Senior leadership is one of the most underrated aspects in the world of high school basketball.

The Newport Knights have a senior leader who has proven herself to be clutch on the hardwood throughout the duration of her high school career.

Knights senior guard Nicole Chan, who is one of six seniors on the her team’s varsity roster during the 2018-19 season, enjoys shouldering the scoring load as well as guiding her team from her guard position on the floor.

“Our team chemistry is very good. We love each other so much. I think we are going to do really good this year,” Chan said. “We’ve build up a big trust. It is really good.”

Chan relishes the role of competing in the always formidable KingCo 4A Conference. The Eastlake Wolves and Woodinville Falcons are programs with a wealth of talent.

“It is tough but it’s a good opportunity for us to really showcase who we are as a team. I’m really excited to go against good competition this year,” Chan explained.

Chan said the entire team believes in Newport Knights longtime head coach Travis Whitaker’s philosophy on the basketball court.

“He sets the tone for us with high expectations. He loves us like family and we love him back. He has really been helping us with this big journey of trying to get to state (tournament),” Chan said.

Chan is definitely interested in continuing her basketball career at the collegiate level but hasn’t decided where she will land as of yet.

“I’ve been looking at some D-3 schools. I really love engineering and that is one of my biggest priorities for college but I also love playing basketball,” she said.

Recently the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Chan a few questions about her life away from the basketball court.

Bellevue Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Nicole Chan: I would say “La La Land.” I love singing to music. I like musicals.

BR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

NC: When people chew too loudly. I just feel like when people eat food they should be silent.

BR: What is your favorite restaurant in Bellevue?

NC: Musashi’s. I love sushi.

BR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?

NC: I would probably go with my grandpa. I love him a lot.

BR: What kind of music are you listening to the most in your car right now?

NC: I just listen to Spotify’s top 50.

BR: What is your dream vacation spot?

NC: I would probably say Cuba. I love beaches and I want to eat the authentic food there.