Johnson going from pigskin to hoops

By: Brian Meadows | Mooresville Tribune
Published: November 12, 2009

Benjamin Johnson has to shift gears following Friday night's football playoff game, quickly turning his attention to the basketball court.

The West Iredell boys basketball team hosts its first scrimmage at 11 a.m. Saturday against Newton-Conover in the old gym. Admission is $3 or $2 with a canned food item.

This is Johnson's first year as Warriors head coach.

"To be honest, I'm tired," said Johnson, who has met his responsibilities on the field and on the court in recent days since basketball practice started. "One of the things that's keeping me going right now is adrenaline. I know I took a year off from doing basketball, but I've got that excitement back."

Johnson coached the West Middle boys to two consecutive Iredell-Statesville Schools championships in 2006-08. Both seasons ended with perfect records. He was hired in the spring to replace Brian Cantrell as Warriors head basketball coach.

Many of the same players Johnson coached in middle school will play this season for West, including a handful of the football players.

"I'm glad I've got an opportunity to work with some of these guys again," Johnson said.