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The first junior and member of the class of 2010 in the MOsports.com Super50 is Whitfield School's small forward Julian Johnson.

Johnson is a 6-foot-3 inch, 220-pound force for the Warriors averaging 18 points and eight rebounds per game this season.

Given the opportunity, Whitfield Head Coach Mike Potsou has nothing but praise for his talented junior. "Julian's best attribute is his overall character," stated Potsou.  "A great person, leader, role model, Julian has his priorities in order as he balances his life as a student, a big brother, a son, and a basketball player. Julian was selected as one of the captains of our team because he possesses so many good qualities."

Potsou added, "Julian has a big basketball body, 6'3", 220 lbs., but moves extremely well for his size. He can play above the rim and is a natural scorer and rebounder. Up until eighth grade, Julian was a post player, but now he has become more of a perimeter threat as he can explode to the rim with a rocker step. Not only is Julian a great athlete, but he understands the game so well. During practice, Julian's leadership qualities show as he mentors our younger players on how to read and react to defenses and how to create space on the floor."

Though early, Johnson is receiving recruiting interest from several Ivy and Patriot League programs.  Many of the schools in the Missouri Valley Conference have shown interest and have viewed Johnson in person.  Recently, he picked up an offer from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

Johnson has received several honors on the court, but is continuing to develop his game making the transition from the post to the perimeter.  As a sophomore he earned all-tournament honors at the MICDS Holiday event, then finished the season on the MBCA first-time All-State team.  Recently, Johnson added his second selection to the MICDS all-tournament team.

The sky is the limit for Johnson who continues to work hard each day.  "He will make a university proud because they will have a good player, a good student, and an even better person," added Potsou. "Julian, is a pleasure to coach and still has so much upside in his game."