1997-98:
As a junior in 1996-97: Played in 25 games, starting in 11. Scored a season-high 14 points against Kansas. In just 18 minutes of play, scored 14 points, dished out two assists with no turnovers and recorded four steals to spark the Tigers to a 68-66 upset over Kansas. Recorded a season-high eight assists in the season opener against Missouri-Rolla. Recorded a career-high six steals against Missouri-Rolla. Scored in double figures four times. Finished the season ranked 13th in the conference in steals (in conference play). Pulled down a season-high four rebounds against Cincinnati and Nebraska. Finished the season averaging 5.0 ppg, 1.7 rpg and shot .434 from the field.
As a sophomore in 1995-96: Played in 25 games, starting in nine. Scored a season-high 12 points against Missouri-St. Louis. Recorded 61 assists on the season. Dished out a career-high nine assists against UNC-Wilmington. Pulled down a season-high five rebounds against Southeast Missouri State and Western Illinois. Scored in double figures two times. Averaged 3.9 points per game and 1.9 rebounds.
As a freshman in 1994-95: Played in 24 of the 27 games, including eight starts. Recorded her career-highs vs. Northeast Missouri State, 20 points and eight rebounds. First among freshmen in assists, averaging 1.2 per game.
High School: Averaged 21.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists as she led her Saginaw team to a 19-5 record and the conference and district championship. Garnered 1st team all-conference honors while being named honorable-mention all-state. Was Saginaw's most valuable player and named the team's best defensive player as a senior. Also lettered in softball. An honor roll student and member of the National Honor Society.
Personal: Majoring in marketing. Born December 5, 1975. Parents are Mack and Eileen Johnson.
Full name: Tanisha LaJuann Johnson
Nickname: T.J.
Favorite athlete: Dennis Rodman
My hobbies are: Hanging out with my friends
My favorite food is: Greens
My favorite movie is: The Wiz
My favorite women's professional team is: The Phoenix Mercury
My favorite women's basketball player is: Michelle Timms and Bridgett Pettis
My favorite quote is: Winners can tell you where they are going, what they plan to do along the way and who will be sharing the adventure with them.
My craziest ambition is to: Skydive
If I weren't playing college basketball I would be: Attending a school in Michigan enjoying life
My greatest moment in sports was: Beating Kansas in the 1996-97 season
Before a basketball game I: Pray
The one thing I like most about playing basketball is: The competition, the great feeling of winning
When I want to get away from basketball I: Go back to Michigan and spend time with my family and friends.
The best athlete that I've ever played against was: Tamecka Dixon
My primary inspiration in sports is: My family
My goal in life is: To be successful at whatever I choose.
My advice to youngsters is: Always have faith in God, listen to your parents, and stay in school.
The best thing about being an athlete is: It pays your way through college, and you have the opportunity to meet different people and at the same time explore other parts of the world. A chance to be a positive role model for young girls.
The worst thing about being an athlete is: Injuries
1996-97:
As a sophomore in 1995-96: Played in 25 games, starting in nine. Scored a season-high 12 points against Missouri-St. Louis. Recorded 61 assists on the season. Dished out a career-high nine assists against UNC-Wilmington. Pulled down a season-high five rebounds against Southeast Missouri State and Western Illinois. Scored in double figures two times. Averaged 3.9 points per game and 1.9 rebounds.
As a freshman in 1994-95: Played in 24 of the 27 games, including eight starts. Recorded her career-highs vs. Northeast Missouri State, 20 points and eight rebounds. First among freshmen in assists, averaging 1.2 per game.
High School: Averaged 21.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists as she led her Saginaw team to a 19-5 record and the conference and district championship. Garnered 1st team all-conference honors while being named honorable-mention all-state. Was Saginaw's most valuable player and named the team's best defensive player as a senior. Also lettered in softball. An honor roll student and member of the National Honor Society.
Personal: Majoring in business. Born December 5, 1975. Parents are Mack and Eileen Johnson.
The Johnson File
Full name: Tanisha LaJuann Johnson
Nickname: T.J.
Favorite athlete: Dennis Rodman
Favorite person: Mack and Eileen Johnson
Favorite food: Homemade tacos
Favorite sports team: Chicago Bulls
Favorite movie: Thin Line Between Love and Hate
Favorite TV show: ESPN Sports Center
What impresses me most about Coach Rutherford is: Her overall winning record.
The best thing about being an athlete is: All the fun and achievements you can accomplish.
The worst thing about being an athlete is: Injuries
My most memorable basketball achievement is: Getting a full scholarship to attend MU and play basketball.
Most influential person in my basketball career: My whole family
If I had a million dollars I'd buy: Anybody anything that they wanted.
My advice to youngsters is: To have lots of fun and to get the highest education possible.
My goal in life is: To be successful.
1995-96:
1994-95 Highlights: Played in 24 of the 27 games, including eight starts. Recorded her career-highs vs. Northeast Missouri State, 20 points and eight rebounds. First among freshmen in assists, averaging 1.2 per game.
High School: Averaged 21.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists as she led her Saginaw team to a 19-5 record and the conference and district championship. Garnered first-team all-conference honors while being named honorable-mention all-state. Was Saginaw's most valuable player and named the team's best defensive player as a senior. Also lettered in softball. An honor roll student and member of the National Honor Society.
Personal: Majoring in liberal arts. Favorite MU moments were when Mandy and Erika hit their buzzer-winning shots. Spent the summer trying "to improve the weak spots in my game." Also worked at a community center. Born December 5, 1975.
1994-95:
Possesses great quickness and leadership qualities... will add strength to the Tiger guard position.
High School: Averaged 21.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists as she led her Saginaw team to a 19-5 record and the conference and district championship... garnered 1st team all-conference honors while being named honorable-mention all-state... was Saginaw's most valuable player and named the team's best defensive player as a senior... also lettered in softball.
Personal: Majoring in liberal arts... an honor roll student and member of the National Honor Society... born December 5, 1975.