Pearle Green, a 5-foot, 7-inch junior who has been playing basketball for Galena since the second grade, scored her 1000th high school career point at the Kotzebue Tournament against the Nome Nanooks on Friday, Feb. 1.

The highest points Pearle’s ever scored in a game was 31 against the North Pole Patriots her sophomore year.

Pearle said that her parents are the most inspirational people in her life that have pushed her to reach her goals. “My parents push me in every possible way because they want me to be successful by going to the gym all the time and teaching me as much as possible. I wouldn’t be where I am now without them.”

Pearle said her current coach, David Wightman, has been coaching her since the sixth grade. “He is always encouraging me and he never gets mad and I appreciate that.”

Her favorite memory was when she was a freshman and they beat Monroe at regionals for second place.

“I first started playing basketball when I was in second grade because Noonoo was going into little hawks and I wanted to play with her, even though I was only in second grade and had to be in third grade.”

“Basketball has affected my life because I can’t see myself doing anything else,” said Pearle.

“My family has supported me by coming to every single game, always waiting after the game to give high fives, and always making sure I’m ok if I get injured.”

Pearle’s favorite things about basketball is winning, the hype, the competitiveness, and playing with her sister. She prepares herself for a game by warming up with the team and always thinking positive.

“I love playing point guard because I like to drive to the hoop and being able to see the whole court,” said Pearle.

“The most important thing I learned about playing for the Galena Lady Hawks is that basketball creates friendships,” Pearle said. “Thank you to my team, my parents and the community for always supporting me.”