An interesting year for Jalen Johnson came full circle Thursday when the Hopkinsville guard signed to play basketball at Murray State University. The 6-2 guard rounds out Murray State’s signing class for the 2018-19 season, which earlier in the week included the signing of former Madisonville guard Javieon Eaves.
Nine months ago, Johnson was splitting his time in the gym and the football field for Hopkinsville. He then surprised many by opting to enroll with the Aspire Academy in Louisville, bringing his high school football career to an end.
However, Johnson did not stay with Aspire and returned to Hopkinsville before the start of the basketball season.
Johnson battled injury for part of the season but still averaged 18 points, six rebounds and 3.8 assists for the Tigers, while shooting 41-percent from 3-point range. Johnson was part of three Tiger teams that advanced to the Sweet 16.
He finished his career with 1,663 points and was named All-State Honorable Mention three seasons.
Before Johnson heads to Murray State, he will play for the Kentucky All-Stars in their annual series with Indiana in June.
