April 18, 2024

Spartan basketball signs two recruits

Image 1 of 2

Shown at the signing of Des Moines Roosevelt's Jordon Johnson to play basketball at Southwestern are, from left, SWCC assistant coach Tyler Bullock, Roosevelt boys basketball coach Chris McMahon, Brent Gibson (Jordan's father), Jordan Johnson, Kim Johnson (Jordan's mother) and SWCC head basketball coach Todd Lorensen. (SWCC photo)

Jordan Johnson, Des Moines Roosevelt High School senior, has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his academic and basketball career at Southwestern Community College.

Johnson led Roosevelt in scoring, assists, and steals during his junior and senior seasons with the Roughriders. His averages were 14.4 as a senior and 16.9 as a junior in the scoring column, while he dished out 163 assists and had 68 steals during his final two seasons.

“Jordan is a talented player who can make plays for himself and his teammates,” said Southwestern head coach Todd Lorensen. “I feel strongly about his hunger to develop his game which is something our staff really values. We feel he has a bright future at Southwestern.”

A three-year starter, Johnson was a catalyst to a 44-27 record over those years in the CIML Conference. As a sophomore, his Roosevelt team qualified for the Iowa State Tournament.

“He has played high level competition his entire high school career and has been coached by a great staff.  We look forward to helping build on what they have developed in the past four years,” added Lorensen.

Omaha forward

Joining Johnson in the Spartans’ recruiting class is Kendall Patton, a 6-foot-6-inch forward from Omaha North High School.

“Kendall provides size and strength down low,” said Lorensen. “He was one of our top priorities throughout the season as we knew post depth would be an area of concern headed into next season.”

Patton was a member of the Omaha North Viking squad that finished 23-4 on the season, ranked fifth in the final big class rankings, and qualified for the Nebraska State Tournament.

“Our theme of recruiting kids from winning programs continues with Kendall. He will fit into our culture because he has a desire to learn and get better both on and off the court,” said Lorensen.