Chad Johnston hopes to represent South Bend well at boys basketball Indiana All-Star game

SOUTH BEND — Speaking to his coaching peers ahead of Friday's annual Indiana and Kentucky high school boys basketball All-Star series, one message stood out to Chad Johnston.

Don't come back across the border if you lose.

Johnston, who has led South Bend Adams the past six years and was chosen to coach the Indiana boys All-Star team in March, knows that message is all in fun. As are the two exhibition games, first on Friday at Owensboro Sportscenter in Owensboro, Kentucky, then the return game on Saturday at Southport High School in Indianapolis.

But there is a seriousness to it, too, because Johnston wants to do his best to represent, not just Indiana, but the South Bend community well.

"That is important to me," Johnston said. "It is pretty intense. I want to win the game."

When Johnston, 49, got the call from Indiana All-Stars director Mike Broughton that he was the choice, South Bend Adams was one game above.500. He wondered if Broughton got the right guy. He was, because his name was recommended to Broughton from other coaches all across the state.

"It's really nice and fulfilling to be recognized by your peers," Johnston said. "I am really proud to be the Indiana all-star coach, no question."

Johnston, who led the Eagles to a surprise sectional title this season, despite finishing 14-13, will be assisted by former Westview coach, Rob Yoder and Brownsburg coach, Steve Lynch.

Johnston isn't the only South Bend connection in this year's games. Former South Bend Washington star, Mila Reynolds, is playing on the girls Indiana All-Star team, while her teammate, Rashunda Jones, played for the Indiana junior All-Star team. Penn's Markus Burton played for the boys junior All-Star team.

► How to watch: Indiana All-Stars vs. Kentucky in boys basketball, girls basketball: Schedule, ticket info

► Meet the team: The 2022 Indiana All-Stars boys team roster

► Indiana Junior All-Star roster: Indiana Junior All-Stars: Here is the 2022 boys team to face seniors, Kentucky

Johnston has spent all of his basketball life within South Bend. He played at Clay and Bethel University, before taking an assistant coaching job with the Pilots after graduating.  He got his first head coaching job at 29 years old at South Bend Washington, where he said he grew as a coach having to learn "a bit on the fly". This next year will be his 21st year as a head coach and sixth at Adams.

As a long-time educator in the sport, Johnston isn't taking this opportunity to coach this high-level talent for granted.

"You want to see kids reach the expectations they have and their goals," Johnston said. "It is fun to watch and fun to be a part. They are going to have to know me these next 4-5 days as much as I am getting to know."

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It is a unique process getting a group of a dozen-plus kids to work together as a team in such a short period of time, but not one that Johnston is unfamiliar with. Last year he coached the Junior All-Stars in an exhibition against the senior team.

That experience was watered down due to COVID restrictions compared to what he is doing this week.

"With the juniors, I probably spent 30 minutes with them, just a quick practice," Johnston said. "(This year) We practiced already in Brownsburg last Sunday, just to get to know (the players), building relationships with those guys and their families. I am really impressed with those guys. They are just like the kids I coached."

This year's Indiana All-Star team includes 2022 Mr. Basketball, Braden Smith of Westfield, as well as Travis Grayson, who's Chesterton team knocked out South Bend Adams in the regional semifinals this past season.

During the team's first practice — an extra long one because of how crucial it would be to get prepared — the team worked on sets, breaks and defensive schemes. Johnston also passed out notes detailing what they worked on as well as film of the practice for those that had to miss for graduation obligations.

Johnston said he's treating this week just as he would with his Adams freshman, getting them acclimated to the speed of the game.

When it comes to the actual game, Johnston plans to enjoy every bit of the experience, while also doing whatever he can to bring bragging rights back to his home state.

"You got to get guys in equal time," Johnston said. "We are going to roll with the guys playing well in the second half because that is very key. I'm just looking forward to my family being there. They have been huge support throughout my coaching career. If I didn't have that support I wouldn’t be doing this."

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Chad Johnston plans to represent South Bend at All-Star game