Bella Johnson and her Nixa teammates entered this week with an uncharacteristic three-match losing streak and a record below .500. But the junior midfielder is living out a dream season.
Johnson is playing alongside her younger sister, Jade, for the first time at the high school level. Jade is a freshman forward.
“Oh my gosh, I love it,” Bella said. “It’s my favorite season already. Even though it's been a hard season, it's been my favorite. I've been waiting for this season for a long time.”
The Johnsons are embracing the opportunity to be teammates.
“I love playing with her everyday. We work well together,” Bella said. “We are best friends. I tell her everything and she tells me everything.”
The Johnsons have played a big part in Nixa’s offense. Jade has collected five goals and an assist, while Bella has netted four goals and an assist.
Through seven matches, the Johnsons have had a hand in 28 percent of the Lady Eagles’ 36 goals.
Bella reports she and Jade are contrasting players.
“I would say I'm more of a ‘thinker player’ while she is more of a ‘speed player,’” Bella said. “She attacks the ball and is all speed. I like to take a breath and see what I have. I like to work with the ball.”
The Johnsons were at both ends of Nixa’s lone score in the Lady Eagles’ 2-1 loss at Kickapoo on Friday. Jade assisted on a Bella goal in the first half.
“She dribbled it down the line and (kicked) a great cross,” Bella said. “It hit off their defender and to me.
“We've been waiting for a sister goal all season,” she added. “We finally got one.”
