Here's the unabridged version -- with more questions and answers -- of the interview with York Catholic's Sean Johnston. He's our YAIAA Division II Boys' Basketball Player of the Year.
By JEFF FRANTZ
Daily Record/Sunday News
Sean Johnston rose to the moment exactly when York Catholic needed him to this season.
The 6-foot-1 senior played the best basketball of his life in the PIAA tournament for the Irish, highlighted by a 29-point performance against Delone Catholic in the quarterfinals. When he wasn’t scoring, Johnston was busy guarding the opposition’s best offensive player.
With a big smile and loose, dirty blond hair, Johnston comes across as soft-spoken. Put a basketball in his hands, and he becomes a terror. Here's our interview:
What was the best moment of the season?
When we beat Red Lion. We were both 19-0, and we had a packed house at York Catholic. It was a great moment.
Catholic has a pretty raucous student section. Did you notice them during the game?
They help the intensity of the game so much. The feelings are so much more powerful than when it’s dead. They helped us win a lot of games this season. Red Lion, Reading Central Catholic, Eastern York. They even came on the road and helped us win at Eastern.
During the regular season, did you feel pressure to go undefeated?
Not really. Once we got past Red Lion we knew we could finish undefeated. Once the playoffs started, we knew we couldn’t just focus on staying undefeated because that would be pretty hard.
As a team, were you worn out by districts?
We were a little bit tired. We should have regrouped after counties. Some of us weren’t as into it as we were earlier in the year because we were tired.
What player in the league do you enjoy matching up against the most?
Probably Cory Bray from Red Lion, because he’s such a tough matchup. He’s so quick and has such a nice release. I knew he’d be my toughest assignment.
What did you do the first day you didn’t have to go to practice after the season?
I think I just came home and relaxed, finally. Practice wasn’t always my favorite thing, so I don’t miss it. But I miss the games.
If they made a movie of your life, who would play you?
Matthew Perry. Kind of a quiet man, laid-back kind of guy. He has some humor.
What’s the soundtrack to your life?
Country — put down country. Country is probably my favorite. I don’t know why, but I’ve always had a thing for it.
If basketball were a one-way sport, would you play offense or defense?
I’d play defense, especially on my team this year. I know Jake (Iati) and Jon (Showers) can get up and score — but I’d play defense. I can contribute more there.
What’s a good Saturday night in York County?
I usually just find a friend’s house and chill. Bowling or something. Suburban Bowlerama. A lot of times we’re stuck not doing anything because there is no place to go.
What’s your relationship with Irish teammate Jacob Iati like?
I’m pretty much like an older brother to him. It’s been fun growing up with him, ever since we were little. In the summer, we go on vacation together.
Where do you go from here?
I’m heading to the University of Pittsburgh. I think I’m going to hang up the sneakers, just go to school, make friends and have fun.
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