Jonah Johnson has been one of the biggest supporters and motivators for his twin brother, Will, during his huge season for Sandburg.
But while Jonah has certainly been thrilled for his brother’s success, he’s also had to listen to some trash talk along the way.
“I hear it every day,” Jonah said. “Every day. He tells me he’s always leading the team in scoring. He’s always beating me in rebounding. It’s just constant, nonstop glazing about him.
“It gets to a point where I’ve got to do something, too.”
Jonah Johnson produced some numbers worth bragging about Friday night.
The senior guard scored 16 points and pulled down 12 rebounds to lead the visiting Eagles to a 72-62 Southwest Suburban Conference win over Lincoln-Way West in New Lenox.
Sandburg’s Jonah Johnson (5) goes up for a fast-break layup against Lincoln-Way West during a SouthWest Suburban Conference game in New Lenox on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (Jeremy Toney / Daily Southtown)
Will Johnson finished with 11 points and seven rebounds for Sandburg (18-10, 8-6), which won its fourth straight game. Daniel Morakinyo added 10 points, while Liibo Debela scored eight points and Will Hooks finished with seven points and 10 rebounds.
Eiden Kubilius scored 16 points to lead Lincoln-Way West (13-15, 4-10). Nolan Ballantine tallied 13 points, while Luke Gouty and Drake Been each contributed nine points and five rebounds.
But it was Jonah Johnson who got the Eagles going, scoring eight points in the first quarter.
“My brother’s been asking for other people to step up because he can’t do it all,” Jonah said. “It’s more of a team effort when we play our best. I thought it was about time I tried to step up and help him a bit.”
Sandburg’s Jonah Johnson (5) makes a move in the post against Lincoln-Way West during a SouthWest Suburban Conference game in New Lenox on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (Jeremy Toney / Daily Southtown)
Jonah Johnson asserted himself on offense Friday night but that’s not typically his biggest role. He confirmed that rebounding and defense are his strongest suits.
“Me and Hooks, we’re doing the dirty work,” he said. “That’s why we’re not as prone to score as much because we’re trying to do the little things. We play our role. We can do the dirty work, and if we have a game where we can show out offensively, we’ll do that, too.”
Sandburg coach John Daniels appreciates Jonah Johnson and Hooks for being willing to do anything the team needs them to do.
“Jonah and Will Hooks have been our glue guys,” Daniels said. “It’s hard with Jonah because Will Johnson’s been in a position where he’s scoring a lot and Jonah is working hard.
Sandburg’s Will Johnson (3) and Jonah Johnson (5) playfully bump each other against Lincoln-Way West during a SouthWest Suburban Conference game in New Lenox on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (Jeremy Toney / Daily Southtown)
“You ask guys to understand their role, and Jonah and Will Hooks have been tremendous for us.”
Will Johnson knows his twin brother is always there to motivate him.
“We’re always making each other better,” Will said. “All our lives, playing with each other and against each other, we’ve pushed each other.”
Hooks sees Jonah Johnson as his partner when it comes to doing the toughest jobs on the court.
“Me and Jonah work in a similar role, doing the dirty work,” Hooks said. “It’s about rebounding, talking and directing the guys on defense. Jonah does a great job with that.”
Sandburg’s Jonah Johnson (5) goes up for a layup against Lincoln-Way West during a SouthWest Suburban Conference game in New Lenox on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (Jeremy Toney / Daily Southtown)
After a nip-and-tuck first half, Sandburg took control in the third quarter as Jonah Johnson scored on two putbacks to help open up a 10-point lead.
And the Eagles did something they had problems with earlier in the season — closing out the win.
“Nine of our 10 losses are in the fourth quarter or overtime and it just comes down to making a free throw, taking care of the ball,” Daniels said. “We’re getting better with all that.”
Jonah might have the bragging rights in the household for one night. Either way, he believes the friendly smack talk between brothers is a good thing.
“When we talk about stats, that’s just to get the other one going and make them play harder and push them harder,” he said. “That’s how we’ve always acted around each other. We get on each other because we know we can do better and we expect more out of each other.”
