Hefty challenges loom for Johnson

Morgan Johnson has welcomed her Freshman Fifteen.

“I've gained weight, but I can't really tell,” said Johnson, a center on the University of Iowa women's basketball team. “I think I've gained some (muscle) on my arms and legs.

“I can't gain fat. It's impossible.”

There's more to Johnson than there was when she arrived at Iowa last summer. She had only 167 pounds on her 6-foot-5 frame shortly after she graduated from Platte City (Mo.) Platte County High School. Now she's at 182 pounds, which is more suitable for battles under the boards in the Big Ten.

The reigning conference freshman of the week, Johnson faces a daunting stretch. Tonight, it's the Big Ten's best (Jantel Lavender of Ohio State). Sunday, it's the Big Ten's biggest (6-9 Allyssa DeHaan of Michigan State).

“It might be the biggest challenge of the year,” said Iowa Coach Lisa Bluder. “It will be a difficult week for her, but the thing I love about Morgan, she never backs down from a challenge.”

Johnson has started every game for the Hawkeyes (11-10 overall, 4-6 Big Ten) and was averaging 11.2 points through the first 12 games.

Then she went through a six-game stretch when she failed to reach double figures.

She has bounced back in Iowa's three-game win streak, making 16 of 24 shots. Even with the added pounds, Johnson won't win many wrestling matches in the paint with Big Ten centers.

“They're hard to guard,” she said. “They're bigger and stronger. I want to use my speed and agility to overcome their strength.”