Outlaws prep for tough competition

The Outlaws basketball squad is working hard to prepare for the tough competition they’ll face in the Mountain Valley Conference this season. They return five seniors to the squad, and bring on four newcomers to round out the roster, and hope to earn a berth to the state playoffs.

Seniors Landen Scott, Kale Gardner, Garrett Sager, Oliver Bernhardt, and Levi Szesze all are back for their final year.

Scott was a first-team, all-league Mountain Valley selection last season. Last year he played in all 23 games, and averaged 14.1 points per game to lead the team. He also led the team in rebounds (4.7), and steals (1.8), and free throw attempts (91).

“Landen is a terrific scorer that is crafty with the ball,” said Coach Chad Rush. “He will be looked to, to be a consistent scoring threat for the team this season, while also working to get his teammates involved to help our offense flow and be successful.”

Gardner was a second team pick, back-to-back, as he earned that honor as a sophomore as well. He played in all 23 games and averaged 11.2 points per game, which was second on the team. He led the Outlaws in assists (3.7 per game) and two-point field goals (55.6 percent). He was also second on the team in free throws (72.5 percent) and steals (1.3 per game).

“Kale is a high-energy player that brings a lot of intensity to the floor,” said Rush. “He will be looked to for his defensive intensity and leadership on and off the floor this season.”

Sager played in 19 of the 23 games last year. He was third on the team in rebounding (3.0) per game, and was selected to the Mountain Valley Conference All-Defensive team last year.

“Garrett is a versatile defender that can guard multiple positions on the floor and that was recognized by the other league coaches,” said Rush. “He will once again be asked to be the defensive anchor for the team, while looking to be more opportunistic around the rim on offense.”

Bernhardt played in all but one game last year, and averaged 5.4 points per game and had 2.1 rebounds per game.

“Oliver provides length and athleticism to the Outlaws, which makes him very dangerous in the open floor when we are out in transition,” said Rush. “As one of the tallest players on the team, the Outlaws will look for Oliver to help control the boards and use his athleticism in the open floor to help push tempo.”

Szesze rounds out the returning players, and last year played in all but two of the games.

“Levi worked very hard to establish himself as a defensive leader for the team last year,” said Rush. “His quickness and grit helped him be a reliable teammate on the defensive end as well as on the boards. Levi will be asked to once again be a leader on the defensive end of the floor this year, while scoring in the open floor in transition.”

Four additional players will be added to the varsity squad this year, including seniors Bodie Schar and Kolbi Cotner, and sophomores Kieran Labhart and Will McDonnell.

Schar had a terrific season with the junior varsity squad last season, and will be a good addition to the varsity squad this year.

“Bodie used his hustle and intensity to create defensive stops and scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates last year,” said Rush. “That same hustle and intensity will be what Bodie will be asked to bring to the varsity team this season. Bodie’s ability to guard multiple positions on the floor will be an asset for the Outlaws.”

Cotner is joining the Outlaws for the first time this season.

“After a spectacular season and career on the football field, Kolbi will look to bring that same athleticism and grit to the hardwood,” said Rush. “Already in practices, Kolbi has shown his ability to be a tough defender, using his quickness and strength to his advantage. Those same traits are what the Outlaws will look for Kolbi to contribute this season.”

Sophomores Labhart and McDonnell both played big roles in the JV’s success last season.

“Kieran has great skill to go along with his size, which makes him a matchup problem for opponents,” said Rush. “Kieran has the ability to score inside and outside and he will be asked to bring that scoring to the varsity level this season. Being one of the tallest players on the team, Kieran will also be asked to be a presence on the defensive end, especially on the glass.”

“Will is a great shooter from behind the arc, but also is able to slash to the basket and finish at the rim,” said Rush. “He will be asked to provide that versatile scoring ability to the team, while becoming more confident on the defensive end of the floor.”

Rush told The Nugget that his goals for the season are to continue to build culture in the program, and see the team come together as a unit and play up to their potential. 

The Outlaws kick off their preseason at home against Santiam Christian on Thursday, December 5. Tip off is set for 7 p.m.