Montini’s Malayna Johnson commits to Wisconsin

Malayna Johnson could be called a “late bloomer” on the basketball court.

She can also be called a future Badger now.

Montini’s 6-foot-4 junior made a verbal commitment to the University of Wisconsin on Monday. Johnson, the younger sister of former Montini star and current Connecticut sophomore Michala Johnson, chose Wisconsin over Kansas State and Georgia Tech.

Johnson just started playing basketball in eighth grade. She played for Montini’s sophomore team as a freshman. Last year she averaged 4 points and 2 rebounds game for the Class 3A state champions, splitting time with Notre Dame recruit Diamond Thompson behind SIU-Edwardsville-bound Tianna Brown in Montini’s rotating posts.

“Her ceiling is still pretty high, she has upside and she’s athletic,” Montini coach Jason Nichols said. “If she starts playing more aggressive, lifts weights and gets stronger she will get better. It’s a matter of playing more. She’s a kid who’s a little bit behind, because she started late.”

Wisconsin brought in a new coaching staff this year, as head coach Bobbie Kelsey was hired in April after four seasons as an assistant at her alma mater Stanford. Wisconsin has three Illinois natives on its current roster, including freshman Jacki Gulczynski from Bartlett and senior Ashley Thomas from Loyola — whose sister Courtney, a member of Marquette’s basketball team, played at Montini.

“Malayna is a kid who shows moments where you say ‘Wow,’” Nichols said. “I think (Wisconsin) is a great fit.”