Tanner Johns, a junior first baseman for the Palo Verde Panthers, has been named Nevada Preps Boys Athlete of the Week for his outstanding performance at the plate.
Johns went 4-for-5 with five RBIs and four runs scored in the Panthers’ 12-1 victory over Centennial on April 15. He followed that up with three hits and three RBIs in a 17-4 win against Liberty on Friday.
“I ended up finally getting some fastballs and was able to put some good contact on (the ball),” Johns said.
Johns credits his offseason focus on perfecting his swing for his recent success.
“Who’s an MLB player you look up to and try to model your game after?” Nevada Preps asked.
“Freddie Freeman because the guy can just hit and that’s who I’d like to be like,” Johns replied.
Johns also has some pregame rituals that help him get ready for the game.
“I always eat three pieces of gum for 20 minutes before I head up to the field. I don’t know why. It’s weird, but it’s just what helps me,” he said.
When asked about his favorite baseball memory, Johns shared two special moments.
“I’d say either the grand slam I hit against Bishop Gorman (this season) or my first home run in Cooperstown. That was in 2018, it was our second game of the tournament and I came up with bases loaded in the first inning and hit a grand slam,” Johns said.
Johns is committed to play baseball at the University of Oregon. He received his first offer from Oregon and decided to commit on the spot, saying it was his “dream school.”
“It was just my dream school and it was a no-brainer for me,” Johns said.
