Girls hoops return seven to varsity

Seven players return for another year of Outlaws hoops, including seniors Gracen Sundstrom, RylieReece Morgan, Hallie Schwartz, Josie Aylor, and sophomores Payden Petterson, Oly Thorson, and Emma Lutz.

Sundstrom, who missed the last half of the season last year due to an ACL injury, is back at full strength and ready for a solid senior season. Her height and skill level on the inside and on the perimeter will allow her to play several positions.

Morgan will be a strong presence on both offense and defense. Her leaping ability and soft touch around the basket will give the Outlaws an opportunity to score in the post. Schwartz will be the Lady Outlaws starting point guard. Hallie is a team leader, and possesses very good ball-handling skills.

Coach Brittaney Neibergall stated she’s a “slashing-type” player that can create opportunities for herself and her teammates.

Aylor rounds out the returning senior players. Josie has developed her mid-range jumper, and that combined with her strong understanding of the game will give her the ability to play multiple positions as well. Niebergall noted that Josie’s enthusiasm for her teammates shows every day in practice.

Petterson is a returning starter for the Outlaws. Payden is a great shooter and also possesses a variety of skills at the guard position. Her height and skill level will allow her to play in multiple spots.

Thorson and Lutz will both see a lot of varsity minutes as guards and wing players. Both Oly and Emma are quick on the court, and their experience in the program will give them an edge playing at the varsity level.

Several freshmen will also be listed on the varsity roster and will swing JV. Players include Josie Patton, Ellie Mayes, Ashlynn Moffett, Hadley Schar, and Lanee Mansfield.

Niebergall told The Nugget that Patton will see a lot of minutes at the varsity level. The coach noted that Josie’s size, aggressiveness, and feel around the basket will give her a jump start to her high school basketball career. Coaches are excited to see Patton’s work ethic and determination in practice translate to her success on the court.

Coaches have been very pleased with the work habits and attitudes of all their players this year.

“Our senior leadership is a great strength to our program this year,” said Neibergall. “Our sophomores and freshmen continue to develop their basketball skills and will be a great asset to our team. We’ve been spending a lot of time focusing on our offensive development because we feel as though that is an area we need to improve on going into a new season.

“It’s exciting to be around such an enthusiastic and upbeat group of girls. I believe they will set a great stage for many of the younger Lady Outlaws girls basketball players. I’m very proud of these girls for their commitment to basketball, but just as much to their commitment to their education and being great teammates to one another.”

Niebergall told The Nugget the Outlaws hope to continue to move the program forward in the development process and be as competitive as they can this season, and then at the end of the season they will look at their record.

The Outlaws will kick off their pre-season play at Valley Catholic on December 6.