Nicole Wells' teammates at United Tribes like to call her "Grandma" or "G-Ma."

It's not like her dinner time comes at 4 p.m. and bedtime at 8 p.m. It's not like Wells comes to basketball practice walking with a cane.

It's because the 22-year-old has experience on the court - and in life.

After graduating from New Town High School in 2005, Wells bypassed college and basketball. She spent more than three years serving in the Marines, stationed at Parris Island, S.C.

"I needed to grow up a little bit," said Wells, who helped lead New Town to the Class B state tournament as a junior and senior. "I learned how to be on my own and not rely on anyone. I learned how to be financially responsible. I learned how to look out for my friends - my teammates and comrades."

Wells, a 5-foot-7 guard, didn't let her basketball skills accumulate any rust while serving her country. She played on a team for the Marines and played with the All-Armed Forces squad.

Wells spent last season playing for Lake Region State where she averaged 8.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.

She's closing out her junior college career at United Tribes this season and is the oldest player on the team.

United Tribes coach Daryl Bearstail got a pleasant surprise when he saw Wells shooting around in the school's gym this summer.

"I didn't know it was her until she started walking up to me," Bearstail said. "Then I recognized her. She was taking a summer class here, and she indicated she was interested in transferring to United Tribes."

Bearstail wasn't going to talk her out of that decision. He got on the paperwork.

"Nicole gives us athleticism," said Bearstail, who has watched Wells play ever since she was in grade school. "She has to be guarded because she can take it off the dribble as well as shoot the outside shot."

The Thunderbirds finished last season at 14-18 overall and were a game away from playing for a berth into the NJCAA national tournament.

Wells, who is taking general classes, liked how Bearstail turned the program around. Last year the Thunderbirds were a competitive squad that reached double digits in victories and were no longer getting blown out.

Wells decided that she wanted to represent her American Indian heritage with pride and made the transfer.

"I saw a great opportunity to represent a Native American team," Wells said.

Wells was also looking forward to playing with Bearstail's daughter, Kristin, who transferred to United Tribes from Williston State.

Kristin Bearstail, a 5-6 guard, averaged 14.3 points for the Tetons last season. She swished 104 3-pointers and handed out 109 assists.

"I haven't hung out with Kristin a lot," Wells said. "But I've known her to be a great basketball player. I'm excited to play with her."

The Thunderbirds return no players from last season. The three biggest losses were point guard Jenna SkunkCap (14.0 points, 9.1 rebounds per game, 173 assists), forward Sekoya Bighorn (15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds) and center Tami Miller (14.8 points, 7.9 rebounds).

In addition to Wells and Kristin Bearstail, coach Bearstail believes this year's squad will field plenty of punch.

United Tribes landed guard Marie Spotted Horse of Mandaree, last year's Class B Region 8 senior athlete of the year.

Forwards contributing will be: Cristin Haase (Lidgerwood, transfer from NDSCS-Wahpeton), Hannah Hellekson (Bismarck), Alyssa Starr (Twin Buttes) and Charli Largo (Mescalaro, N.M). Hellekson was coached by Bearstail at Shiloh Christian and was a teammate of Kristin's.

With a team made up of guards and small forwards, the Thunderbirds lack an inside presence. But coach Bearstail believes his team can work around it.

Haase and Starr will see time down low.

"It was a concern until we scrimmaged Westcon, an amateur team, that has good-sized players," he said. "We were playing very good team defense and helping each other. We are capable of being a really competitive team because of our team defense."

With Wells, Kristin Bearstail and Spotted Horse handling the ball, the Thunderbirds should be able to avoid turnovers.

"All three can handle the ball, and we didn't have that last year," coach Bearstail said. "They can all shoot, and they can all pass. We will have more weapons on the perimeter."