FARMINGTON — Brad Johnson shares the same first name as the coaching legend he replaced, and since their offices are separated by only a few feet, the two men talk regularly about basketball.
But Johnson isn’t as animated as former Farmington girls basketball coach Brad Blew, and he’s not as prone to the sideline antics that his predecessor became known for during games. And those aren’t the only differences between them.
“He’s a much nicer guy than I am,” Blew joked. “He’s a first-class individual and there’s no doubt about that. And it was always a flaw for me, but he’s a lot more patient with kids than I ever was and that’s to his credit.”
Of course, Johnson wouldn’t mind enjoying the same level of success that Blew had during his 23 years coaching the Lady Cardinals, winning a state championship in 2004 and earning two runner-up finishes. He also won more than 470 games.
When Blew announced toward the end of last season that he was stepping down as Farmington’s coach to focus on being the school’s athletic director, he tabbed the 33-year-old Johnson to be his successor.
Johnson had just completed his first season as Gravette’s coach, but the opportunity to replace a legend like Blew was too good to pass. And since taking over at Farmington, he has tried not to confuse his new players by making too many changes.
“I feel a huge amount of responsibility to come in and try to continue to carry on the tradition and legacy that he built here,” Johnson said. “But you don’t replace Brad Blew. You just come in and try to build off what he’s established.”
With senior leader Hanna Qedan nursing a right shoulder injury, the Lady Cardinals (5-6) will likely be short-handed heading into the Airedale Classic in Alma. They’ll face Union Christian Academy at 12:30 p.m. today in an opening-round game.
Qedan admitted that some of her teammates initially had reservations about Johnson when he was hired. After all, Blew had been the face of Farmington girls basketball since 1986: before any of the current players were born.
However, once the players spent a few practices with Johnson and realized that he knew what he was doing, they got comfortable hearing a new voice around the gym.
“It’s sort of a different style, but (Johnson) takes some of the things that coach Blew taught us because, of course, coach Blew knows more than anybody does about basketball,” said Qedan, who has signed with Arkansas State. “But (Johnson) kind of mixes it in together. It hasn’t been a hard change.”
While Johnson has tried to keep much of Blew’s system in place, Farmington is running a faster offense and playing more zone defense this season. Meanwhile, Blew has allowed his successor to run the program his way.
“The interesting part is we’ve kind of given (Blew) a hard time because he’s not around enough,” Johnson said. “You know, I kind of like to have him come in to practice and sit down and watch. He stays away from it, though. He’s been real good about letting me run my own program, and that’s what he’s wanted.”
But has Johnson taken to doing some of the same sideline antics that Blew did during his career? So far no.
“I don’t think he’s as fiery and as animated as I was,” Blew said. “But he’s got a fire lit under him, there’s no doubt.”