Taylor Nieri named Player of the Year

Taylor Nieri was voted Player of the Year and First-Team All-League by Sky-Em coaches for the 2012-2013 season. This marked the first time in Sisters High School's history for a women's basketball player to bring home this honor.

Nieri rewrote nearly every school record in the books this year, including single-game scoring (34 points), season scoring (440 points) and career scoring (1,173 points.) She also set a single-game free-throw record this year, going 20 for 26 against Elmira, smashed the single-season rebound record with 202 this year, and completed a four-year starting varsity career by leading the Outlaws to the playoffs.

Coach Julianne Horner told The Nugget that one record Taylor won't talk about but is equally impressive is that she has never missed a single practice in four years.

Horner said, "Taylor was the glue that held this team together, and a true leader. This leadership showed up not just vocally, but through her actions and intelligence in games and practices both. Her ability to adjust her game to the opponent, read the floor, and get her teammates into the game are the kinds of skills that led to her selection as Player of the Year. She can play any spot on the floor on either side of the ball, and was the player that other teams pulled their hair out trying to game-plan for. Taylor's success as a basketball player is well-known, but it's her drive, intelligence, and personality that will make her successful in whatever path in life she chooses."

Along with Nieri, two additional Outlaws earned all-league honors. Cassidy Edwards was a First-Team All-League pick and Savannah Spear was honorable mention.

Edwards was a new addition to the Outlaws squad this year and brought another weapon to the Outlaws' arsenal that was a big part of the best season the Lady Outlaws have had in years. Cassidy averaged 13 points and 5 rebounds, and opponents viewed her as a threat both when she drove to the basket and her three-point shots from behind the arc.

Horner noted, "What people may not know about Cassidy is that she brought intangibles that don't show up in the stats but are every bit as valuable to a team.

Cassidy was the first to pick a teammate up physically or emotionally, was always incredibly positive and encouraging, and had the rare ability to do exactly what she said she would do.

Even though she transferred to Sisters this year, it felt like Cassidy was an Outlaw right from the start. Her personality and abilities made her instantly accepted both by the team and her coaches, which made the integration into the game plan almost immediate.

Her 6A experience and confidence brought an element to the team that made them all better and made her a threat every time she was on the floor."

Spear earned honorable mention recognition, and Horner told The Nugget that Savannah will be one of the Outlaws' most valuable returning players next season.

"Savannah grew greatly in her understanding of the game and the leadership that the point guard position requires," stated Horner. "Her physical skills and speed made her a constant threat to break down the opponent's defensive schemes, and she made a high percentage of the three-pointers that she took when she wasn't driving to the hoop as she loved to do. Her athleticism and quickness made her one of the most aggressive defenders in our league as well, and she often drew the toughest assignment on the opposing team."