Southside Christian School has found its new leader on the hardwood, announcing the hiring of Ben Johnson as the boys basketball head coach. Johnson brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record from his recent tenure at Spartanburg Christian Academy, where he spent the last three seasons guiding the program to new heights—including a memorable run to the 2026 SCISA Class 3A state championship game.

"I'm excited to invest in our players on and off the court and get to know their families," Johnson said in a school release. "Southside Christian is a special place with a strong community and purpose, and I'm grateful to be part of it. Building relationships, helping our players grow, and competing together are what I'm looking forward to most."

A familiar face in Upstate basketball circles, Johnson is a Boiling Springs native who played college ball at Spartanburg Methodist College, where he averaged 6.1 points per game. Before his head coaching stint at Spartanburg Christian Academy, he spent seven years as the associate head coach at Anderson University, honing his skills in player development and program building. Those deep roots in the region should serve him well as he takes the reins at Southside Christian.

The Sabres have faced some tough seasons recently, bowing out in the first round of the playoffs for four straight years. Johnson is determined to flip the script by instilling a winning culture built on discipline and joy.

"Our focus will be building a strong foundation, and I want our guys to play with a great amount of joy," Johnson said. "Discipline, effort, belief, and toughness are things we will talk about and practice daily. By doing those things, we will represent our school the right way while growing as players and young men."

For Johnson, success isn't just about wins and losses—it's about developing character. "Accountability, consistency, and player development will put us in a position to be successful long term," he added. "We'll focus on daily habits, strong relationships, discipleship, and performing in a way that honors Christ. I can't wait to get to work with the guys."

With a coach who values both competition and community, Southside Christian's basketball program is poised for a fresh start. Fans can expect a team that plays hard, grows together, and represents the school with pride—both on and off the court.