With five sophomores on the Enterprise boys’ basketball team, the Outlaws are laying a foundation for the future. Coach Steve Lear has a colorful way of explaining it.

“Two guys run into each other,” he said. “One has money, one other has experience. Next thing you know, the other guy’s got the money and the other one has experience.”

When the Blue Mountain Conference chunk of the schedule kicks in, the Outlaws are using their experience. After starting the season with a 1-5 record, Enterprise wins 6 of 9. During the rough early goings, the Outlaws develop as a team, learn how to prepare and learn how to win. It all pays off with the great month-long string.

The stretch is capped with three consecutive victories. On Jan. 6, sophomore guard Trenton Neil transforms a loss to Stanfield into a win with one three-point shot at the buzzer.

The next week, senior Nathan DeSpain tallies 25 points, Neil and senior Chad Conrad have 13, each, and they beat Weston-McEwen, 68-56.

Twenty-four hours later, Enterprise moves up to second place in the Conference after besting Elgin, 53-30. Neil gets 14 points, DeSpain has 10 and sophomore Dakota Hull makes nine.

“If you’re looking for a benchmark of achievement, I was encouraged with the senior leadership and how the young players responded,” Lear said. “Now, the only question for next year is, ‘Are we ready to pay the price to move up to the next level?”