Jersey of Young Harris College’s Mackenzie Johnson on Ring of Honor at Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Young athletes often dream of recognition for their contributions to the game at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. For Young Harris women’s basketball standout Mackenzie Johnson, that dream has come true. Johnson’s jersey will be displayed in the Ring of Honor display at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tenn., in recognition of her outstanding play for the 2022-2023 season.
“The Ring of Honor is an exhibit at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame where we honor the nation’s top players at every level,” said Kelly Mathis, Director of Development for the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. “To have your jersey on display at the Hall of Fame is a huge privilege and we are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of these young women.”
Johnson, who graduated from Young Harris College this spring, averaged 18.1 points and 13.2 rebounds for the Mountain Lions who went 15-14 and advanced to the Peach Belt Conference Tournament final during the 2022-23 season. The PBC Women’s Basketball Player of the Year and two-time All-PBC performer was named the PBC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week five times and was selected the Division II Conference Information Directors Association Player of the Week.
“I could not be more excited and prouder of Mackenzie for earning this honor,” said YHC women’s basketball head coach Lindsey Huffman. “This truly signifies what a special player Mackenzie is. Only a handful of players get to see their jersey displayed in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. What an incredible milestone to honor Mackenzie’s elite career at Young Harris!”
The Chattanooga, Tenn., native was named to three All-America teams during the past season. Johnson, who is the program’s first All-American, was named to the first team by the Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association, to the second team by the World Exposure Report, and to the honorable mention team by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.
“I am beyond grateful for the recognition,” Johnson said, of the honor. “I couldn’t have done it without my team, coaching staff, and Young Harris College. Go Mountain Lions!”
Johnson, who was named to the D2CCA All-Southeast Region first team and the region’s Player of the Year was ranked third in NCAA Division II statistics with 21 double doubles, fourth in rebounds per game (13.2) and 39th in scoring (18.1). She is ranked No. 1 in the YHC record books in career rebounds (840) and No. 2 in scoring (1,045).
Currently, the Ring of Honor consists of over 100 jerseys hanging from the rafters of the back rotunda at the Hall of Fame. By acknowledging these young athletes, the Hall of Fame can fulfill their mission to “honor the past, celebrate the present, and promote the future” of women’s basketball.
The display includes jerseys of the top high school and college players from the previous season. The Ring of Honor has displayed jerseys from the best players in the world including Candace Parker, Sue Bird, Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart, and Aja Wilson.
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, which opened in 1999, is the only facility of its kind dedicated to all levels of women’s basketball. For more information on the Ring of Honor or the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame visit www.wbhof.com or call (865) 663-9000.
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science, and Technology; and Professional Studies. Approximately 1,500 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the prestigious Conference Carolinas. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
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