Johnson Drives to Lead Sidney Back to Lincoln
Mattie Johnson is used to being in the middle of everything, whether it be in volleyball, track or basketball. As a three sport athlete who also has multiple older brothers, she is also used to being in a competitive environment.…
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Continue ReadingMattie Johnson is used to being in the middle of everything, whether it be in volleyball, track or basketball. As a three sport athlete who also has multiple older brothers, she is also used to being in a competitive environment.
“I grew up in a basketball family, and as long as I can remember, my older brothers and I would go out to our shop and play.”
That experience has helped Johnson and the Sidney Red Raiders reach the last three state tournaments, and she would like to end her basketball career in Lincoln.
“I’m looking forward to the upcoming season. We lost a big class from last year but the players coming up all have a lot of experience. Our team goal is to play as a team and end our season down in Lincoln,” Johnson said.
Johnson lead the Red Raiders in scoring last season at 11.8 points an outing, and she also added 5.3 rebounds a contest. She also added 1 assist and 2.5 steals a game for the 22-4 squad, who lost in the first round of the Class B state tournament to a 12-13 Elkhorn South squad that had played a predominantly Class A schedule. Johnson, however, is not going to rest on her laurels.
“I feel I run the court really well and can see the court. I also feel like I am a strong defensive player,” Johnson said. “I’m hoping to improve my shooting skills for the season and also improve my ball handling ability.”
The road back to Lincoln will not be easy, with one club in western Nebraska that Johnson and her teammates have their eyes on.
“Scottsbluff will be our toughest competition this year, and we’ll play them quite a few times.”
Although she is a standout in basketball, Johnson has different goals in her future once she is done with high school.
“I am planning to attend the University of South Dakota to play volleyball and major in Biology,” Johnson said.