For Flathead High School’s Danika Johnson, basketball has been a family affair.
Both parents, Tryg and Lynette Johnson, play ball. Tryg Johnson dribbled for Montana State University while Danika’s older sister, Ariel, plays for the University of Montana-Western.
So at the end of the 2009 season, when Danika made it a personal goal to grow as a player, it was only fitting she found herself back in the gym working with her father.
“After last season ended, I realized how much better I wanted to be,” said the 6-foot-3-inch junior. “I’m proud of motivating myself and reaching a higher competitive level.”
Johnson worked with her dad three to four days a week throughout the summer and spring on outside shots and ball handling.
“Dad would push me around with a pad on the inside to toughen me up,” she said.
Johnson hopes by growing personally she can help the team as a whole.
“I want to work as hard as I can and finish the season feeling accomplished with how I spent my time,” she said. “I want to be stronger in the post, work on my outside shot and be more aggressive. You only get one season a year.”