The palm trees weren’t the only thing rising in the Virgin Islands Friday night — LSU’s newest star was, too.
Freshman phenom ZaKiyah Johnson delivered the kind of performance that doesn’t just show potential, it announces it. Powering No. 5 LSU to a 113-53 demolition of Marist in the Paradise Jam Reef tournament, in a field full of veterans and tournament-tested programs, it’s the 18-year-old from Kentucky who owned the night.
Johnson, the highly recruited guard from Shelbyville, Kentucky, played 18 minutes and delivered a performance that felt much larger, with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting, eight rebounds, three assists and consistent defensive pressure. She dictated pace, controlled the glass from the backcourt and carved up Marist’s defense with a blend of athleticism and patience beyond her years.
Every LSU run seemed to start with her — a rebound that instantly turned into a spring, a steal that became a layup, a drive that forced help and opened shooters. Her presence changed the energy in the building, even 2,000 miles from Baton Rouge.
“I knew we were talented, but I guess we’re a lot more poised at a younger age for some of them than maybe you can anticipate this early in the season when you have eight new players,” head coach Kim Mulkey said.
Friday was also a showcase of LSU’s depth and versatility, serving as a reminder that while Johnson is emerging as the face of the next era, she has plenty of firepower surrounding her.
Senior Flau’Jae Johnson added 16 points, showing her maturity as a scorer and defender. Her shot selection continues to sharpen, and she thrived running alongside a freshman who pushes the pace naturally.
Amiya Joyner poured in 16 points of her own, using her length and athleticism to dominate inside. She grabbed tough rebounds in traffic and served as a steady force that Marist simply could not match.
LSU’s bench might have been the most impressive part of the night. Grace Knox and Jada Richard both scored 11, stretching the lead with pressure defense and quick-trigger offense. Standout transfer MiLaysia Fulwiley from South Carolina is always a highlight threat and added another 11 points to the scoreboard.
In total, seven Tigers scored in double figures, and LSU hit the 100-point mark for the seventh straight game, setting a new NCAA record that hasn’t been broken since the 1981-82 Louisiana Tech team, a team that coach Mulkey was a part of herself.
“I didn’t realize it till after someone said something about it to me just now,” Mulkey said after Friday’s win. “We don’t talk about that; I’ve never discussed that with any of these kids. It’s not something that’s high on our priority list.”
With her team in the top five, she’s looking for more than just an NCAA record; she’s on the hunt for another national championship. So far, even though this is a non-conference schedule, the Tigers have continued to show positive signs for what is to come further down the line.
With the smallest margin of victory being a whopping 31 points so far this season, the Tigers seem to be ready to continue setting records with a very seasoned team with not only returners but new faces on the court.
“If I had known that with the eight new players that we were going to score the ball the way we do, I might have scheduled differently,” she said. “But you’re scared to death with eight new players, and only got two returning players who got significant minutes.”
For all the balance, Johnson’s game all over the floor still shined through on Friday night. The freshman’s maturity stood out not just in the scoring column, but in how she handled the moment.
She didn’t force shots, didn’t rush plays, didn’t even look fazed by the speed of Division I defense. Instead, she played within the offense — and still managed to own it.
LSU’s veterans have embraced her quickly, recognizing that her ability to attack, rebound and create advantages makes life easier for everyone on the floor.
“My mindset came from my grit,” Johnson said. “I know going into every game I could lose it all, so my teammates make it very comfortable in practice and outside of basketball.”
The Tigers left the floor on Friday not only with another lopsided win, but with growing clarity about the identity of this new team. Fast, deep and increasingly built around a freshman who plays like she’s been here for years.
In LSU’s Paradise Jam Reef appearance, Johnson didn’t just shine, she took another step toward becoming LSU’s next superstar.
