High School Duo Reunites for Championship Run

South Carolina’s Dynamic Duo: Latson and Johnson Rekindle Championship Magic

The connection between Ti’Naya Latson and Raven Johnson on the basketball court is something special. It’s like they can read each other’s minds, a telepathic understanding that has teams worried. This isn’t a new trick for them; this dynamic duo first showed their power at Westlake High School. From 2019 to 2021, they led their team to three straight state championships, proving they were a force to be reckoned with.

Raven Johnson, speaking about their on-court chemistry, said, “Me and her on the court together when I’m dribbling the ball, I know where she is. I know where she’s going. I know where she likes to ball.” Ti’Naya Latson added, “It’s double trouble with me and Raven, you know, playing together. I feel like it’s scary to a lot of teams. We read each other’s mind.”

From High School Champs to College Stars

After their high school success, their paths diverged. Raven Johnson committed to South Carolina and has already won two national championships. A year later, Ti’Naya Latson went to Florida State. Last season, she was a top scorer in Division I basketball, leading the nation in scoring.

Despite playing for different programs, they always stayed in touch. Latson explained her desire to play with Johnson again: “I knew deep down I’ve I wanted to play with Raven again.” Johnson recalled Latson’s decision to transfer, noting, “She’d been talking about leaving Florida State because she wanted to win the championship. When she told me that, I was like, you know, this is the right place.”

The Reunion at South Carolina

Johnson played a key role in recruiting Latson to South Carolina. “Raven’s a great recruiter,” Latson admitted, recalling Johnson’s persuasive words. “You want to win, you better come here.” Johnson pushed Latson to make the move, saying, “Weigh your options, girl. Just just come here. Let’s build that chemistry again. Get back. I mean, we won so much together in high school, so why not do it at the next level?”

Their on-court connection is still as strong as ever. Latson described it as, “She can read my mind. I can read my mind. Like, I just know. I don’t know how to explain it. Like, you just know.” Johnson elaborated, “She could be across the room. I can get across the room and we’re going to read each other’s energy. It’s just natural.”

A Perfect Play and a Shared Dream

A recent play against Tennessee highlighted their seamless teamwork. “We just played Tennessee and um we had that back door cut,” Latson recounted. Johnson finished the play with a reverse layup, and Latson was amazed. “She got it and she reversed it. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is what I did to her in high school.’ And she just knew like the ball was coming.” Johnson added, “That was one of the moments I was like, ‘Oh yeah, we were connected. I didn’t even have to say anything. She knew we were just on a stream.”

Latson’s decision to enter the transfer portal was seen by many as fate. “It was God’s plan,” she stated. Johnson confirmed their shared vision, saying, “I was texting you for a game. It was crazy. I was like, ‘We going to play a game.’ That’s when the news came out.” When Latson entered the portal, speculation ran wild, but Johnson knew where she would end up. “Everybody was like, ‘So, where’s tonight’s going to go?’ And I’m looking at them like, ‘Um, I don’t know, guys.’ You know, but in my head, I knew you was going to come here. Oh yeah, I already knew.”

Chasing a Championship Together

Bringing Latson to South Carolina also provided comfort for Johnson. With much of the team’s core group graduating, Johnson was playing with new teammates. “I think she brings the best side out of me,” Johnson said. “Like she makes me play harder. She makes me just have confidence in myself.” Latson’s arrival gave Johnson a familiar face and a trusted teammate to rely on. “The core group of who Raven came in with left for graduation WNBA and she really had no one that she was used to playing with. And if you could bring somebody in that you shared the back court with in high school, I think it it brought a certain level of comfort for Raven.”

Both players are looking towards the future with a clear goal: a national championship. “Seeing her grow into her fifth year and seeing me grow into my senior year on the way to the league is a beautiful story,” Latson shared. “I hope that we’ve ended in the right way, which is a ring, so she can leave her with a championship ring. And I feel like that would be a wonderful ending.” Johnson echoed this sentiment, stating, “In college, you don’t get to play with your high school teammate. Being able to put that hat on and cut the net, that’ll be the perfect cherry on top.”

Whether they achieve their championship dream or not, their impact is already undeniable. As the article concludes, “Whether they do or don’t, the legacy has been set cuz their greatness is already known to the world. It would just add to it.” The reunion of these two talented players at South Carolina is a story of friendship, ambition, and the pursuit of greatness, aiming to finish their college careers with the ultimate prize.

Source: Ti'Naya Latson and Raven Johnson speak on playing together in high school AND college | Game On (YouTube)