Beyond the Playbook: Rebel basketball’s Natalie Mikrot sets historic record

December 21st, 2021 will be a date that will live on forever. Not only Natalie Mikrot’s mind, but permanently in Rebel history. That night she scored her 2,000th career point, becoming the first in Moose Lake-Willow River girls and boys basketball history to reach and surpass the mark.

"I knew I was within a handful of points, but I didn’t know the shot was ‘the’ shot. So I just stood there looked at the crowd, and saw the support. It was amazing just the whole community showed up," Mikrot said.

Her coach Zak Matson knew she was close, and was prepared to see his star player eclipse the 2,000 plateau.

"It was nice to like have her not know and she was like ‘I think I’m six away’ but she was three away. So I was just waiting for her first three and she hit a five foot out three. Everyone cheered we, took a timeout and it was fun," stated Matson.

The excitement continues, as her new milestone requires the school to make a totally new banner just for her.

"It’s surreal, I can’t even explain just the feeling that my name will be up on that board in like a category of its own," Mikrot said through a huge smile.

For a player with this much skill on the court, she works on her craft all the time, but was actually ‘forced’ into playing basketball at an early age.

"Funny story in third grade my parents ‘forced’ me to play basketball, and said if I didn’t like it I didn’t have to do it anymore next season but here we are! In the summer now I just spend my time in the gym, getting my shots up as much as possible," Mikrot continued.

In the middle of an historic season, she is staying confident, but also humble.

"I just want to say thank you to all my teammates and coaches and everyone who has supported me through this journey. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for their support each and every year there is different challenges and they help me through each one," concluded Mikrot.