BISD holds induction ceremony for Wall of Honor

May 22, 2025

By Clay Whittington

The Belton Journal

Trap Johnson was committed.

Early in his high school career, Johnson — a former standout Tigers basketball player — had an opportunity to transfer to newly opened Lake Belton and help build the program.

He could not do it, and recently, he was rewarded for the decision. After completing his career as one of the greatest players in program history, Johnson was given one of the school’s most prestigious honors by being inducted into the Belton High School Athletic Wall of Honor.

“T remember seeing that sign,” Johnson said at Saturday’s ceremony, “and it said, ‘Once a Tiger. Always a Tiger.” That’s when 1 knew where I needed to be.

“Now, I couldn’t be more blessed to be standing here.”

Johnson was one of four recent graduates to be recognized, including his older brother. TJ. Johnson, who holds the single-season and career scoring records for the Tigers, assumed his spot on the wall as well, sharing the moment with his brother just like when they were on the court together.

The pair experienced extensive success both individually and collectively. T.J. Johnson was named all-district newcomer of the year, offensive player of the year and most valuable player of the year in addition to becoming the first Tigers player since 1961 to receive an NCAA Division I scholarship by signing to Lipscomb.

Now, he plays at Virginia Military Institute. Trap Johnson, who plays at Montana State, was a two-time all-district offensive player of the year and guided the Tigers to their first playoff victory in almost 20 years, and along with his brother, they helped Belton earn a share of the district championship for the first time since 2004.

“I knew I wanted to be on this wall one day,” T.J. Johnson said, “and this moment is just so much better because I get to do it with Trap. He’s my brother and my best friend along with (younger brother) Ty.

“They are the best things to ever happen to me.”

Also taking their place among Belton’s all-time elite athletes were Lady Tigers soccer player Mallory Bankhead and Tigers offensive lineman John Roach.

Bankhead, a goalkeeper, was instrumental in her team’s historic trip to the regional championship in 2023 — around Belton had not reached since in more than two decades.

En route to signing with Dallas Baptist University, she was named to the all-region first and all-state second team.

“‘I’'m just extremely grateful to be receiving this honor,” Bankhead said, “and I loved every second of being a Belton Tiger.

“I just love this place so much.”

‘While Bankhead helped the Lady Tigers maintain their role as one of the area’s premier programs, Roach helped tum around the Tigers.

After eaming a starting position as a sophomore, Roach helped the team reach the playoffs for the first time since 2018, and one year later, in 2023, Belton claimed its first of two consecutive district championships, repeating for the first time since 1974 and 1975.

Individually, he was named all-district offensive lineman of the year twice, and he landed on the all-state second team.

“I'd like to thank my parents,” Roach said. “They always helped me out, and I can remember my first pee wee football practice. My Dad told me that it hurts a lot less to go hit someone than to get hit.

“So, I always tried to remember that, and I'd just like to thank all my coaches. It was always nice to know they were there for me.”