Swansboro senior Erica Johnson overcoming torn meniscus to lead Pirates' quest for conference title

SWANSBORO – Erica Johnson grabbed a contested rebound and quickly launched the ball over to a teammate for an open layup.

But when the Swansboro senior wasn’t trying to help turn defense into offense in the Pirates’ 45-27 girls' basketball victory Tuesday over Richlands, Johnson contributed in the big Coastal 3-A Conference win in several other ways.

While she only scored four points, Johnson helped Swansboro’s tough perimeter defense, she got after it on the glass and was a reliable ball handler for the Pirates (6-4, 2-0), who won their third consecutive game.

While Johnson has done all of these things in her three varsity seasons, her efforts this season are perhaps more impressive, given she is playing with pain.

Johnson is forced to wear a brace on her right knee as she plays with a torn meniscus that she suffered on June 25 during a summer high school tournament at Clinton.

“My doctor said that either I get surgery or I play with a brace,” Johnson said. “I decided to play because it is my last year.”

Johnson understands the risks involved with playing injured. She could possibly hurt the knee even more, not only in her meniscus, but also in her ACL, which she said was irritated, but not torn.

Even after the end of basketball season, Johnson is considering putting off surgery until after the spring track and field season since she is a discus and shot-put thrower.

For Johnson, the rewards outweigh the risks. That is how much Johnson enjoys playing for the Pirates.

“I love playing with my teammates and I love winning games,” she said. “Our conference is wide open, but I think we can win the conference.”

Johnson is doing her part to help Swansboro do just that.

She averages 9.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game. While she doesn’t have one particular standout statistic, Johnson provides the Pirates a little bit of everything.

Her numbers are similar to last year when she made the first-team of the all-area team after she averaged 9.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.2 assists.

But this season has proven to be more challenging for Johnson while playing on a hurt knee.

“I have to know which way to plant my foot because if I plant too much on my right side, my knee shifts more than it normally would,” Johnson said. “I do have to change some moves because I can’t do some steps and turns, but as long as I push through it, I’m good. Sometimes, I just need a few seconds to calm down and I’m back at it.”

Swansboro coach Kim Miller appreciates Johnson’s passion.

“Erica has a good basketball IQ, which helps her play all five positions well,” she said. “She pours her heart and soul into the game and I know that her heart is in the right place. She wants to get better and she wants her teammates to get better.”

Johnson does not plan on stopping any time soon.

She is motivated by last year’s first-round playoff loss at Northwood and by trying to help Swansboro win their second Coastal Conference title in three years. Johnson and the Pirates look to take another step towards the league crown Friday at West Carteret (4-8, 1-1).

“The win against Richlands was an important game for us,” Johnson said. “We have another tough one Friday. I just want to help my team as a senior.”

Chris Miller can be contacted via email at cmiller@jdnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @jdnsports.

This article originally appeared on The Daily News: Swansboro's Erica Johnson leading girls basketball team with torn meniscus