Champlin Park senior back in the throws

In the span of one week, Champlin Park senior Bryson Johnson regained his place among the state's top throwers.

Johnson broke the Rebels' team record in discus throw April 20 at Robbinsdale Armstrong with a distance of 183 feet, 2 inches. One week later, Johnson beat Andover's Tom Anderson at the Hamline Elite Meet with a throw of 172-09.

Johnson expects more from himself as the season moves along.

"It's a matter of time before I get my technique perfected," he said. "Once I start using the whole circle it's going to go a lot farther."

The optimism is a welcome emotional change. Johnson's parents recently moved to Alabama. He moved in with a friend to finish the school year. The changes took a toll on his performances through much of April.

"It was kind of a lot to handle," he said.

Johnson believes his shot put is close to coming back as well. His 54-5¾ mark at the Elite Meet is a season best. But Johnson said he "scratched a 57 or 58" at the Armstrong meet.

Andover surrendered 19 hits and used six different pitchers to get through to the last inning. The staff turned it over to Brent Strong, who threw more than 80 pitches the day before against Elk River, to get the save against Centennial.

Maranatha coaching changeMaranatha Christian Academy girls' basketball coach Jim Hammond resigned after 15 years. He coached the Mustangs to a 258-144 record, three consecutive state tournament appearances and the past two consecutive small-school state titles. Assistant coach Mark Radtke will assume the head coaching responsibilities.