A Fighter on and Off the Court
Battling Cancer, a New Jersey High School Basketball Star Continues to Dominate
A New Jersey high school basketball star is battling more than just his opponents — and continues to defy the odds. Ridgewood High School senior Johnny Jackson was diagnosed with cancer in 2024, but he has refused to let it sideline him.
A Brave Face
“This chemotherapy, it’s really vicious, I have nerve pain all over my body right now,” Jackson said. “It’s just so brutal, it’ll knock me out for a few days.” Despite the challenges, Jackson has endured double-digit chemotherapy treatments for stage 4B Hodgkin’s Lymphoma since summer 2024.
A Passion for Basketball
“This is the one thing that means the world to him, is playing basketball. Cancer took a lot from him, but it’s not going to take this,” said his mother, Lynsey Jackson. His sister shared a similar sentiment, saying her brother “truly has a different mindset compared to everyone else.”
A Resilient Player
As a junior last season, Jackson played the entire year at 50%. He still averaged 22 points per game, despite his weight dropping from 170 pounds to 152. His dad, Joe, and mom were searching for answers, and in July, they finally got one: Their son was diagnosed with cancer. He started treatment in August.
A Competitive Spirit
“I’m a competitor…so I kind of just faced it like a game, and I was kind of up for the challenge from day one. I knew I was going to take it down,” said Jackson. Ten chemo sessions ensued from August 12 to December 19, the night of Ridgewood’s season opener. Jackson vowed to play — it was his goal, it was his dream.
A Strong Performance
And he delivered. Jackson scored 30 points in a victory over St. Joe’s of Montvale. When asked how he went from a chemo session on Monday to dropping 30 just three days later, Jackson said he didn’t have an answer. “I just went out there and did it,” he said.
A Community’s Support
The story has been embraced by the entire Ridgewood community. His coach and teammates have been in awe of his strength and nobility. His coach, Mike Troy, called it “an individual story that people wouldn’t believe if it was in a movie.” This season, Jackson has been averaging 25 points per game.
A Bright Future
Jackson hopes to soon be cancer-free. “I’m just going to try to inspire as many kids as possible and honestly just put it in the past as quick as I can because it’s been a very troublesome journey,” he said. On Monday, Jackson had his 12th and final chemotherapy treatment at the Joseph Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center.
A Celebration
A celebration ensued moments later, as his entire basketball team and family surprised him in the hallway of the hospital — with hugs and kisses, smiles and tears, and plenty of gratitude. Jackson must still get a PET scan in mid-February before he can be declared officially cancer-free.
A Pursuit of Excellence
Until then, he will continue his pursuit of 2,000 career points. As of Monday, he was 285 points away. The team is still chasing a state championship. The Maroons won nine of their first 10 games, and were one of the best teams in New Jersey.
Conclusion
Johnny Jackson’s story is a testament to the power of determination and resilience. Despite the challenges he has faced, he has continued to inspire and motivate those around him. As he moves forward, he will undoubtedly continue to make a positive impact on his community and beyond.
FAQs
* What is Johnny Jackson’s current health status?
+ Johnny Jackson is currently undergoing treatment for stage 4B Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and has completed his 12th and final chemotherapy treatment.
* What is his goal for the rest of the season?
+ Jackson hopes to continue playing basketball and inspiring others, while also focusing on his health and well-being.
* What is the team’s current record?
+ The Ridgewood Maroons have won nine of their first 10 games and are one of the best teams in New Jersey.
