By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

BILOXI — Biloxi’s Zaniyah Johnson is the SouthMiss6 Sports Girls “Player of the Year” for the 2024-2025 season.

Each season, the sports staff here at SouthMiss6 Sports votes on both a female and male “POY” in the Southern Six” and Johnson was the unanimous selection this season.

Johnson, the 6-foot-4, standout sophomore center, led the Lady Indians to a sparkling 29-2 record this season and a berth in the Class 7A overall Final Four at the “Big House” in Jackson.

Biloxi rolled to the Region 4-7A crown as well, going a perfect 12-0 through the regular season and the region tournament. In fact, the only loss to an opponent from the state of Mississippi came in the season finale to Starkville in the Final Four.

And, Johnson was the biggest factor in that success on the hardwood for “Big Red”, as she almost averaged a double-double for the entire campaign at 16 points and nine rebounds per contest. She also checked in at two blocked shots per game as well.

One of the most dominant forces inside in the state, Johnson posted a double-double in 22 of Biloxi’s 31 games this season.

One example of how dominant Johnson could be came in Biloxi’s Class 7A South State Quarterfinal round win over perennial state power Brandon. In a 48-29 win, Johnson led the Lady Indians with 26 points and she posted a double-double as well with 12 rebounds as BHS punched its ticket to the overall state tournament at The Mississippi Coliseum.

“Obviously she is the most dominant player in the state, but I am more impressed with how she plays the game with such class and poise at such a young age.” St. Martin head coach Jason Kenney said.”That coupled with her skill set is what sets her apart. I can’t wait to watch her on the big stage in the near future.”

Kennedy and his Lady Yellow Jackets have had to face Johnson six times in Region 4-7A play over the past two seasons, winning the league tourney in 2023-2024 and finishing second behind BHS this season.

But before Kennedy or anyone else across the state gets to see Johnson on a bugger national stage on the next level, she still has two more seasons to terrorize opposing players and teams on the prep level.

This season, she was named The Most valuable Player in Region 4-7A as well.

The SouthMiss6 Sports “Girls Prep Basketball Player of the Year” Award is sponsored by the Baria Law Firm out of Bay St. Louis.

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