Russell Gagne: Senior Standout

Russell Gagne and the Rustler defense was a nightmare matchup this season. Despite coming off a state championship run the year before, the Rustlers came into the season overlooked and underrated. “There was a poll or something that Cislo brought up that said we were a third teer team and we just won the state championship so we just went out to prove that wasn’t us and that we’re one of the top ranked teams in the state,” said Gagne. The Rustlers defense soon proved to be nothing to mess with though. “Lengthy arms and all that. If you’re an offensive point guard and you see Keegan Barnes or Bryce Depping on top of you with their arms stretched out and Lindseth or Greenwell coming up with their arms out on the wing its just hard to see and hard to get a pass off,” said Gagne. Gagne was more than just a defensive specialist however, averaging 10.4 points per game. As his time as a Rustler now draws to a close he reflects on what it means to him and what makes the Rustler way so successful. “Its just a continuing commitment to just keep going, keep going hard, do everything you can… every little thing you can to keep your team and your school succesful,” said Gagne.