Rivals become teammates for the summer with Indiana AAU program
Connor Johnson, left, and Zay Larthridge played together with the Indiana Game during the Storm Classic in Grand Rapids on Saturday, April 12, 2025. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Connor Johnson and Zay Larthridge play for rival high schools.
So it was a little strange seeing the two play on the same team this weekend in the Storm Classic travel basketball tournament.
And it wasn’t for a local team. They are on the Indiana Game.
“It’s cool,” Johnson said. “It will be fun to play him during the regular season. But right now we’re teammates and learning to bond and win some tournaments.”
Johnson plays for Grand Rapids Christian High School and Larthridge for Grand Rapids Catholic Central. The they are two of the top juniors in West Michigan.
So how did they end up with the Indiana Game?
“Coach Jack (Cundiff) actually texted me last year to play with ‘em,” Larthridge said. “But I was already committed to playing with United Persuit. So this year, I was looking for something new. So I went to tryouts and I found out I like this team.”
Johnson liked the idea of trying something new as well.
“I was open to playing for a couple of teams,” he said. “They reached out to me before the end of the (high school) season. I went down there and tried out. I liked the coaches and the program.”
Johnson, a 6-foot-7 forward, had a strong season with Grand Rapids Christian. He can shoot and slash to the bucket with ease.
Larthridge, a 6-foot-5 guard/forward is an elite shooter. He drained 61 3-pointers this season and averaged 15.5 points per game, helping his team reach the state semifinals.
“It’s nice to have someone from your area,” Johnson said of having Larthridge as a teammate this summer. “Especially if you are playing far from home, it’s nice to have someone you know.”
So are they carpooling to practices in Indiana?
“We haven’t but we probably should,” Larthridge said.
Zay Larthridge, of the Indiana Game, scores on a layup during the Storm Classic on Saturday, April 12, 2025. He goes to Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).
