Men’s Basketball Makes History with First-Ever NAIA National Tournament Berth

March 10, 2025

For the first time in program history, the Johnson University Royals men's basketball team is heading to the NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship. The Royals earned an at-large bid to the tournament after an impressive 20-10 overall record (14-6 AAC) and a runner-up finish in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament.

Under second-year head coach Logan Sharp, the Royals have taken a major leap forward, establishing themselves as a force in the AAC. The team's balanced attack, featuring standout performances from Mason Lockhart, Toris Woods, and Isaiah Poore, helped propel them into the national spotlight.

Season Highlights & Key Performers

Toris Woods (19.4 PPG) led the Royals in scoring, showcasing his ability to take over games.
Mason Lockhart (17.9 PPG, 8.7 RPG) was a dominant inside presence, earning multiple conference and national player of the week honors.
Isaiah Poore (11.1 PPG, 37.7% 3PT) stepped up in critical moments, particularly during the AAC Tournament run.
The Royals finished 12-1 at home, proving to be one of the toughest teams to beat in their own gym.

Road to the NAIA Tournament

Johnson's strong season and deep AAC tournament run helped secure their No. 13 seed in the national tournament. They will face No. 4-seed Life University (GA) in the opening round on March 14 in Marion, Indiana.

Coach Logan Sharp expressed his excitement about the program's historic achievement:

"This is a special moment for our team, our school, and everyone who has been part of this journey. These guys have put in the work all season, and now they have a chance to make even more history."

The Royals will look to extend their dream season in their first-ever national tournament appearance, carrying the momentum from an already record-setting year.

Stay tuned for updates and make sure to support your Royals at the following links during their tournament journey.
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