Boys basketball gets big turnout

The Outlaws basketball program had 35 boys turn out for the season, and both players and coaches are excited about what lies ahead.

Basketball had their latest start date (November 18) in Oregon history, over two weeks later than traditional start dates. That has thrown coaches and players into hurried preparation for the start of the season which was to kick off with a jamboree at Summit on Wednesday, December 4.

The Outlaws will boast a completely new team this year as fifteen players move up in the ranks. Coach Rand Runco noted that all 15 have nice assets, but need to complete their game in some way. Needless to say, practices will be very competitive and there could be line-up changes, especially early in the season.

Only three seniors return to the team: Jens Stadeli at wing, Lane Adams at post, and Nate Kaping at post. Runco stated he was excited about the seniors' leadership and their work ethic.

Junior Ben Larson will play at point guard, and Tristan Lewis (junior) will play both guard and wing. Connor Schaab (junior) was injured much of last season but is back and ready to play and, according to Runco, has a lot of offensive

potential.

Juniors Justin Harrer and Tysen Gill will be key players for the Outlaws at both forward and wing.

"Justin is an incredible all-around athlete that is also such a fine leader, and Tysen has been working hard in the off season," stated Runco. "I expect both of these guys to be impact players immediately."

Lane Gladden will also be an integral part of the team at the wing position and also on defense.

Several sophomores, Hayden Martinez, Hays Moore, Steen Johnson, Isaac McKenzie, Chance Halley, and Logan Schutte, are in competition for a position on a daily basis and some will swing between JV and varsity.

Runco told The Nugget that he expects freshman guard Keagan Greaney to be competing for a position by league.

The Outlaws have a very strong JV team and 12 players on their freshman squad.

"We are looking forward to a good season with tremendous improvement," said Runco. "We have pieces but we need to get them in place and become complete players. We have good basketball talent with several, but need to get into the weight room and work on size and speed. And, we have some very good athletes that need to get their fundamentals and hoop skills

down."

In addition to Runco, the coaching staff will include Randy Burdick, Rob Jensen, John Erickson and Bryce Alderman.

The Outlaws will play at home against Crook County on Saturday, December 7. The game is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.