Basketball season promises excitement

The Outlaws boys basketball program heads into the season as a very young and inexperienced team, but all 40 players who came out for the sport are excited about what lies ahead.

John Erickson and Jalen Miller are the only returnees with substantial varsity experience and will be an anchor on the team. Jordan Hodges and Eli Harrison, who played limited roles last year as swing players, will join Erickson and Miller as full-time players on the court.

Hodges and Zech Mickel (seniors) are expected to give excellent leadership to the team. Juniors Erickson, Jalen Miller, Bryce Alderman, Sebastain Boehm and sophomore Harrison will most likely be the core of the varsity team.

Coach Rand Runco told The Nugget that Miller and Alderman started the season late due to football injuries and illness and hopes that they are healthy and at full strength by the start of league. Runco noted that there are several other juniors and sophomores that are very close behind and will also be an asset to the team.

Runco said, "This year we don't have a lot of size in the post area, but we are athletic with some good basketball kids that are excellent competitors."

The Outlaws will have their work cut out for them in the tough Sky-Em league. Cottage Grove is the league favorite and returns their entire varsity team.

Runco is optimistic about his young squad.

"If we work hard and become a team that shares the ball, we could be very tough," stated Runco. "I was impressed with our toughness this summer and the boys' commitment to improve. The key to our success is our ability to play defense and rebound. We have several kids that like to score, but the defense and rebounding will dictate our success. We are really excited to get started."

Randy Burdick will again coach the JV squad, and Don Pollard will coach the freshman team with assistance from Rob Jensen.