Johnson was first dubbed "Magic" as a 15-year-old sophomore playing for Everett High School, when he recorded a triple-double of 36 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists.[1] After the game, Fred Stabley Jr., a sports writer for the Lansing State Journal, gave him the moniker[26] despite the belief of Johnson's mother, a devout Christian, that the name was sacrilegious.[22] In his final high school season, Johnson led Everett to a 27–1 win–loss record while averaging 28.8 points and 16.8 rebounds per game,[22] and took his team to an overtime victory in the state championship game.[27] Johnson dedicated the championship victory to his best friend Reggie Chastine, who was killed in a car accident the previous summer.[28] He gave Chastine much of the credit for his development as a basketball player and as a person,[29] saying years later, "I doubted myself back then."[6] Johnson and Chastine were almost always together, playing basketball or riding around in Chastine's car.[7] Upon learning of Chastine's death, Magic ran from his home, crying uncontrollably.[30] Johnson, who finished his high school career with two All-State selections, was considered at the time to be the best high school player ever to come out of Michigan[28] and was also named to the 1977 McDonald's All-American team.[31]