“ZaKiyah is one of the best defenders I have ever seen. She can guard 1-5 at any level and create havoc defensively. This is my 21st season and she would be pick No. 1 of all the players I have seen in Kentucky.”

Stacy Pendleton

Head Coach - head coach of Assumption High

Athletic Excellence

The state’s returning Gatorade Player of the Year, the 6-foot sophomore guard and forward had led the Valkyries to a 31-3 record and a berth in the 7th Region Tournament championship game at the time of her selection. Johnson averaged 22.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game through 34 games. Ranked as the nation’s No. 2 recruit in the Class of 2025 by ESPN.com, she was also the 2022 MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year.

Academic Achievement

Johnson has maintained a 3.41 GPA in the classroom. She will begin her junior year of high school this fall.

Exemplary Character

Johnson has volunteered locally on behalf of both the Kiwanis Club and the Salvation Army. She has also donated her time as a youth basketball coach and referee.