Sundstrom is soccer Player of the Year

Senior Malachy Sundstrom was named the Sky-Em Player of the Year, an honor he also claimed last season.

Sundstrom played forward and scored 18 goals and recorded nine assists for the Outlaws this year. He currently holds the record for second all-time in goals scored and assists at Sisters High School.

"Malachy is a huge competitor, and has a nose for the goal," said Coach Rob Jensen. "He makes defenders miss and creates opportunities for his teammates."

The Outlaws had a very strong squad this year, and in addition to Sundstrom, four other players earned first-team honors, including Asher Bachtold, Keegan Greaney, Minam Cravens and Ryan Funk.

Bachtold (sophomore) was a first-team pick at center-midfield. Asher moved into the center-midfield role this year and proved to be the best player in the league at that position.

"Asher was a catalyst for both our defense and our offense, as well as a leader on the field," said Jensen. "Asher is the hockey assist for the team (assist to the assist) and makes us tick."

Greaney (senior) played mostly at center-back as a defender for the Outlaws, and his abilities were evident every time he stepped onto the field.

"Keegan is the best athlete on the field, and with that, he also improved his skills in the off-season," said Jensen. "Keegan played at center-back and also saw some time at outside-midfield, and he constantly thwarted the opponents' attack."

Cravens played at center-back on defense, and Jensen told The Nugget that Minam is the smartest and most skilled center-back he has ever coached.

"Minam reads offenses well and knows how to create offside traps," said Jensen. "He also wins the ball well in the air, and he is a threat offensively."

Funk was the Outlaws' keeper, and was a first-team all-state selection last year, who got even better this season. Ryan had eight shut-outs in 14 games this season, and only allowed eight goals into the net.

"Ryan's lateral movement is extremely quick, and he has improved his field skills," said Jensen. "I expect him to be in the running for first-team all-state again this year, which means he is the best keeper in the state at the 4A level."

Second-team all-league picks were Alec Gannon, Colby Simeral, and Sean Willitts.

Gannon (senior) played at holding midfield, and set the tempo in the middle of the field with his speed and agility.

"Alec improved his vision and on-ball skills tremendously this season," stated Jensen. "He defended well and read passing lanes very nicely. He really makes it tough for opponents to get out of the middle."

Simeral played outside-back and at wing, and came on strong for the Outlaws in the second half of league play.

Jensen said, "Colby is a very coachable player who has a huge heart for the game. He's very good on the ball and can put the ball on frame from outside the 18."

Willitts (senior) played attacking midfield and also earned second-team honors.

"Sean is a big target with solid vision and scoring ability," said Jensen. "He really does a good job passing the ball around field."

Senior Anson Ricker earned honorable mention on defense, where he played both at center-back and outside-back.

"Anson missed half the season due to a concussion, and still received votes," said Jensen. "He is a lock-down defender who is capable of making overlapping runs and becoming part of the offense."