NOTES: Versatility gets Basic’s Johnson noticed in football

“It really helps our team. It puts our team in good positions,” he said.

It’s a mindset college coaches are bound to like as the junior emerges as one of the area’s top prospects in the class of 2014.

Johnson’s primary position is running back, but he also spends time in the slot and even at quarterback for the Wolves (1-0). He also was a second-team all-state return man as a sophomore.

Utah State already has offered Johnson a scholarship. He said he’s also received interest from UNLV, Arizona, Northwestern, San Diego State and Utah.

The 5-foot-11-inch, 185-pound Johnson put his explosiveness on display in a 47-14 win at Rancho on Friday. He returned the opening kickoff 98 yards for a score and rushed for two touchdowns.

Johnson’s mother ran track at Harvard, and he’s inherited more than speed.

“I’m working on keeping my grades up,” Johnson said.

RECENT COMMITMENTS — Local baseball seniors who made Division I commitments include Arbor View right-hander Evan McMahan (San Diego) and Bishop Gorman outfielder Kenny Meimerstorf (Arizona).

Also, Western senior left-hander Josh Yocum committed to the College of Southern Nevada.

In softball, Gorman junior infielder Shelby Estocado committed to Tulsa.

Girls who made soccer commitments include Gorman senior Lynsey Ng (Iowa State), Palo Verde senior Alex White (North Dakota) and Gorman junior Charlotte Brascia (Arizona).

MARQUEE VOLLEYBALL — Some of the nation’s top girls volleyball teams will play in the Durango Fall Classic at multiple sites Friday and Saturday, with the championship set for 6 p.m. Saturday at Durango.

The tournament will showcase 48 teams, including national powers Assumption (Ky.) and Torrey Pines (Calif.). Local teams include Green Valley, Coronado, Durango, Foothill, Shadow Ridge, Bonanza and Gorman.

SOCCER FORFEITS — Clark’s boys soccer team forfeited its Sept. 6 match at Cheyenne for using an ineligible player. The Division I-A Sunset League match was originally a 2-2 tie.

Also, Palo Verde’s boys soccer team forfeited its Aug. 28 victory over visiting Centennial for using an ineligible player. The Panthers originally won the nonleague match, 2-1.

ZIMMERMAN CHOSEN — Gorman sophomore center Stephen Zimmerman was selected to participate in the USA Basketball Developmental National Team Mini Camp set for Oct. 5 to 8 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

AGGIE HONORED — Arbor View senior infielder Cameron Mormon won a National Athleadership Grant sponsored by NCSA Athletic Recruiting and the NFL Players Association.

Mormon, who batted .378 as a junior, received the grant based on academics, athletics and community leadership.