Outlaws return solid basketball squad

The Outlaws return four players with varsity experience to their squad this season, including seniors Nate Weber and Connor Linn, and juniors Max Palanuk and Ricky Huffman.

Weber started for the Outlaws last season, averaged double digits and was a big scoring threat.”

Coach Rob Jensen said, “Nate added a third dimension to his abilities and improved strength and speed significantly this off-season. He now can score at three ranges — at the basket, mid-range, and three-point range. He should be one of the top players in the league.”

Linn started most games last year. Jensen noted that Connor is a hard worker and has the ability to score in flurries. He also rebounds well from the guard position.

Palanuk also started a number of games last year as a sophomore. He’s added some height and is now a 6-foot-4-inch wing.

Jensen said, “Max is a great shooter and understands the game well. His length and craftiness will be very helpful.”

Huffman played mostly JV last year, but when illness hit the varsity squad Ricky moved up and saw some solid varsity action.

“Ricky is a spark plug and has a tireless motor,” said Jensen. “He will be starting at the post and will provide a rebounding and defensive presence down low.”

New additions to the team this year include senior Camden Froehlich, juniors Griffin Gardner and Jamen Schwartz, and sophomore Adam Maddox-Castle.

Froehlich was a starter at Paisley High School last season where he had multiple 20 and 30-point games, and transferred to Sisters in the spring.

Jensen told The Nugget that Camden is a great defender and has the ability to score, and will provide quality starting minutes at the point guard position.

Gardner played JV last year at South Salem High School. He’s a Sisters kid who moved away in middle school and came back.

“Griffin has a really good sense for the game and can play a variety of positions,” said Jensen. “He also fills a great leadership role and has really good chemistry with this team.”

Schwartz has improved his game, both mentally and physically over the past year. Jensen noted that Jamen is a solid defender who can handle the ball well and hit open shots.

Maddox-Castle will round out the roster.

“Adam is a gritty gamer and can lock down opponents defensively,” said Jensen. “He also has a nose for the rim.”

Jensen told The Nugget he expects a great season from his team.

“This year’s team is extremely hard nosed and not afraid to get their hands dirty,” said Jensen. “They are coachable and tough. I expect that this season will be a really good one and they will leave it all on the floor.”