By JONATHAN GREENE
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
BLUEFIELD — Expectations were big for James Monroe’s Melissa Johnston coming into the season. She was the Lady Mavericks’ top returning scorer after Jade McDaniel and Karsyn Boothe graduated and is one of four seniors on the roster.
While some would succumb to those pressure, the 5-foot-11 forward has meet them with flying colors.
“Melissa has known what our expectations were for her since the beginning,” James Monroe head coach Malory McPherson said via phone on Thursday. “She had the pressure to lead the team in scoring and rebound. She’s done that consistently for us. Last week, she played well at Wyoming East getting a double-double.
“As a team, we struggled at Mount View and she had a rough night, but was still able to score double digits. When you have a rough night and still get 14 points, you really can’t complain about that.”
Since a rough 3-7 start to the season, the Lady Mavericks are 6-2 and Johnston has been a big reason why. The senior is averaging a double-double with 12.8 points per game and 11 rebounds.
“I don’t really think about it much,” Johnston said of getting a double-double. “Rebounding is a big part of the game. I always tell myself I want more rebounds than points. I always try to hustle on those.”
McPherson added, “She leads the team in statistics , but more important, she’s a coach on the floor. Melissa is always encouraging the team and giving positive feedback. When we’re struggling, she provides encouragement to her teammates and lifts them up.”
Last week, Johnston helped James Monroe to a 1-1 record with a 56-32 win over Wyoming East and a 48-43 setback to Mount View. She had 10 points, 10 boards and 3 blocks against East while dropping 14 points in an “off night” against the Knights. Her performances earned her Pocahontas Coal Association/ Bluefield Daily Telegraph Player of the Week honors.
“It’s definitely the support from my teammates and my family,” Johnston said of her play last week. “That’s what drives me. Coming to practice and spending time with teammates and coaches is what keeps me going.”
That support has also helped her handle tough expectations in her final year at Lindside.
“I’m not going to lie, the pressure has been on me,” she said. “But with the support of everyone, I haven’t been thinking about it much. I’ve just been focusing on team as a whole and what we can accomplish together.”
Johnston, who played AAU basketball with the Roanoke Stars, has gained plenty on knowledge in her four years on the varsity level and is happy to guide the younger Mavericks on and off the court.
McPherson said, “It’s a definite bonus to know that I don’t have to stand on sideline directing everyone all the time since I have someone on the floor who can do that as well.”
Johnston’s leadership shows in her work ethic and leadership. She expects nothing but the best from her teammates. The reason is she expects the same from herself.
“She’s a very positive person and dedicated to everything she does,” McPherson said. “She’s an A-plus student and works very hard. She doesn’t expect anything less than excellence.”
Johnston agreed, “I’d like to say I’m dedicated. I’ve been playing basketball every summer since I can remember. I basically play basketball all year around. I expect a lot from girls here only because I believe they can achieve great things.”
That exact belief is what is the driving force in Johnston’s game.
“I know what our girls capable of,” she said. “I know what it’s like to be counted out and I want to support them and know they can accomplish great things. When people believe in you, you can accomplish great things. I try to do that for my teammates.”
She has done that and more for the Mavericks while playing the less glamorous position of post. In today’s guard oriented game, posts are sometimes forgotten, but not at James Monroe. The Mavericks are blessed with not only Johnston, but Kelsie Mann.
“It’s such a blessing to have both of them,” McPherson said. “I played point guard in high school and nothing makes it easier on a guard than to have a reliable post who can finish near the rim and rebound when you do take shots. It’s a tremendous advantage.”
It’s a position Johnston wouldn’t trade either.
“I love playing underneath,” she said. “Kelsie has been big huge contributor. I wouldn’t trade it for another position. It’s the most fun. I’ve never played guard, but playing the post has its benefits. I love the physical aspects of it. I love the dirty work the post players have to do.”
Johnston has her eyes set on the next level at either Bluefield State or Concord. The decision comes down to which program she wants to major in. Bluefield State offers nursing while Concord would be her choice to go into education.
Until then though, Johnston and the Mavericks have their sights set on finishing this season strong.
“This team has potential to go all the way. Half the part of basketball is physical, other is mental,” she said. “Once we realize what we’re capable of, there is no stopping us.”
James Monroe will conclude their regular season tonight at PikeView before heading to the sectional tournament the following week.
“She’s definitely going to be missed,” McPherson said. “It’s sad to see her season come to close and we’re going to miss all of our seniors.”
Johnson added, “I’d like thank [my teammates and coaches] for making my senior year memorable and enjoyable.”
— Contact Jonathan Greene
at jgreene@bdtonline.com

HONORABLE MENTION GIRLS
Jan. 30 - Feb. 4
Bland County (1-1 during week): Alyssa Harris, 12 points in win over Grayson County; Paige Brinkley, 10 points in loss to Graham; Julia Davis, 10 points vs. Graham.
Bluefield (0-2): Dazia Edwards, 23 points.
Graham (2-0): Karly Morgan, 21 points including 14 points, 12 rebounds vs. Narrows; Liz Workman, 20 points.
Grundy (1-0): Loni Webb, 13 points; Morgan Hall, 10 points.
Honaker (0-1): Laura Hess, 7 points.
Hurley (1-1): Daisy Mullins, 22 points; Shanice Justus, 24 points including 18 points, 11 rebounds in loss to Twin Valley.
James Monroe (1-1): Kelsie Mann, 18 points including 11 points, 8 rebounds, 6 blocks in win over Wyoming East; Jordan Page, 22 points; Hannah Pritt, 14 points in loss to Mount View.
Montcalm (0-2): Miranda Kendrick, 18 points; Maranda Crane, 15 points, 20 rebounds; Leslie Kelley, 7 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists vs. Meadow Bridge; Hannah Johnson, 11 points vs. Meadow Bridge.
Mount View (1-1): Ashley Belfiore, 23 points; Jordan Younger, 27 points; Shyanne Saunders, 10 points in loss to Meadow Bridge.
Narrows (0-2): Savanna Burton, 45 points including 20 points, 14 rebounds vs. Fort Chiswell (also scored her 1,000th career point).
PikeView (2-1): Hope Nester, 51 points, 12 assists, 9 steals including 26 points, 4 steals in 55-54 loss to Scott; Danielle Compton, 37 points, 18 rebounds; Lyndsey Hatfield, 15 points, 15 rebounds.
Princeton (1-0): McKenzie Akers, 20 points, 9 assists, 3 steals in win over Summers County; Marissa Mullins, 20 points; Kendria Perkins, 11 points, 13 rebounds; Stephanie Lambert, 11 points, 11 rebounds.
Richlands (2-0): Brittany Allen, 53 points including 30 vs. Honaker; Cassidy Richardson, 16 points vs. Tazewell.
River View (1-1): Chelsey Dobbs, 21 points, 21 rebounds; Samantha Matney, 40 points; Tara Bowles, 15 points, 14 rebounds; Phyllis Waldron, 4 points, 19 rebounds.
Summers County (0-1): Candace Brown, 21 points; Brandy Morrison, 12 points.
Tazewell (1-1): Taylor Catron, 38 points; Whitney Saunders, 14 points, 4 steals in loss to Richlands; Haley Christian, 10 points in win vs. Abingdon.
Twin Valley (1-0): Katelyn Jackson, 22 points; Rachel Horn, 12 points, 10 rebounds; Kara Goodman, 13 points, 8 rebounds.
Note: Two weeks remain for the girls and boys awards. Coaches are urged to make recommendations for this award. Call (304) 327-2813 or e-mail with statistics to sports@bdtonline.com