Former Bulldog Lawrence Johnson Signs with University of Antelope Valley

Former Allan Hancock College men's basketball player Lawrence Johnson has signed a National Letter of Intent to the University of Antelope Valley, a NAIA program entering its inaugural season. Minor was named to the All-Western State Conference First Team during the 2014-15 season after he helped the Bulldogs win a share of the program's first conference title in four years. The sophomore guard was Hancock's leading scorer at 13.4 points and 3.3 assists per game. He scored 10 or more points in 21 of the team's 26 games.

The University of Antelope Valley basketball program opens its inaugural season at home against Benedictine (Ariz.) on November 6, 2015. The Pioneers are members of the California Pacific Conference (CALPAC). Two months ago, Kadeem Minor, Johnson's teammate at Hancock, signed with the Pioneers.

Hancock's third-year head coach Tyson Aye said he was excited and proud of Johnson for earning a chance at a four-year university.

"Lawrence was an integral part of our conference championship team last year," said Aye, who guided the Bulldogs to a 14-12 overall record last season. "I know Lawrence will bring his enthusiasm to the high desert and succeed there both on and off the court. We are also very excited to know he and Kadeem are close enough that we can catch a couple of their games in person this year."

Johnson transferred to Hancock after he played one season at Niagara University, a Division I program.

He is the eighth Hancock men's basketball player to earn an opportunity to play at a four-year university since Aye took over the program. Earlier this year, Andre Miller signed with Chadron State, Minor signed with Antelope Valley, Alioune Tew inked a scholarship to Division I-level Niagara, Lompoc native Rijo Jackson signed with Northland College, and Teyvon Myers singed with the University of West Virginia. Last year, Yuki Yashiro signed with Bethany College, and Josh Varney headed to Peru State.