Deuce is on the loose again at Campbell Hall

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James Johnson, aka Deuce, has been bothered by a troublesome shoulder problem for the better part of the last month, an injury that forced him to miss the first four games of the season for Campbell Hall. But, you would have never known the sophomore was ailing after looking at his numbers since his return in early December.

He’s looked as good as new, relatively new, that is. Johnson is averaging 12.8 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks a game, highlighted by a 19-point, 13-board, 5-assist and 3-block effort in a 73-48 loss to Westchester less than a week ago. He narrowly missed finishing with double-doubles in games against St. Edward, Rancho Verde and Santa Margarita.

‘Deuce’s conditioning is getting closer to where it should be and it’s just a matter of time before he’s back at full strength,’’ Vikings Coach Terry Kelly said. ‘Thing about him is, he gets better and better with each day, each practice, each game. Even while he was out, he was working hard. That’s the type of thing coaches like to see.’’

Apparently, recruiters have seen something in Johnson too. He’s been contacted by several NCAA Division I programs, perhaps the most high profile being UCLA. College, however, is the last thing on his mind right now. Fully recovering from the early season setback is the goal and Johnson is taking steps in the right direction.

-- Sean Ceglinsky