Johnson Makes It Official With USC

SIMI VALLEY, CA.  Stoneridge School announced today that senior point guard, Angelo Johnson signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Southern California (USC) and play basketball in the Pac-10.  He is projected to be a 2007 NCAA Qualifier and boosts USC's incoming recruiting class to be either #1 or #2, as ranked by Hoopscoop.  Johnson's signing is USC's second commitment from this year's Stoneridge senior class.  He joins 7-0 teammate, Mamadou Diarra, who officially signed with USC earlier last week. 
 
"Johnson adds a critical piece to USC's blueprint of success that began delivering dramatic results this year.  Having a jet-quick point guard to run the offense next year will only make them better," Mike Mahoney, executive director for Stoneridge School said.  "They emphasize an up-tempo offense and tough perimeter defense, which are two of Angelo's best strengths," Mahoney added. 
 
"Coach Floyd and Coach Arnold really made me feel wanted," Johnson said.  "They are building something special there and I want to be part of the USC family.  The school, its players, their success and the new facilities give me the best chance to grow academically and athletically," Johnson added. 
 
Johnson is one of the top-rated players in the country.  He is a consensus Top-100 player as reported by all national scouting services.  He led Stoneridge this year both in scoring (13.7 ppg) and in assists (4.1 apg).  He is the 9th player this year at Stoneridge to verbal or sign with a Division I school. .

Diarra Verbals to USC
 
SIMI VALLEY, CA.  Stoneridge School announced today that senior Mamadou Diarra made a verbal commitment to the University of Southern California (USC) and will play basketball in the Pac-10 next year.  He is the 6th player this year at Stoneridge that has either signed or made a verbal commitment to a Division I school.  Diarra will officially sign his National Letter of Intent with USC on Wednesday, April 11, 2007. 
 
"USC is getting a player that should help build on the momentum that Coach Floyd and his staff have generated over the course of the past 2 years," said Stoneridge's managing director, Mike Mahoney.  "The Trojans push the ball and play great half-court defense and that works with Mamadou's strengths of being able to run the floor, rebound, block shots, and defend aggressively," Mahoney went on to say. 
 
"I could not be in a better situation," Diarra said.  "To play for Coach Floyd and his staff and with the great players they have in the program is an honor.  The academics and the facilities are everything I was looking for in a school," Diarra added.
 
Diarra was born in Mali in West Africa and has been in the United States and at Stoneridge School for the past 2 years.  He is a consensus top-25 player in the Class of 2007 and was one of the team's leaders in points, rebounds and blocked shots this year.