The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Five players on the Outlaws girls basketball team earned all-league recognition. Senior Chelsie McConville and sophomore Taylor Nieri were both first-team all-league picks. Senior Marin Allen earned second-team all-league, senior Katie Yozamp was a third-team pick and junior Carissa Kernutt was honorable mention.

McConville was a key player for the Lady Outlaws and led the league in steals. Chelsie had 11 steals in one game alone, and accumulated a total of 39 steals in league play. Chelsie also led the team with 12 blocked shots, tied as assist leader with 23, and was second on the team in rebounds with 41.

"Chelsie not only was a great leader on the floor but brought a solid game both offensively and defensively each and every time she entered the game," said Coach Julianne Horner. "She led by example and always left her heart on the floor. Her court awareness and ability to pull her teammates together on and off the floor are wonderful examples of this young woman's leadership abilities. We will truly miss her presence."

Nieri led the Outlaws in scoring with a total of 292 points through league play. Taylor was second on the team in assists, with 16. Nieri never missed a practice all season and, according to Horner, always came ready to play.

"Taylor was an offensive threat each time the ball was in her hands," said Horner. "She runs the floor and pushed teams to keep up. Her court awareness was a huge asset to the team and got many easy buckets by beating defense's back door. She was also the player who could slip into a passing lane and steal balls with ease. Taylor is the most consistent player, who night after night did her job extremely well. She is such a great athlete and brings passion and competitiveness, both in practice and games. We're happy to have her for two more years and look forward to her continued success."

Allen's speed and hard rocket passes allowed the Outlaws to increase the tempo of their games. Allen led the team with 23 assists during league play.

"Marin is a great athlete and brought a high level of intensity to each game," said Horner. "Her lightning speed could break any press that was put on her, and her competitiveness made her a force to be reckoned with. Her passing ability was fantastic and allowed the guards many easy back door buckets with her precision laser passes. Her seniority really helped lead this team in tight situations."

Horner told The Nugget that Katie Yozamp was the backbone of the team this season.

"Katie was not a flashy player, but the one you could always count on to do her assignment and do it well," stated Horner. "She was the reason so many other players shined, as she set great screens, blocked out and rebounded. Her steady personality and calm demeanor could get the team back on track. Her defensive abilities shut down girls that were much taller and bigger. Katie played like a 6-foot post with great awareness of her guards. She was able to shut down inside players defensively and offensively work to make sure her guards could get to the basket. Katie's natural talent and work ethic are what made her such an instrumental player."

Kernutt rounded out the all-league selections for the Outlaws. Carissa led the team in rebounds with a total of 61 for league play. Horner stated that Kernutt was the team's most-improved player this season.

"Carissa's ability and timing to get the rebounds was fantastic," said Horner. "She brought passion and a presence under the basket that helped the team very much in league play. We're excited to get another year with her and believe she will be a big offensive threat both inside and outside the key. Carissa has a great three-point shot, and we hope to build her strengths to be a force next season."