Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Johnny Lackaff

The Sarasota High boys basketball team has been on a tear lately as it’s advanced to the Class 7A-Region 3 championship, and sophomore Johnny Lackaff has been at the heart of that surge.

Lackaff scored 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting in a regional quarterfinal win over Poinciana on Feb. 12 and scored 35 points in a regional semifinal win over Plant City on Feb. 17.

Lackaff also plays for the baseball team, which he will join after the basketball team finishes its postseason run.

When and why did you start playing basketball?

Probably when I was 5, 6 or 7. I started playing because my dad played. He played in high school. I started basketball and baseball because he played those sports in college at Miami of Ohio.

What would you say has been the most memorable moment this season?

I’d say for sure the district championship this year. It shows all the work we’ve done since the summer. It all came together that game and we played great against a good team and we won. That was meaningful. I spent some time with my family and the team that night, and it was awesome.

What's your favorite all-time basketball memory?

This year we played IMG National. I used to go there and my dad works there. I’ve grown up going to camps at IMG and I actually went to school there for one year in 8th grade. They’re a top team in the country and I played really well. I think I scored 20 points against them.

What’s gone right for Sarasota this year?

We’ve blended so well together this year. We love playing with each other. All of our guys enjoy the competition and enjoy every day at practice. 

What’s your favorite meal?

The noodles and orange chicken from Panda Express.

What’s your favorite TV show or movie?

The Last Dance. I’ve watched that a couple of times and it’s something I really like.

What’s your go-to warm-up songs?

It’s different. A lot of people like rap or other stuff, but I listen to country before I warm up. I put my headphones on and country is my go-to. I like Morgan Wallen. I like Riley Green. It keeps me calm and centered before a game so I don’t get too in my head.

What’s been your most humbling moment in basketball?

Some people see me and say, ‘I don’t know if that’s a basketball player.’ I’m not crazy tall. I’m not crazy athletic. When I go to some of these tournaments in travel ball, I’m not the best player and I’m not the most athletic. Seeing that kind of let me down a little, but I enjoy the competition and I push through it.

What does your ideal weekend look like?

Friday, go home and chill. If I have homework, get that done. Saturday, hang out with friends. Go to the beach, have some fun, watch any late night hoops. Sunday, go to church and chill with the family.

Favorite basketball player and why?

I would say right now, especially from this year’s draft class, Reed Sheppard. He’s similar to me. 6-foot-1 white guy. He got drafted No. 3 overall. He hasn’t played a ton yet, but I look at his game to see what I can change and what I can do differently based on what he does.

Finish this sentence. Johnny Lackaff is…

A dawg.