The Hightower Hurricanes girls’ varsity basketball program finished the 2023-2024 season with a 15-1 record in 6A Region III District 20. With their only loss coming from Ft. Bend Austin, the Hurricanes feel good about the prospects of their playoff run this season. After defeating both Cinco Ranch and Cy Creek, the Hurricanes are moving on.
“We have more experience this year. Last year, we were able to return about eight players from that team. These girls have been on the big stage before. They’ve been in front of the lights and they’re bringing that experience with them,” said head coach Jasmine Brewer.
One of those returning starters is senior point guard Jaya Johnson.
“Jaya has always been a fearless, great, vocal leader. In the four years she’s been at Hightower I’ve seen her leadership transform. She’s confident, demands the floor, and has really grown in the way she handles pressure situations. Last season, she won defensive player of the year for our district and every year she’s become better at what she does,” said Brewer.
Jaya is a four-year varsity starter at Hightower.
“Through the years I learned to be humble in my position and that everything isn’t about yourself. Everything is about the team and winning and that’s what I care about the most,” said Johnson.
Johnson has had the privilege of sharing the floor with the University of Texas junior point guard, Rori Harmon, who has since gone on to become a dominant force for the Longhorns.
“My freshman year we played against her at Cy Creek. We lost, but playing against her taught me to always work and push myself,” said Johnson.
Harmon has since achieved four-time Big 12 Freshman of the Week and earned multiple accolades, including Big 12 Tournament MVP.
“I study her game because she plays both sides of the ball. She runs her team and she distributes the ball to everybody. Her change of speed is unique and it’s great to have at the point guard position when trying to keep the defense on their toes,” said Johnson.
Jaya Johnson
IG: @ballout.jaya_
Twitter: @Jloadin26485351
Position: Point guard
Height & weight: 5-feet-7, 140 pounds
Players she studies: Rori Harmon (University of Texas)
Status: Committed to Paris Junior College
Favorite artist: Lil Baby
Favorite subject: Precalculus
Shout-outs: God, my team, parents, my siblings
Johnson was introduced to the game of basketball through her brother, Jayden Johnson.
“He introduced me to the game of basketball and put that love and fight in me. As a child, I remember going outside and hooping every day until the lights came on,” said Johnson.
At 11 years old Johnson played in her first recreational league in Stafford. The following year, she played on her first AAU team with CyFair Elite. After playing with CyFair Elite, she played with the Rice Warriors, Mo City Ballers, Texas Phenoms, and lastly Houston Dream. Through playing with these organizations, Johnson was exposed to various playing styles and abilities.
“Everybody on the court in AAU can hoop. It’s not PE basketball. With college coaches watching, it’s a different type of pressure,” said Johnson.
Next season, Johnson is committed to playing at Paris Junior College where she plans to study kinesiology.
“I chose that school because of the culture and the family feel. When I first arrived on campus, it felt like they wanted me around and they wanted to accept me,” said Johnson. “I plan to study kinesiology because I want to become a head coach once I’m done with basketball.
Johnson credits the greatest piece of basketball advice she has received came from Brewer.
“Never doubt yourself,” said Johnson. “Coach Brewer told me that and she’s the one who put the trust in me from freshman year. At the point guard spot, never doubt yourself because the point guard position is very hard and you never want to doubt yourself, in that position.”
