Special to The North Star
Senior Night at Naperville North High School ended in heartbreak as the Huskies dropped a nail-biting 42-41 loss to Saint Charles North on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
The Huskies (23-7) lost to the North Stars (11-17) with a final score of 42-41.
The Huskies started the game with great momentum. Senior Point Guard Miles Okyne (4) made a perfect downcourt pass to Senior Center Will Harvey (22), to start the scoring in the game. The early physicality from both teams did not stop Oykne from making a tough layup and getting fouled on the play. The North Stars responded by scoring nine points to take control of the quarter. Great defense and a steal by Harvey set up a transition three from Senior Guard Carson Loughlin (1), giving the North Stars a 15–12 lead to end the first quarter.
The Huskies opened the second quarter displaying aggressive defense. This was shown by Harvey securing two steals in the quarter with 6:49 left to play. However, the North Stars would not let the Huskies get far out in front as Senior Point Guard Braden Harms (5) hit a deep three-pointer to put his team in the lead 24-23 to close out the first half. Harvey explained how the Huskies matched the physical play of the North Stars in the first half.
“We obviously practice toughness and playing hard and doing those key things which translate to the game,” Harvey said.
Each team came out of halftime shooting efficiently. Both sides found their rhythm on offense, with Harvey and Okyne leading the way for the Huskies while Harms answered to the North Stars.The Huskies lost momentum after multiple turnovers, but a tough mid-range jump shot from Okyne tied the game at 32-32 at the end of the third quarter. Okyne commented on his success in scoring points inside the paint and drawing contact against an aggressive team.
“We heard our shooters open in the corner ready, so the defense couldn’t help, which gave me a one-on-one underneath,” Okyne said.
In the fourth quarter, the game remained tight as Okyne knocked down a top-of-the-key three point shot with 3:40 remaining to give the Huskies a 41-39 lead. The North Stars answered quickly with a pair of free throws to tie it. With 2.6 seconds left and the score tied 41-41, Harms drew a foul and split a pair of free throws. Okyne’s last-second attempt fell short, sealing the 42-41 loss.
After the tough loss, Head coach, Gene Nolan, remarked on how his team will prepare for the upcoming game against highly-ranked Neuqua Valley to close out the regular season.
“We have to defend a little bit better and rebound better and have more side-to-side offensive which will win us games like these and prepare for ones in the future,” said Nolan.
The Naperville North varsity boys’ basketball team will play their next game on Wednesday, February 18th at 7:00 p.m. at home versus the Neuqua Valley Wildcats.
