Freshman basketball team ends season

The freshman boys' basketball team wrapped up its season with an overall record of 7-12.

Aaron Simundson, Chris Waters and Jon Standen handled the point guard position for the young Outlaw team. Austin Mitchell, Alex Novonty, Geoff Houk, Nick Saba, Sam Van Diest and Cody Farr-Baenziger played at the wing position. Covering at the post position were Randy Ketchum, Cory Holt, Rodney Warner and Nathan Uttley.

Several players stood out during the season. Austin Mitchell hit shots at the end of several games that kept the score close or won the game for Sisters. Cory Holt and Cody Farr-Baenziger led the team in rebounds. Aaron Simundson led the team in both steals and assists.

Nate Uttley, Rodney Warner, Nick Saba and Jon Standen all had to learn new positions, and according to Coach Justin Durham they all did a great job and adapted well.

Durham told The Nugget that his team did a great job overcoming adversity over the course of the season. The team only had one game with all 12 players present.

"The Sky-Em League is very competitive, and the boys know that will make them a better team," Durham said. "At the beginning of the season, we had trouble scoring in the fourth quarter. In our first eight games, we averaged nine total points in the fourth quarter, but in our last five games we averaged 15.4 points, an improvement I'm very proud of. We talked a lot about learning to finish games or 'cut off the head,' as we called it, and we certainly did that."

This group of boys has been playing together since they were in the fifth grade, and Durham said they are a very talented team.

"I was fortunate to coach them this year and look forward to being a part of their future success," said Durham.

At the freshman "awards" night the following players received special awards: Jon Standen - Most Improved; Rodney Warner and Aaron Simundson - Mr. Hustle; Aaron Simundson - Defensive Player Award and Most Inspirational; Cody Farr-Baenziger - Most Valuable Player.