Erickson and Harrison named Sky-Em co-players of the year

Coaches from the Sky-Em League voted senior John Erickson and junior Eli Harrison Co-Players of the Year.

Along with Erickson and Harrison, three other Outlaws were also recognized with all-league honors: Jalen Miller, Chase Goff, and Bryan Boswell.

Erickson, Sisters' guard/wing, was a major contributor in the Outlaws' successful basketball season. He averaged 15 points, four rebounds, four steals and four assists per game for the Outlaws.

"John is a key leader on our team, a great example and a true Outlaws basketball player and excellent student," Coach Rand Runco said. "He plays tenacious defense, he can defend a guard, wing or post and can score from anywhere on the court. He always gets a bucket when we need it most. He plays every position for us. John is also a really great person who is fun-loving and keeps things really light-hearted."

Harrison, a 6-foot-5-inch wing, also played a big role on the squad. He averaged 17.6 points, six rebounds and two assists per game.

"Eli's mid-range jumper is the best that I have ever seen," said Runco. "He is a smooth and fluid player that is a huge threat from anywhere on the court. He can defend guard or post and is a dagger to opponents that is so difficult to guard. Eli is an excellent leader and takes our team to a different level."

Senior Jalen Miller is a three-year varsity starter and point guard and earned first-team all-league recognition. Miller averaged six points, five assists, 3.2 rebounds and three steals per game.

"Jalen is a constant threat to opponents on both ends of the court," said Runco. "He splits defenses and can score from multi-ranges, but prefers to make others better. He leads our team in assists, along with John, and is a lockdown defender that has defended the best point guards in the state for the past three years."

Goff and Boswell were both honorable mention.

Goff, at 6 feet 2 inches, was of one of the Outlaws' posts. Chase averaged six points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals per game.

Runco told The Nugget that Goff is a bit of a hero on the Outlaws team.

"Chase does the dirty work," said Runco. "He is one of our leading rebounders and defends much larger than his body. He is an excellent passer and can score at all ranges. Chase has saved us on many occasions. He quietly goes about his business and tears teams apart."

Boswell, at 6 feet 8 inches, also played at post. Bryan averaged four points and five rebounds per game. Runco told The Nugget that Boswell is the team's most improved player.

"Bryan is a tenacious defender and guards the posts and defends our basket with a passion. Bryan plays with emotion and is a huge rebounder and defensive force for the Outlaws."