Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Natahnee Spencer. I am 14 years old and a freshman at Lapwai High School. I am also a member of the Nez Perce Tribe. My parents are Shawn and Terry Spencer and I have 5 sisters; Starr, Jewel, Jade, Keesha, and Jaci. I have lived in Lapwai community all my life.
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Not too many freshman play varsity basketball, and ever fewer lead their team in scoring like you have. How did you get so good?
My dad started coaching high school basketball when I was two years old. I would always be in the gym shooting around. I started practicing and playing with older girls when I was in third grade. My sisters were always there for me. I honestly think if it wasn’t for my family I wouldn’t be where I am today.
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What are your team’s biggest strengths?
Our biggest strengths would have to be our intensity. Also we play together as a team and do what it takes to win. We always have a common goal and this is to win state.
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What is your favorite thing about being a Lapwai Wildcat?
I think it is mostly the fans. They are very supportive and get our team pumped up when we need it. Lapwai is a basketball community and they are all like family. They bring so much energy to the game.
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What teams are you most excited to compete against every year, and why?
Clearwater Valley Rams. They are great competition and play similar type of game we do. I also look forward to playing in the State Tournament again next year. It was a great challenge and playing against bigger schools helps our team.
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What is your favorite sport to watch? Participate in?
Basketball and Volleyball. I was nice to be able to make it to the state tournament in both sports.
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What is your favorite teacher/subject? Why?
Dave Palmer my math teacher. He is really good teacher. He does whatever he can so that we are all caught up on our work. He explains everything really well.
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Any extra pressure having your dad as your coach?
Sometimes it can be a lot of pressure because he expects a lot out of me and always pushing me to do my best. It is also hard because he is my dad and I really want to make him proud.
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Let’s say we somehow get you and your five sisters together on one “Dream Team”. All of you are in your basketball prime. Who would be the team MVP?
We all bring something different to the game. I have five sisters Starr, Jewel, Jade, Keesha and Jaci. We were all team captains and have leadership abilities. They are all really competitive too. So competitive they argue about who I should pick for this question, but we are all supportive of everything we do.
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Favorite high school memory, so far?
The best memory is getting the chance to go to state in volleyball and basketball as a freshman. I appreciate it because I know some athletes don’t ever get that opportunity. It’s an honor to get to represent my school and community.
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What kind of car gets you around town?
I’m not old enough to drive yet so my parents are my ride or sometimes I walk.
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Favorite Food?
Mexican Food especially from El Sombrero in Lewiston, Idaho
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What is your most memorable moment in a game?
The most memorable moment in a game is making the last second free throws to win our league championship game against Clearwater Valley. Also getting name All-Tournament Team at the holiday tournament against 5A schools. Also, being named Player of the Game on Idahosports.com for the State Championship Game.
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It’s the weekend. Sit at home or out on the town?
Summer weekends are usually in the gym or at a basketball tournament. This summer I am playing with the Northwest Blazers team and will be traveling a lot. We are going to tournaments in Tempe, Arizona, San Diego, California and some other places.
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What is something most people do not know about you?
Most people don’t know that I was born 7 weeks pre-mature and had to spend 10 days in NICU before I could come home with my family. Also, I was on a billboard for the Lewis Clark Bicentennial.
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Any thoughts on where you want to go to college?
My mom would love for me to stay close to home as possible. However, I like to have options. I don’t know exactly where I would like to go, but if I were to stay close to home my family could be there to support me.
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When you “grow up” what is your idea of a perfect job?
I want to be a pharmacist.
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What is the best advice you have ever received?
I think my best advice would be from my grandparents and Aunt Loretta. They are my biggest fans and always have encouraging words for me. I think their best advice is to always believe in myself. My grandma Juanita Spencer passed away before she was able to watch me play in high school, but deserved so much credit because she was so positive about everything I did and she inspires me for that.
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100 years from now, when your name is mentioned, how do you want to be remembered?
I just strive to be a positive person in general. I wanted to have 4 state titles but we fell short this year, so know I guess it would be to have 3 state titles. We will have to wait and see, but it is a goal of mine. We will definitely be back next year!! I just want to be a positive role model for all student athletes.
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Now…to make sure you are paying attention…What is your favorite high school sports web site?
IdahoSports.com!!
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