Amani Johnson” to have a successful senior season and accomplish those goals. He touted her work ethic, leadership and uncanny ability to multi-task