August 29, 2002
Johnson signs with USI women’s basketball for 2003-04
The University of Southern Indiana announced the transfer of 5’8” junior guard Kennitra Johnson (New Albany, Indiana) from Purdue University. Johnson is the ninth player to commit to USI and Head Coach Rick Stein this year.
Johnson will be eligible play at USI beginning with the 2003-04 season.
The graduate of New Albany High School initially signed with the University of Connecticut in 1999 and was a member of the Huskies’ national championship team in 2000. She played in all 37 games as a freshman, was named to the Big East All-Rookie team, and averaged 7.2 points and 2.5 assists per contest.
Johnson played in 34 games for Connecticut as a sophomore, averaging 5.7 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals a game.
Prior to her collegiate career, Johnson led NAHS to the Indiana Class 4A state championship and averaged 21.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists as a senior. She earned national recognition that year as a first team Parade All-American and the Most Valuable Player of the Nike/WBCA All-America game.
Johnson also was one of 12 heralded Hoosier girls’ basketball players to be named to the ISAA First Silver Era Team.
“Kennitra is one of the best players I have seen come out of the State of Indiana,” said Stein. “She can dominate a game on both ends of the court and proved to be one of the best young players in the Big East during UConn’s 1999 national championship run.
“Kennitra played a major factor in that championship season, averaging 22 minutes a game. It will be exciting to have Kennitra working out and practicing with our team for the upcoming season,” concluded Stein.
Ray Simmons, USI Sports Information
