Just before tipoff against Bethel Saturday night, the Lady Nanooks’ three seniors were recognized. It was the team's last regular season game at Nome-Beltz.
Families took turns joining each senior as they donned candy-filled leis and held flowers. The young women then took turns sharing words of appreciation for their teammates and community, starting with Kamylee Walters.
“I want to shoutout my awesome amazing team, I loved every moment with you guys and you showed me what a true team is,” Walters said. “You’re not only my team but my best friends. I love you guys so much.”
Second year coach Tracy Gregg said this year the team took massive strides toward building a winning culture.
“They're really buying into what we're trying to create,” Gregg said. “They're raising the bar every single time and they really are enjoying that challenge of, ‘Okay, what can we do now? What can we do next?’ They're never satisfied.”
One player that embodied the shift was Awaluk “Wookie” Nichols, who Gregg said is having more fun on the court this year.
“She's such a competitor but she's really hard on herself,” Gregg said. “I don't know if I've seen her smile this much playing basketball, I feel like she's really enjoying it.”
The multi-sport athlete shared with the gym how impactful her time as a Lady Nanook was.
“I can’t explain how much this sport and this team means to me,” Nichols said. "I'd like to thank each and every one of these girls for always showing up and putting in so much effort to this team. You all have made this team so memorable."
Lauren Kingstrom used her speech to acknowledge that it was her first year back on the basketball court since the fourth grade. She thanked her teammates for helping her grow as a player and parents for supporting her.
"I'd like to thank my parents for always being there and watching all of my games. They're always my number one supporters in anything I do."
Gregg said the team has had this year’s Western Conference Tournament circled on their calendar all season. The rotating-tournament will be held in Nome this year March 6-8. She said the team’s goal is two wins, which would earn them a spot in the State Championships one week later.
