Dandy Dozen

A Byhalia senior has been recognized as one of the top 12 girls basketball players in the state.

Kavacia “Shay” Johnson was named to the Clarion-Ledger’s Dandy Dozen.

As a junior, she averaged 14 points, seven assists, seven rebounds and four steals a game for the Lady Indians.

James Sales, her head coach, said the point guard has great court vision.

“She’s a playmaker,” Sales said. “She knows how to set up baskets for her teammates.

“She’s blessed with a lot of talent.”

“She always hustles, she loves to win, and she’s really aggressive.”

Sales said she may be small in stature but she plays big.

“Her game is way bigger than her height,” he said.

“I really believe if somebody will give her a chance she could really help a Division I college team.”

In the Clarion-Ledger’s article on the Dandy Dozen, they wrote – “Johnson’s IQ of the game is what sets her apart. Along with her ball-handling skills and her ability to get past her defender, Johnson is one of the quickest guards in the 2018 class. She’s great at finding her teammates and getting them the ball. She’s a creator on the floor, for herself and her teammates.”

Colleges showing interest in Johnson, according to the Clarion-Ledger article, are Southern Miss, Alcorn State and junior colleges.

The Byhalia Lady Indians, led by Johnson, finished the pre-Thanksgiving portion of their schedule with a 5-0 record.

Other members of the girls Dandy Dozen are Daphane White of St. Martin, Sania Wells of East Central, Kyarrah Grant of Choctaw Central, Kyannah Grant of Choctaw Central, Katie Blackmon of Olive Branch, Mahogany Vaught of Olive Branch, Amber Gaston of Warren Central, Destiny Smith of McComb, Jariyah Covington of Starkville, Chyna Allen of Harrison Central and Destiny Haymer of Holmes County.