Johnson’s 28 Points Power UVA to Historic Sweet 16!

Johnson’s 28 Points Power UVA to Historic Sweet 16!

Kymora Johnson is on fire! She’s dropped 28 points in back-to-back games, leading the University of Virginia (UVA) women’s basketball team to the Sweet 16 for the first time in 26 years. This is a huge moment for the program. Johnson, a star player, joined SportsCenter to talk about this incredible run.

A Sweet Feeling

“It’s been incredible. It’s been so fun,” Johnson said about the team’s journey. “We’re really taking it one game at a time, but we’re having a lot of fun and we’re still dancing.” She described the feeling as “just a sweet, sweet feeling.” The team’s success is more than just a good streak; it’s historic.

Making History

UVA is the only team in the tournament that started in the ‘First Four’ to make it to the Sweet 16. That means they had to win an extra play-in game just to get into the main bracket. For Johnson personally, she’s now the fourth player in UVA history to score 25 or more points in two different NCAA tournament games. That’s a big deal!

Carrying the Load

When asked about the pressure of needing to perform at a high level, Johnson credited her teammates and coaches. “My teammates believe in me. They know what I can do. They know what I’m capable of,” she explained. “My coaches as well. They instill all the confidence in the world in me.” This trust allows her to go out and play her game, focusing on scoring. She’s been playing almost every minute, with reports saying she played 133 out of a possible 135 minutes over five days. When asked about her stamina, she joked about needing tips for her offseason cardio, but then got serious. “I don’t really remember, but I know that recovery is a big part of it,” she said, mentioning ice baths and massages.

From Obstacles to Inspiration

Johnson’s basketball journey started long before this historic run. Growing up, she had to play on boys’ teams because there weren’t any girls’ teams in her area. When she was just 10 years old, her team was kicked out of a national tournament because girls weren’t allowed to play on boys’ teams. This experience was tough. “10-year-old me wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue to do this basketball thing after that happened,” she admitted. Thankfully, she stuck with it. “I’m so glad I did. I’m so grateful. And yeah, I’m just so happy to be here.”

Fueling the Fire

What kept her going after facing such unfair rules? “The mentality behind that whole thing, like the fact that girls weren’t allowed in boys sports and things like that,” she said. Johnson wanted to be a role model. “I just wanted to be an example to the next generation.” She knew people looked up to her after that disqualification, and that fueled her passion for the game.

Looking Ahead: TCU and a Star Matchup

Now, UVA faces TCU in the Sweet 16. Fans are excited about the matchup, especially the potential duel between Kymora Johnson and TCU’s star player, Olivia Miles. “Yeah, for sure. I mean, I played against her before. She’s a great player. Um, she can literally do everything,” Johnson said about Miles. While acknowledging her opponent’s talent, Johnson’s focus remains on the opportunity. “I’m just really excited to have the opportunity to play in the Sweet 16. I mean, Virginia hasn’t been here in 26 years.” She feels honored to be in the same conversation as other great players. The game is set for Saturday at 7:30 PM Eastern on ESPN.

We’re still dancing and it’s just a sweet, sweet feeling.

Johnson’s performance and the team’s historic achievement are inspiring a new generation of young girls. Her journey from facing discrimination to leading her team to national prominence is a powerful story. UVA fans are eager to see if Johnson and the Cavaliers can continue their magical run.

Source: 'A SWEET FEELING' 👏 UVA's Kymora Johnson talks Virginia's HISTORIC Sweet 16 run | SportsCenter (YouTube)