Some people just seem to be good at everything. It's as if they were given an extra dose of talent at birth that allows them to succeed at whatever they try. Sprayberry senior Flau'Jae Johnson is one of those people.
Not only is Flau'Jae a celebrated leader and standout on the basketball court, she is also intelligent, thoughtful, and humble. In addition, Johnson is a rapper and recording artist with many original songs. Her rap and music talent earned her appearances on Lifetime's The Rap Game and America's Got Talent. The girl's got mad skills.
"People have no idea how hard I work," Flau'Jae said. "I don't take days off."
She recently broke the Yellow Jacket's all-time scoring record, with many games still to play in the season. She has helped her team stay undefeated in region play as the current top-seed in Region 6-6A. The Yellow Jackets also bested the Kennan Raiders, the #3 ranked team in South Carolina, on Saturday in a 75-65 road win. It was a confirmation that this team, and Flau'Jae, are hitting their stride at just the right time.
As if she needed another accolade for her already impressive resume, the LSU-committed Johnson was chosen for the McDonald's All-American team in late January. She will play in the All-American game in Chicago on March 29. The game is an annual East vs. West event and features the 24 best high school players in the country.
As a 2022 All-American selection, Flau'Jae follows in UGA forward Jillian Hollingshead's footsteps, who represented McEachern in 2021 at the game. With both All-Americans at SEC schools next year, Cobb basketball fans can be looking ahead to a potential February matchup in 2023.
"These recent McDonald's All-American selections from Cobb are a true testament to the talent we have here locally," said District Director of Athletics Don Baker. "It also points to the coaching staffs, administration, and support systems that pour into our student-athletes daily."
On the court, Flau'Jae is an offensive force and commands the defense's attention at all times. She can drain a picture-perfect 30-footer one play and drive strong to the hoop on the next. Although she could probably find a way to score on nearly every possession, she spreads the scoring wealth around with quick passes and accurate assists. On defense, she anticipates where the play is heading and gets there first, creating rebound and turnover opportunities in the paint.
Off the court, Flau'Jae smiles and talks to everyone. She makes time for selfies with young fans. She helps corral the team and the equipment and prepare for the next adventure. She's both student and mentor.
"We have had the pleasure of watching Flau’Jae grow as a student and an athlete over the course of her four years at Sprayberry," said Sprayberry Principal Sara Griffin. "We are so proud of all of her accomplishments: winning region player of the year, breaking the all-time point record at the school, and now earning the title of McDonald’s All American. Her dedication and talent are unparalleled, and we are so grateful that Sprayberry has been a part of her journey."
"Having the privilege to coach an enormous talent like Flau'Jae is an incredible honor," said Sprayberry head coach Kelly Avery. "I have discovered that her heart is bigger than her talent though."
Flau'Jae's heart for her team is evident. She is cheering the loudest for her teammates even when the game is well under control and she's off the court. The excitement and pride that she instills in her fellow players is one reason why this year's Yellow Jackets team is a favorite to make a very deep run in the 6A state tournament.
"I try to not let my emotions get in the way," Flau'Jae said. "Coach has established the goal and I want to be a leader for the team. This team has an opportunity to do something great this season. Once we lock in and play together and play our game, no one in the state is able to beat us."
With Flau'Jae directing on the court and Coach Avery calling the plays, the Yellow Jackets will be a very tough team to beat heading into the postseason.
"We will take it one game at a time," Coach Avery said. "We don't look through any opponent. We don't talk about the team we face next week; we talk about and plan for the current opponent."
Sprayberry faces District rival Kell on Friday in a very important game for regional ranking. Kell has lost only one region game this season: to Sprayberry in early January. The rematch will be an exciting one to watch...
