NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Norfolk State women’s basketball is lights-out during the 2024-25 season in big part due to the play of star guard Diamond Johnson.

Johnson has averaged just under 19 points and 3.3 steals per game during her graduate season with NSU. She leads the MEAC in points, won last season’s Newcomer of the Year award, and has put herself in prime position to win the MEAC Player of the Year.

“You know, just the national recognition we get by having a player like Diamond Johnson just says enough,” said Spartans coach Larry Vickers, who brought Johnson into the program from NC State in 2023. S”he just has name recognition across the country. She’s a really special player.”

Ever since coming over to Echols Hall, she’s been one of the best two-way guards Vickers has seen since taking over the program. He’s loved what he’s seen from his point guard, and the feeling is reciprocated from Johnson.

“It exceeded expectations for sure,” Johnson said. “Not just as a player, but HBCU life. It’s just been special. Basically feels like my second home.”

The Spartans are 18-4 and pushing for yet another MEAC championship and auto-bid to the NCAA tournament. With their two wins over SEC schools this season, they’re hoping to get a higher seed and knock off an elite college basketball team in the big dance.

“We hope to see a good number,” Vickers said. “Once you get into the 13’s, you’re no longer playing on a home court. Hopefully some other teams lose, and that’ll get us pushed up as well. If we can get something up (in the rafters) that says ‘Norfolk State beats 3-seed’ or something like that, that would be amazing.”

Diamond and the Spartans will take on South Carolina State at 2 p.m. Saturday.