The Lady Aces’ own Hailee Johnson signed with Brescia to continue her basketball and academic career as a Bearcat. The guard recently finished her senior season with Owensboro Catholic where she was named District Player of the Year, Region 3 Player of the Year, Owensboro Times Girls’ Basketball Player of the Year, and was a candidate for Miss Kentucky Basketball.
Johnson racked up multiple awards and honors this season thanks to her 492 total points, 14.9 ppg average, her 51.3 FG%, 38% shooting from 3, 79% FT%, and 5. 3 rebounds per game. Her efforts helped Owensboro Catholic clinch their third consecutive District Championship. They also had the chance to win a second straight regional title as they reached the championship game, but they were defeated by rivals Owensboro.
Johnson has wanted to play college basketball since she was younger, and it means a lot to her that she can make that dream come true, she said.
“It means so much to me to play at the next level,” she said. “Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to play at the collegiate level. It is an unreal experience. I am forever grateful for everyone getting me here.
Brescia was a prime candidate for Johnson because it was already so close to home. Johnson said she tends to get homesick, so going to college right down the road from her loved ones is a relief. While at Brescia, Johnson wants to study pre-med in hopes of one getting into the medical field.
Johnson’s college debut is some time away, and she plans on recovering from her postseason injury as much as she can in the meantime. Johnson’s injury prevented her from playing in the regional championship game against Owensboro, but she hopes to bounce back in order to help the Bearcats succeed, she said.
As she leaves high school sports behind to become a collegiate athlete, Johnson reflected on what she will miss the most about paying for the Lady Aces.
“The thing I will miss most is all the relationships I’ve created with the Lady Aces basketball team,” she said. “They have been so encouraging and like family. The people supporting me from the entire program are a big part as well.”
