Outlaws named to all-league teams

The Lady Outlaws had four players selected to all-league teams: Taylor Nieri, Carissa Kernutt, Sammy Kaiser and Lauryn Chauncey.

It came as no surprise that Nieri was a first-team all-league pick. Taylor led the Outlaws in scoring with a total of 338 points during the season. Nieri averaged 15 points per game, made 31 three-pointers and averaged 80 percent from the free throw line.

"Taylor is a pure shooter," said Coach Julianne Horner. "She is a threat from anywhere on the court when she has the ball. She is one of the best decision-makers on the floor and uses her athleticism to get to the hoop. I look forward to another year with her."

Carissa Kernutt earned second-team all-league honors. Kernutt did a fantastic job for the Outlaws as a small forward, off guard this past season. Carissa scored 171 points during league play, which included 21 three-pointers.

Horner said, "Carrisa was the key to the team, running an offense that allowed for attacking the basket. She did a great job defensively, stopping the big players inside and usually had the job of taking on the best 'bigs' on the opposing team. Carissa was an all-around threat both offensively and defensively. The league coaches' comments were that she was the most difficult to guard as she could hit the three with ease but also pound it inside when needed."

Sammy Kaiser and Lauryn Chauncey were both honorable mention.

Horner told The Nugget that Kaiser was the quiet force and team leader that led by her actions and worked hard every time she took the floor.

"Sam had the responsibility of taking on much larger posts almost nightly and she did it without fail," stated Horner. "Her season high of 17 against Sweet Home showed off her grace under the basket and her ability to make smooth post

moves."

It was a huge loss to the team when Kaiser went down with an ACL tear during their match-up against Cottage Grove. Sam had her best defensive performance against the Lions, shut down Cottage Grove's best player and led the Outlaws to the win. Kaiser was greatly missed in the Lady Outlaws' last three games.

Chauncey was the player that the Outlaws' opponents hated to guard. Lauryn's speed beat everyone in the league down the court and her athleticism and sheer drive brought the upbeat tempo and charge to the Lady Outlaws squad.

"Lauryn was the player you knew was the game-changer," said Horner. "Her energy and speed were unstoppable. Her injury of a broken foot hampered her ability to play early in the season, but by mid-season we had her consistently in the rotation and then starting the last three games. She was the person who I knew would never give up, work her hardest in the game and always make the play. Lauren was the team leader of charges taken, with 13 for the season."