Antwain Johnson Returns Home to Lead Malone Tigers Basketball

Antwain Johnson

By Shelia Mader

The Malone Tigers are turning the page to a new era as former standout Antwain Johnson takes the reins of the boys’ basketball program following the departure of longtime head coach Steve Welch. Johnson, a 2015 graduate of Malone School, is no stranger to the court or to the legacy of the Tigers' storied basketball tradition.

Johnson began playing for Malone as early as sixth or seventh grade and quickly developed into a standout athlete. After graduation, he continued his education and basketball career with a year at Chipola College, followed by two years at Middle Tennessee State University and another two at the University of Buffalo, where he earned his degree in psychology.

Following college, Johnson pursued a professional career overseas, spending four and a half years playing basketball in Europe. During his off seasons, however, he often returned to his hometown to support Coach Welch and work with local players.

“I’ve always tried to stay connected with the program,” said Johnson. “Even when I was overseas, I’d come back and help out where I could.”

Now, Johnson is officially back in Malone and looking forward to the opportunity to lead the team that helped shape his career.

“My goal this year is to build a program, put in my system and try to get us back to Lakeland,” he said, referencing the FHSAA State Championships. “We want to make some of those Lakeland trips and bring one home.”

The Tigers, who boast a proud legacy of 14 state championships, have already begun workouts under Johnson’s leadership. He’s been with the team for about four weeks this summer, participating in games in Altha and running practices.

“We’re still a bit young right now,” he explained. “A lot of our 9th and 10th graders are on varsity. We’re planning JV tryouts soon to help balance things out.”

Johnson is also a proud father of two children, daughter Lolah, age eight, and son A’Syre, age two. As he balances fatherhood and coaching, he’s building a support team around him for the upcoming season. Helping out this year will be Sean Smith, Johnson’s father Doug Johnson, and Ryan Maloney, who will manage the books and assist during practices.

As the Malone community rallies around its new head coach, there’s a sense of excitement in the air. Johnson’s return brings not only his experience and energy but also a deep personal connection to the Tigers’ tradition.

“I’m just excited to be home,” he said. “This place made me who I am, and I want to give back by helping build the next generation of Malone Tigers.”