Johnson set to lead young Eagles team for 2026/27

SOAP LAKE — Joe Johnson has been hired as the Soap Lake Eagles new Boys Basketball head coach for the upcoming 2026/27 school year. The new hire said he is excited for the opportunity to start with a young team and help them grow throughout the season. 

“I’m excited. It’s an opportunity that I’ve been looking forward to,” said Johnson. “I’ve enjoyed basketball throughout my life, I’ve played a lot and it’s my favorite of the things to coach.” 

Growing up in Portland, Johnson and his family had grown up fans of the Blazers, which sparked his love for the sport. He also had his brother, who played basketball, that helped inspire him to pursue a basketball career. 

“I’ve had good experiences with good coaches, and I’ve enjoyed what the sport has offered me,” he said. 

After playing all four years of high school, Johnson earned the opportunity to continue his basketball career at Portland Bible College as an Arrow. With the Arrows, he had the opportunity to play against teams across the country in the National Christian College Athletic Association. 

Even after graduating from Portland, he continued to play basketball in his spare time. Johnson said this consistency and love for the sport is what sparked his desire to step into a coaching role. 

“I just want to give back, and I’ve just enjoyed the game so much that I want to continue in the coaching capacity,” he said. “I’ve appreciated the experiences I got to have, so I want other kids to enjoy and potentially be able to play a sport that gave me a good opportunity.” 

Johnson has coached in a variety of areas over the years, working as a middle school boys’ and girls’ basketball coach and as a soccer coach, then most recently as an assistant coach for Moses Lake High School cross country. 

Stepping in as the head coach for the young roster that struggled in the previous season, the coach said he wants to help the boys learn to play together as a team. He also wants to take a more defensive approach to the team while working on the smaller basics of the game that will help the Eagles in the long run. 

“Just defense would be one of my bigger things I’d be focusing on for a young team,” said Johnson. 

Another aspect of coaching, which the coach said is important to him, is that he wants the athletes to really enjoy the game of basketball and feel welcome on the team while they play and develop their skills. This is something he feels can be brought on for both experienced players and newcomers onto the roster. 

He said being in a basketball program for a small school gives an excellent opportunity for any student to try out for the team and see if they like it. This idea also comes from the unwritten rule at the middle school level where coaches make sure that every player gets playing time on the court. 

“I want kids, whether they’re phenomenal or not to enjoy it and find a place where they can be implemented into my system,” said Johnson. “I want as many kids to come out as possible. I want kids to come out that would be kind of hesitant to come out and play.” 

Giving everyone time to prove themselves on the court is something that he said will help give each of the players a morale boost and deepen the roster for the future. As summer begins and Soap Lake rests for the upcoming school year, the coach said he is excited to get started with the Eagles. 

“Just being a young coach, I’m excited for the opportunity,” said Johnson. “Being a young team there’s going to be ups and downs, so I’m just excited to work through that and improve the program.”