The Saxons basketball program is looking to have another successful season for both boys and girls, resulting in playoff berths and hope to go deeper in the OSAA state playoffs after both teams were eliminated in the first round last year.
The boys basketball team is looking to improve this season by keeping many key pieces from last season and adding a few new ones along with them. Point guard Jaden Nielsen-Skinner ‘19 is the biggest returning piece for the Saxons, as he has been a four year starter and is considered one of the best players in the state. Nielsen-Skinner has already signed his letter of intent to play Division 1 basketball at Portland State University. Along with Nielsen-Skinner, forward Ryan Brown ‘19 and guard Trey Galbraith ‘20 are key players for the Saxons, as well as recent transfer Treyden Harris ‘19.
Point Guard Jaden Nielsen-Skinner
I want us to enjoy this season, We just have to keep working and we’ll get to where we want to be.”
The Saxons are starting off the season ranked second in the state only behind Barlow. Nielsen-Skinner is averaging 20.6 points per game, Galbraith averaging 13.6 points, and Harris averaging 13.8 points. The Saxons are taking an early lead in the Mountain Valley Conference with their current 5-0 record.
The girls basketball team have started the season with a 3-1 record with key performances form multiple players on the roster with many contributors on both sides of the ball. Hilary James ‘21 is averaging 16 points along with 4 rebounds and 4.8 assists and Gretchen Olsen ‘20 is averaging 15.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. As well as scoring the team has an average of 11.3 steals and 5 blocks per game. The girls plan to be an offensive and defensive force in the MVC.
Head Girls Basketball Coach Adrian Lewis
I have high expectations this year, We are very fast and athletic and I believe we will only grow stronger as the season goes.”
The boys first league game of the season is on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at home versus one of their new league opponents,the Mountain View Cougars, and the girls first league game is also versus the Mountain View Cougars at home on Jan. 8. The boys and girls play at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. respectively.
