De La Salle’s Lucas Johnson is an amateur chess enthusiast who enjoys game theory.
That endeavor definitely helped Johnson on Friday night. The senior forward wasn’t fazed by missing his first couple of shots or going scoreless from the field during the first quarter.
“Chess is a very quiet game,” Johnson said with a nod. “It’s calm and it makes you always think three steps ahead of your opponent. Even though I had a flat start, all of my shots felt good.
“There was no way I was going to stop shooting.”
Because of that, Johnson became unstoppable. He made three straight 3-pointers in a 9-0 run to spark the host Meteors to a 54-48 Catholic League Blue win over Mount Carmel in Chicago.
Senior forward Caleb Henry also scored seven of his 13 points in the fourth quarter for De La Salle (4-5, 1-2). His two free throws with 7.3 seconds left in the game sealed the victory.
De La Salle’s Lucas Johnson (30) shoots a 3-pointer against Mount Carmel during a Catholic League Blue game in Chicago on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
Senior guard Carlos Cueva hit two 3-pointers in finishing with 10 points for the Meteors.
Junior forward Logan Wessel led Mount Carmel (4-3, 1-1) with 12 points and seven rebounds. Sophomore guard Marshaun Thornton, a star receiver in football for the Caravan, added 11 points.
Johnson, meanwhile, finished with 12 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots. He closed out the third quarter with a 3-pointer and began the fourth with two long-distance shots.
“The shooting just opens up everything else,” Henry said of Johnson. “He’s a good team leader, so positive, and he always uplifts everybody.
De La Salle’s Lucas Johnson (30) goes to the basket against Mount Carmel’s Da’Kylen Heard (5) and Luke Segroves (33) in a Catholic League Blue game in Chicago on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
“Not only can he shoot, but he can make the right pass, dribble, penetrate and make the right plays.”
Cueva confirmed that the other players never wavered in their faith in Johnson.
“We can always count on Lucas to make shots, regardless of how he starts out a game,” Cueva said. “It doesn’t matter if he’s off or cold. We just rely on him to make those shots.”
Johnson’s smooth form and excellent technique on the perimeter opens up multiple avenues.
De La Salle’s Lucas Johnson (30) takes a 3-pointer on Mount Carmel’s Charlie Wingate (4) during a Catholic League Blue game in Chicago on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
“I just feel like with the shooting, it just helps get other guys open,” Johnson said. “They have to close out hard on me and I feel like I can get my teammates involved.
“It spaces the floor and opens up the lanes for my other guys.”
At 6-foot-4, Johnson is closer to the size of a shooting guard. His 6-9 wingspan allows him to blanket his opponent, disrupt the passing lane and get to the basket for rebounds.
“I’m long and that allows me to cover a lot of space,” Johnson said. “I feel like it helps on defense. I’ve been trying to be more aggressive about using my height and strength to get to the basket.”
De La Salle’s Lucas Johnson (30) brings the ball up court as Mount Carmel’s Luke Segroves (33) defends during a Catholic League Blue game in Chicago on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
Growing up, Johnson also played soccer and baseball. An uncle sparked his interest in basketball.
A three-year varsity player, Johnson has evolved from a role coming off the bench his sophomore year to one tasked with running the offense while being a primary scoring option.
Henry called Johnson his best friend on the team and praised a loose, engaging style that naturally brings the team together.
“I was a late bloomer, and I didn’t really start getting serious about the game until about the eighth grade,” Johnson said. “I really try to keep to myself sometimes, but when it comes to getting the team riled up, I try my best to be funny with the guys.”
Johnson also has NCAA Division III offers from Hope, Carthage, Lake Forest and DePauw.
“Just going out there, being on the court and playing is what I love,” he said. “The competitive part I developed over time. This environment is natural to me, and it’s my greatest satisfaction.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
