Boys basketball names four to All-League teams

The Outlaws had four players earn All-League honors, including Mehkye Froehlich, Kale Gardner, Adam Maddox-Castle, and Jessey Murillo.

Froehlich (senior) was a First Team All-League selection and had an outstanding season for the Outlaws. Mehkye led the Outlaws with 31 steals this season, which was almost double the next player. He also led the team in scoring (10.8 points per game) during league play, including a 22-point performance against La Pine at home on senior night. Froehlich also recorded 35 rebounds during league play.

Coach Chad Rush said, “Mehkye was a difference-maker for us in many games this season. His athleticism and uncanny feel for the game made him an invaluable member of our team and our success this year. Mehkye stepped up his commitment and work ethic this season and it paid off by being selected to the First Team.”

Sophomore Kale Gardner earned Second Team All- League honors. Gardner took over the role of point guard and floor general for the Outlaws as a first-time varsity player. Gardner led the team in free-throw attempts (42), twice as much as the next player. He averaged 7.9 points per game, and recorded 14 steals and 40 rebounds in league play. Gardner hit the game-tying three-point shot against Creswell, which sent the game into overtime, and then hit the game-winning layup in overtime to give the Outlaws the upset victory over champion Bulldogs.

“Kale is a fierce competitor that will do whatever it takes to win,” said Rush. “His nature is to get things going for his teammates, but if the time arises, he is ready and willing to make things happen.”

Maddox-Castle and Murillo (seniors) were both Honorable Mention picks.

Maddox-Castle averaged 5.7 points per game, recorded 46 rebounds and 17 steals in league play.

“Adam was our team’s glue guy,” said Rush. “I often referred to him as being our team’s Draymond Green. He is our defensive stalwart, leads this team with his actions and effort, and scores when needed. Adam guarded every position for us (1-5) this season depending on who the opponent’s best player was. He gladly accepted the challenge each and every night. We definitely would not have had the season we had without him and his nightly contributions to the little things.”

Murillo averaged 4.6 points per game and 6.2 rebounds per game, and was another one of the Outlaws’ senior warriors this year.

“Jessey was often out-sized in the opponent he was guarding, but never backed down from the challenge,” said Rush. “Despite this, he led our team in rebounding for the season. Jessey has a great eye to see what is happening during the game and oftentimes will make suggestions to the coaching staff about what he is seeing. Jessey missed three games with an ankle sprain, but remained engaged and involved with the team and the players. His hustle, intensity, and effort will be sorely missed next season.”

Maddox-Castle was named to the Defensive All-League team, and Coach Rush marked the honor.

“As I noted earlier, Adam was our defensive stalwart, guarding any position that was needed for the team,” said Rush. “In recognition for that, Adam was placed on the League’s All-Defensive team this season. Adam received many high compliments from coaches about his defensive ability and how it changed games at key times. I am very proud of Adam for being selected for this team as it is well-deserving.”