THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 31, 1995 TAG: 9512290324
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sports
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Medium: 81 lines
KRYSTAL JOHNSON IS upbeat, down to earth and up against a tough challenge.
Standing only 4-foot-11, the Oscar Smith senior point guard often draws dismissive glances from opponents when she takes the basketball court.
That is their first mistake.
When the tiny Tiger drives through a full court press, defenders move to box her in.
That is their second mistake.
Realizing the error, defenders make their third and final mistake - they back off. Johnson will then deftly rip a three-pointer or dish the ball to a teammate with better position.
Johnson is the epitome of the cliche that good things come in small packages. She is fast on the ball and capable of driving the distance and tipping in a layup or holding back and directing the setup of a scoring play. She enjoys her stature on the court, where her size quickly becomes a non-factor to the onlooker.
``I don't think many people know that I can play,'' Johnson said. ``Some of the girls who have moved up don't know and they just look at me like, `She's short, don't worry,' but coaches come up to me and tell me they're watching for me. I like that.''
Two years ago, Johnson stepped into the slot left by All-Tidewater Player of the Year Angela Carter.
``I was kind of nervous at first,'' Johnson said. ``Starr (Parker) and Kizzy Dunbar helped me out. Angela did everything when she was here. It was a big spot to fill, especially for me because I'm so small.''
Johnson has come to see her height as an advantage. The initial frustration she felt when she began playing four years ago subsided with time and experience. She changed from a young lady who tried out for the team just because her friends were doing it to a solid player with a firm grasp of what it takes to win. In the meantime, she grew from a follower who fed passes to sure shooters to the team leader who mixes it up and passes or shoots as the situation requires.
Her growth on the court has gained attention from her coach, Patty Walsh, and her teammates.
``I like it because everybody looks up to me,'' said Johnson, who averages 8.5 points, five assists and three steals a game. ``I'm the shortest person out there and everybody treats me with respect. I'm teaching them things I learned playing last year.''
Over the summer Johnson continued learning. She began lifting weights to push her shooting range out to the three-point line.
``I didn't think I could shoot if from way out there,'' she said. ``But my range got a little better.''
Although she has stuck it out through the tough times, there were moments when she wanted to quit. However, the strong support of her parents, Gwen and Bobby Johnson, kept her in the game.
``When I started, I really didn't know anything about it, but I caught onto it,'' Johnson said. ``My mom made me play. At first it was frustrating because of being short and not knowing the game. My mom encouraged me to keep going, told me I might could get a scholarship. My mom, she really inspires me.''
Her dad influences her play more directly. A former player, he spends countless hours shooting hoops with Johnson and helping her perfect her moves.
At home she also helps a male cousin, J.R. Sansbury, learn to play, passing on the knowledge she gained from her former leaders.
``My cousin wants to be a point guard, too,'' she said. ``I teach him to dribble, to see the floor and to use the team. Just because you get the ball all the time doesn't mean you always have to shoot it. I like to see everybody else score.''
Walsh said Johnson's unselfish play is an asset to the Tigers.
``Krystal pushes the ball forward with her speed,'' Walsh said. ``She would rather pass it off. She steps up when she's needed, though.''
And by the end of the game, Johnson usually appears much taller to her opponents. ILLUSTRATION: File photo by RICHARD DUNSTON
Krystal Johnson, who stands only 4-foot-11, fought for a rebound in
a regional tournament last winter.
by CNB