Lady Outlaws basketball has five all-leaguers

Five girls from the Outlaws basketball team earned all-league honors this year. Senior Susan Ruettgers was named first team all-league, junior Chelsie McConville second team all-league and senior Danelle Allen, junior Marin Allen and freshman Taylor Nieri were honorable mention.

Ruettgers, at 6-feet-1-inch, was the anchor in the middle for the Outlaws this year but was often asked to defend opposing guards, which is not common and speaks to her athletic

ability.

Coach Kevin Cotner said, "Susie is a true competitor. One thing she can hang on her hat is that she is a fierce rebounder, and that was noticed by many of the other coaches. When Susie puts her mind to getting up in the air and bringing the ball down, there are not many girls in the state that will stop

her."

McConville was a multidimensional player for the Lady Outlaws and able to play anywhere on the court. She spent most of her time at wing, but also stepped in as point guard and even dropped down to the No. 4 position in many of the Outlaws' offensive sets. On defense, McConville had the ability to defend the post or guard, which made her a huge asset to the

team.

"Chelsie was extremely consistent for us night in and night out," said Cotner. "I knew the effort and focus that I would get from Chelsie no matter what team we were playing. She made huge strides as a player from last year, and with her work ethic, I look forward to her coming back from the off season as an even more complete player. I'm glad to have one more year with her."

Danelle Allen played at wing and at point, and was at her best when she was defensively motivated. Cotner told The Nugget that at times Allen could be the best defensive player in the league, which fueled her on offense.

"She will be missed," stated Cotner. "Throughout her career, from the time she was a freshman, she naturally was one of the most skilled basketball players in the program. She had a massive game for us at Junction City which helped us secure third place in league."

Marin Allen played at point and at wing, and had the potential to single-handedly break down an opponent's press and make her an offensive weapon.

"Marin is fiery," said Cotner. "When she gets her hair a bobbin', defenders must look out. I look for her to help carry the load next season. She, along with Chelsie, will return as our team leaders."

Rounding out the honorable mention selections is freshman Taylor Nieri, who played wing on offense and initiated traps on defense in both of the Outlaws' full-court presses and half-court traps.

"She's the one that put pressure on the ball handler and forced them to the outside thirds of the court where we were then able to bring a defender to the trap, or trap the ball handler from behind," Cotner said. "She made it hard to ever take her out of the game. She is a defensive weapon, and improved offensively over the course of the season. She is one of the most complete freshman players that I have coached. She, without question, laughs more than any other player I have coached. It's hard not to chuckle just listening to her. T-Pain (the coach's nickname for Nieri) is

one-of-a-kind."

All five of these players scored within 15 points of each other on the regular season.