Lady Nanooks win a pair, celebrate senior night

The Lady Nanooks basketball squad were victorious this past weekend against Bethel, defeating the Lady Warriors on Feb. 25, 52-43. Nome also took a win against Bethel on Feb. 24 by a score of 33-30.

The three seniors on the Nome-Beltz team, Asa Hukill, Natalie Tobuk and Sophia Marble, were in high spirits after the game on Saturday night. The trio celebrated their senior night at the final home game of the season.

Marble spoke about the closeness of the three after Saturday night’s game.

“It’s been really awesome because we have a really close bond, and I think we work together very well, and just adding up those four years, it’s really nice to be here,” Marble said.

Tobuk expressed her joy about playing with her fellow seniors over the past four years.

“I love it so much; I love playing with these two on the court,” Tobuk said.

Hukill expressed that the three bonded over a trust they share on and off the court.

“It’s been great. We have a good bond, we don’t keep any secrets or anything, and we trust each other,” Hukill said. “I think that’s a big thing.”

Sophia Marble’s father, Charles Marble, added that the past four years has been a great experience for the parents as well.

“It’s been a great learning experience, not just for the girls, but for the parents also. It’s been wonderful and a great way to end our home games watching them tonight,” Charles Marble said.

Freshman BrookLynn Crowe said she has learned a lot from the trio in her first year as a Lady Nanook.

“They’ve taught me a lot,” Crowe said. “They’re good leaders. I would say we all have a close bond, and we all formed it well and fast too.”

Head coach John Walters praised his seniors and said it has been an adventure coaching them.

“It’s been a learning experience and it’s a lot of fun,” Walters said. “They keep me on my toes and it’s an ever-learning experience. Around every corner it’s something new.”

The Nome boys’ squad was victorious as well on Feb. 24 and 25, defeating Bethel on the road, 62-38 and 61-35. The boys will host Unalakleet March 3 and 4. The Lady Nanooks will travel to Unalakleet on March 3.

Image at top: Lady Nanook players Natalie Tobuk, Sophia Marble and Asa Hukill celebrated their senior night on Saturday, Feb. 25. Photo by Greg Knight, KNOM (2023).