It was a historic moment at Ballard High School last Friday when the school honored their legendary basketball player, Michael Johnson by retiring his jersey.

A capacity crowd filled the bleachers to see the Johnson's number 23 jersey framed in red and black and presented to him. He is the first basketball who played at Ballard to receive this honor.

The school also unveiled a new banner with Johnson's name on it to recognize outstanding boy's basketball players throughout the years.

"It brings back a lot of memories. To have this type of honor means everything to me," said Johnson.

In his formative years as a player, Johnson and his father had a key to the Ballard Boys and Girls Club where their late night workouts helped him develop his skills. His first dunk was on the court at Whitman Middle School, where he used to scrimmage against the faculty.

"As a young person I dedicated my life to learning the game of basketball and how to compete as an athlete and to know that I was able to do it in a way that would bring this type of honor is amazing," said Johnson.

As a middle school player, stories of Johnson's talent spread across the city and high school coaches began recruiting him. "His reputation was already known in the city and the Ballard community. He helped lead us to two trips to the state tourney," said Al Harada, his coach at Ballard.

During a four-year career as a basketball player at Ballard High, Johnson became one of the state's best players. He is the all time leading scorer with 2,271 points for Class AA or larger schools in Washington.

Johnson was first team All-Metro, All-Area and All state three times. He led the Metro League in scoring three times. With an average of 27.1 points and 10.3 rebounds during his senior season, he topped off his final year by scoring 53 points against Jackson.

The Seattle Times named Johnson the Washington State AA Player of the Year in 1996 and 1997. USA Today named him the 1997 Washington State Player of the Year.

Johnson went on to play for the University of Washington from 1998 to 2001, scoring 792 career points. As a professional basketball player in Brazil, Johnson averaged 15 points and his team made the league playoffs.

Johnson's parents, wife, former players and coaches were on hand to witness his jersey being retired. The large crowd cheered for Johnson one more time.

"Michael was an unbelievable competitor during his time as a Beaver, demonstrating a level of toughness and a passion for the game that is rare," said Billy Rodgers, head coach of the Ballard Beavers boy's team.

He is in real estate, and continues to run his Hoopaholics Academy basketball camps in Ballard and the Seattle area.

"I can't think of anyone who deserves it more. There is a lot of pride and tradition at Ballard High. We are extending his legacy. Him representing part of that is great for the community and kids will have someone to look up to," said principal Phil Brockman.

"Ballard is the best community in Seattle. I really appreciated everyone coming out to support me when I played. Basketball has been such a big part of my life, and the years that I went to Ballard and played on the team are very special to me. This recognition has great meaning to me," said Johnson.

The Ballard girls played Garfield before the ceremony and won 61-44. They are now 13 and 1 for the season. The boy's team lost to Garfield 68-58 and is now 7-7 for the year.