Johnson lives in Dallas, Texas and formerly attended Lake Highlands High School.[1] He averaged 23.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game as a sophomore.[2] During his junior year, Johnson and Lake Highlands took part in the City of Palms Tournament and averaged 23 points per game.[3] At the end of the season, he led Wildcats to their first state championship since 1968 and scored 29 points in the team's 55–44 win in the state championship game against Beaumont United High School.[4] Johnson finished the season averaging 21.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game and was named Texas Mr. Basketball.[5] After the end of the school year, he transferred to Link Academy in Branson, Missouri.[6] Johnson produced 15.5 points, 3.6 assists and 3.3 rebounds per contest while shooting nearly 40% from 3-point range and 90.5% from the free throw line during his senior year. Johnson led the Lions to a 26-7 record. Johnson was selected to play in the 2024 McDonald's All-American Boys Game during his senior year.[7]
Recruiting
Johnson is a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2024 class, according to major recruiting services.[8] He was ranked the top overall recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals throughout his junior year until he was surpassed by Dylan Harper during the summer of 2023.[9][10][11] On November 15, 2023, Johnson committed to playing college basketball for Texas after considering an offer from Baylor.[12]
Johnson's father, Richard Johnson Jr., played college basketball at Baylor before transferring to Midwestern State.[14] His father is also an assistant coach at Lake Highlands.[15]
