Top MSU Women’s Basketball Players of All Time: No. 8

Over the years, many Spartans have demonstrated their skills on the court. In the lead-up to the women’s basketball season, Impact Sports takes a look at the top 10 women’s basketball players in Spartan history. This week we look at No. 8.

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Lykendra Johnson takes our No. 8 spot in our top 10 countdown. Facing a few obstacles, Johnson still managed to leave a big mark in MSU women’s basketball history.

The 6-foot-1 forward from Chicago is most known for being one of four Big Ten players to surpass 1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 200 steals and 100 blocks during her career as a Spartan. Johnson also was one of six Spartans to be a four-time All-Big Ten selection and the 2011 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in her junior season.

During her career, among the MSU all-time leaders, Johnson was second in rebounds (1,018) and offensive rebounds (405), third in blocks (147), fourth in steals (224), sixth in double-doubles (27) and 11th in points (1,242).

The two-time team captain was also a part of the 2011 Big Ten Championship team, alongside the No. 9 player on our list, Brittany Thomas. In her senior year, Johnson averaged 10.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.

After completing her last year with the Spartans, in 2012 the Chicago Sky of the WNBA signed Johnson to a training camp contract. Recently, Johnson has been playing overseas for a Swedish top division team.


Jennifer Aldridge is the host of the Merchantaries for Impact Sports.

Photo: Nubia Buckingham/Impact Sports