Johnson Reaches Milestone in Loss

Marie Alton, Staff Writer

The Record Jan. 27, 2005 - Senior Kim Johnson approached center circle ready to jump and secure the first possession in Monday's game in Moorhead, needing only eight points to join an elite club of Blazers.

Johnson was on the verge of becoming the 15th player in Blazer basketball history to score 1,000 career points.

Although closing in on a mark that few players have achieved, Johnson remained fully concentrated on the task at hand. She had her mind set on winning the game, which she thinks is a far more important task than achieving a personal milestone.

To her, scoring 1,000 points is just another number. Johnson knocked in 11 points and eight rebounds on the night. Unfortunately, the Blazers (10-2 MIAC, 13-2) fell short 83-75 to the Cobbers.

"I would have rather won and scored seven than to score 1,000 and lose a game," Johnson said.

The loss, however, does not erase the statistics of Johnson's stellar career.

Her scoring and defensive averages continue to be among the top in the MIAC.

Currently, she ranks first in the conference, averaging 8.6 rebounds per game. This year she was named a team co-captain, a tribute to how well respected she is among her teammates.

"She is a very caring teammate, and people enjoy having her on their team," coach Mike Durbin said. "She sets the tone for the rest of our team."

Johnson is expected to produce big things when she step on the court. It's the experience of Johnson and junior Anna Heiekenen that have had to carry an otherwise inexperienced starting lineup.

"We just seem to find each other on the court," Heikenen said. "She's the one that usually gets us pumped up and ready for games."

To watch a player he has coached for four years reach a milestone brings some sense of personal satisfaction for Durbin, but seeing what his players have become by the time they are seniors is far more rewarding.

"It's always fun to see your players become leaders," Durbin said. "It's part of the evolution from being a high school senior to a college senior."

To Johnson, special teammates and being part of a winning tradition have been the best part of being a Blazer.

The thought of scoring 1,000 points didn't even cross her mind much during her four years at St. Ben's.

It was a career that Durbin foresaw upon Johnson's arrival on campus.

"I knew Kim was going to have a bright career, and I was very excited when she decided to come here," Durbin said. "She should be very excited about her career."

Getting to the NCAA tournament would be the ultimate way to end her time at St. Ben's, but there are still a lot of MIAC games to win, starting with league-leader Carleton on Saturday.

Saturday's game will be the end of a crucial stretch of away games for the Blazers, who know they need to take it one game at a time.

Johnson said, "We have to keep our heads high and go into Northfield and take care of business."

Athletic Department
College of Saint Benedict
37 South College Avenue
St. Joseph, MN 56374
320-363-5301
Fax 320-363-6098