BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Though Huffman got here up brief within the Northeast Regional Championship in opposition to Mountain Brook Tuesday afternoon, the Vikings say this season is one to recollect as they honored their mentor, good friend, instructor, and coach.
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The Huffman basketball group devoted their season to Derrick Johnson, who handed away from COVID-19 in January.
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Derrick Johnson was a instructor and coach who cherished every thing Huffman, particularly basketball.
“He wasn’t only a wrestling coach, he was a father to the group,” mentioned Huffman participant Jamon Reed.
Johnson, who coached wrestling and soccer at Huffman, handed away in January after contracting COVID-19. He was 43 years previous and was a person who modified Huffman basketball with out truly enjoying the sport.
“He would at all times cease by observe. If I used to be having a nasty day, I might at all times rely on him to say one thing humorous or to make me smile. That half is certainly one thing we’re going to overlook,” mentioned Huffman basketball coach Steve Ward.
“When he handed, certainly one of our teammates mentioned let’s do it for him, in order that’s what we’re going to do,” mentioned Huffman level guard Peyton Wiggins.
Johnson cherished Huffman basketball a lot, he by no means missed a recreation. He at all times stood underneath the purpose, a spot the group continues to look each time they make a basket.
“And never seeing him, it bothers us some, however the children know he’s there in spirit, he helps us in spirit,” mentioned Huffman principal John Lyons.
“Not seeing that smile, yeah, it’s totally different, however I’m simply comfortable understanding he’s someplace in heaven trying down on us,” mentioned Reed.
Johnson watched Huffman win the 6A Basketball Championship final 12 months and the Vikings had hoped to do the identical this 12 months in his reminiscence.
Huffman’s season ended Tuesday afternoon after the Vikings misplaced to Mountain Brook 63-47 within the NE Regional.
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