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In an age of specialization, senior Ellie Marble is having a ball as a multi-sport standout.

The proof was provided Jan. 31 before a standing room only crowd at Landy James Gym.

That’s when Marble, a prized Central Washington University volleyball recruit, was presented a commemorative basketball in recognition of having passed the elite 1,000-point career hoops scoring mark.

Marble, the reigning Washington State 2B Volleyball Player of the Year, was honored in front of the scorer’s table by Lady Braves head coach Joe Harper as part of the Senior Night festivities and prior to her delivering 19 points and 19 rebounds in a 48-28 La Conner rout of Mount Vernon Christian.

Among those offering congratulations was former La Conner boys’ basketball coach Nate DuChesne, now the principal at Snohomish High School.

“I love that an All-State college-bound volleyball player is still playing high school basketball,” DuChesne said in a social media post afterward.

That’s not all.

Marble is also a state qualifier in track and field, having represented La Conner in the 300-meter hurdles, shot put, high jump and 4x200 meter relay at the Washington 2B Meet in Cheney last spring.

The Marble presentation was part of a full slate of senior night ceremonies. Class of 2023 members who have participated in boys’ and girls’ basketball, cheerleading, Knowledge Bowl and Associated Student Body leadership were introduced by middle and high school principal Christine Tripp.

Tripp acknowledged each student’s accomplishments and shared their future plans.

In addition, a class raffle fundraiser featuring items donated by local businesses was held throughout the evening. The monies collected will help defray costs of the senior class trip at the end of the school year.

Another of the night’s highlights was the unfurling of the 2022 State 2B Volleyball championship – the seventh in program history, all under the guidance of Ellie Marble’s mom, state Hall of Fame coach Suzanne Marble.

Lady Braves volleyball players were likewise saluted holding the state title trophy and acknowledged as the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Team of the Month for November 2022.

“We’re proud of you guys and want to thank the community for all the love,” said coach Marble, who is retiring after having completed her 30th season as head coach.

Tripp joined in the praise.

“We’re so proud of our La Conner Lady Braves volleyball team.”