FALLSBURG – Sometimes, when attending a game and seeing the action on the court, a player comes along that makes you wonder “how can anybody stop him?” Fallsburg’s Eugene Johnson (EJ) was that player throughout the season, putting up dominant performances night in and night out for the Comets.

“EJ always wanted to be one of the best players to come from Fallsburg,” Comets Coach Lionel White said. “He grew up a lot in front of our eyes.”

In his senior year, EJ averaged more than 21 points per game and was instrumental in their offensive game plan, as well as a big defender in the paint.

“I have to give a huge shoutout to my teammates,” EJ said, “because without my brothers setting me up, I wouldn’t have been able to average 21 points.”

While predominantly a down-low defender, Eugene Johnson showed his defensive skills with a half court trap against Eldred.

EJ’s offensive prowess culminated on multiple occasions this season. Namely, during the Comets’ senior night, Johnson slashed to the rim for a season-high 32 points. He also grabbed 12 rebounds, two assists, one steal and four blocks in the win.

“He always wanted to be a guard,” Coach White said. “But he kept all of his guard skills and became a strong down low player as well.”

At SUNY Sullivan in a game against Livingston Manor, Johnson dropped 21 points in the first half as the Comets cruised to a win.

“I remember our three-point win over Rondout Valley, I finished with 23 points and 14 rebounds with two assists and four blocks,” Johnson explained.

Johnson discussed the Comets’ season opening win over Liberty, and how the team realized quickly that they still had a long way to go before they were ready to compete with bigger schools. 

“Once we realized we each had different roles on the team, we were able to click and start competing against bigger schools,” he explained.

The Comets swept ‘B’ rival Liberty with three wins this year, with EJ being a pivotal offensive spark in the series.

Johnson has collected a handful of interest letters to play at the next level, including SUNY Adirondack, SUNY Ulster, Dutchess and CCNY. He’s currently undecided on where he wants to play. 

“Wherever he goes, the team is adding a tremendous asset,” Coach White said. “In the right system he’s going to be really dangerous.”

The three-sport athlete has been playing Football, Basketball and Baseball since the days of Peewee, Intramural and Little League respectively, but basketball had always been the favorite. Behind every great basketball player is a great coaching system.

“I wanted to thank Coach Poole, Coach White and Couch Young for making us great young men and being people we can rely on,” EJ said. “Although we came up one game short, I’m sure they understand how hard we have worked this season and I’m glad they pushed me to be the best that I can be.”

Fallsburg’s season may not have culminated in a Sectional berth this year, but the team put together a great regular season with non-league wins throughout the county.

“He was great at rallying the troops,” Coach White said. “He’s the type of player you don’t see very often.”

On top of playing three sports and becoming the best teammate he could be, Johnson also focused on his studies.

“He pushed himself to become a better student,” Coach White said. “He took the ‘student’ part of student athlete very seriously, and always gives 100 percent.”