HOLLANDALE - Jasper Johnson, one of Hollandale’s biggest and brightest basketball stars has passed away at the age of 38.
Johnson first starred on the court at Simmons High School. He then played college basketball at both Southern Mississippi and Delta State before going on to a long international basketball career.
Johnson will always be remembered by those in the northeast corner of Washington County for his smooth, positive mannerisms as well as his heroics on and off the basketball court.
He was a 4-year letterman and led the Simmons Blue Devils to a Class 3A State title run. He also flourished at the collegiate level. After transferring from Southern Miss to Delta State, he led the Statesmen to Div. II NCAA runs, as well as winning Division II and Gulf South Conference player of the year honors.
“We are deeply saddened to learn that Jasper Johnson, a Delta State University Hall of Famer, has passed away. Jasper is the only DSU player to ever win the Bailey Howell Trophy. He also collected NCAADII Player of the Year and the Gulf South Player of the Year honors,” Delta State Athletics tweeted.
Johnson played over 10 years professionally, with much success coming in the Korean Basketball League. He also made sure that he didn't forget about those from the small town he was raised as he would return home to host events to help everyone, and made himself available to mentor and be a role model to the youth.
He had spent the past couple years teaching 5th grade students in Memphis at Binghampton Christian Academy, which brought him joy in his post playing days - as he was doing something he loved - working with youth, and playing a part of how to be productive off the court.
Not only did the humble young man fill up the stat sheets on the court, it was also noticeable that he was productive and positive off the court as well - but he would call it being smooth.
