Westlake retires former standout, South Carolina Gamecocks' Raven Johnson's jersey
When mentioning highly decorated high school and collegiate careers., South Carolina's Raven Johnson, has without a doubt positioned herself to be a part of that conversation. The now two-time NCAA Women's Basketball National Champion started her championship winning as a freshman at her alma mater, Westlake helping the Lions win four consecutive Georgia High School Association state championships.
To cap her high school career, Johnson would also help Westlake capture the Geico National Championship in her final year with the Lions. Johnson's time with Westlake would also be highlighted by earning two Naismith Player of the Year Honors, Gatorade Georgia Girls Basketball Player of the Year, McDonald's All-American Honors and two-time Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Player of the Year Honors, just to name a few.
On Monday, an amazing day was in store for Johnson to recognize her for he accomplishments as family members, former teammates, coaches, faculty and staff were all on hand for the jersey retirement ceremony that also included an proclamation honoring Johnson with her own day, naming May 6, 2024 as Raven Johnson Day. And after the ceremony concluded, I had the chance to ask Raven how today ranks among the other accomplishments of her well decorated career.
"Honestly I'm just enjoying the moment, you know, it hasn't hit me yet," Johnson said following the ceremony in response to being asked where the historic day ranked among her various accolades throughout her career. "It's a dream come true to get your jersey retired and to be among names like Cam Newton, Pac-Man Jones, Ariel Howard, so I'm just blessed. That's all I can say honestly," Johnson added.
And with so many loved ones and close friends in attendance to share in Johnson's moment, the South Carolina guard was full of gratitude. "It means a lot to see all these people here just to support me, show how much they love me, it just means a lot and I just want to let the next girl that's after me know that she can do the same thing and not even the same thing, she can do even better," Johnson said.
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