Arizona commit Stanley Johnson highlights from Mater Dei game at 2014 Hoophall Classic.
By Russ Held, The Republican
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on January 20, 2014 at 8:52 PM, updated January 20, 2014 at 9:40 PM
SPRINGFIELD – If it’s lonely at the top, Stanley Johnson will have plenty of company.
The 6-foot-7 senior from Fullerton, Calif., will wake up Tuesday with a most unique distinction – he plays for the nation’s projected No. 1 ranked high school basketball team and has committed to the current top-ranked college program.
Mater Dei's Stanley Johnson
Johnson scored 12 points to help Mater Dei High School of Santa Ana to a 79-67 win over Neumann-Goretti Monday at the Spalding Hoophall Classic at Springfield College.
Mater Dei (16-0) is expected to take over the No. 1 spot, when USA Today releases its weekly rankings Tuesday. The Monarchs should be chief beneficiary of a loss by top-ranked Montverde (Fla.) at the Hoophall Monday.
“I think rightfully so, we’re the best team in the country,’’ Johnson said. “By ranking or the schedule we play, we’re not losing. So it’s our job to handle what we can handle on the court. I think we deserve the No. 1 ranking in the country . . . if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen.
“I’ve been on the No. 1 team in the country before . . . you’re just a bigger target now. So I’m excited to see it (rankings) come out.’’
Mater Dei's Stanley Johnson awaits an inbounds pass at the start of the second half during Monday's win at the Hoophall Classic.
NCAA No. 1 Arizona (18-0) has been led by the likes of Hoophall Classic alums Aaron Gordon, Nick Johnson, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Kaleb Tarczewski and Brandon Ashley.
"I like to win,’’ Johnson said. “I make my decisions on winning. I came here because I wanted to win that why I wanted to go to Arizona because I want to win. It’s a testimony to what I’m about as a player. And Arizona has done a great job, winning 18 in a row.’’
The Wildcats have only one senior, but could have a markedly different look before Johnson arrives on campus.
“They could lose a lot of guys,’’ Johnson said of the 2014 NBA Draft. “You could see them getting to the Final Four and all six are gone. That puts me in a predicament that way.
“If I had a choice, I hope some stay back so we can give it a good run next year.’’
Earlier in the day, his selection to the USA Junior National Select Team for the 2014 Nike Summit became official.
“I was getting ready for the game, kind of sleeping, and then everyone was coming up to me saying ‘congratulations on making the team,’ ‘’ Johnson said. “It’s a great experience to play for USA Basketball. This will be my third time with them. And we have the players to do it with me Myles (Turner), Justise (Winslow), Tyus (Jones), Jahlil (Okafor), Cliff (Alexander).’’
Johnson, who plays a combination of small forward and point, is ranked as thenation’s No. 3 player by rivals.com
He won the Hoophall's dunk contest as a sophomore in 2012, the last time the Monarchs came to Blake Arena.
“It’s been a great experience for me here at the Hoophall,’’ Johnson said. “Every time I come out here we win by 20 plus. Not a lot of people know that this is where it (invention of basketball) actually happened. When I look back someday I know I’ll say that I was glad to be part of this.’’
Mater Dei made strong runs at the outset and midway through the second quarter to take a 39-27 halftime lead.
Johnson had as many turnovers (three) and personal fouls (two) as he did points and rebounds, respectively, in nine minutes during the first half. But it was no matter, as his teammates shot 12 of 19 from the floor.
“Tonight was a rough game for me, I got in a little foul trouble early,’’ Johnson said. “I was three fouls deep five minutes into the game and I had no flow.’’
The Monarchs pushed the lead to 14 after three and were never threatened despite a late Saints’ rally that cut the lead to eight during the final minute.
“I was trying to get everyone the ball and not try to make myself look stupid,’’ Johnson said. “
Johnson scored 11 points after halftime, before fouling out with 1:11 left and the Monarchs up by 10.
Rex Pflueger, a 6-foot-6 junior point guard, led Mater Dei with 30 points and was named his team’s game MVP.
“Rex was hot . . .,’’ “I’ve had my games this season and this was theirs. Teams are going to look at us and now that we have three of four other options. For us as a team, this was a great win. I think it was our best win of the season, so far.’’
And Neumann-Goretti was no slouch, entering with a 9-2 record and No. 34 national ranking.
Miami (Fla.) commit Ja’Quan Newton led Neuman-Goretti with 13 of his team-high 17 points before the break.
The game finished off a five-day, 25-game schedule at the 13th annual event, as one of four games broadcast by ESPNU.
