Outlaws basketball gets underway

With little fanfare, overshadowed by the football team's run at a second, consecutive state title, the Sisters Outlaws basketball team hit the road to Madras on Fri- day, December 3, and Saturday, December 4, for the Bob McKenzie Memorial Tournament.

They may have been glad the trip was quiet. On Friday, Sisters was blown away by the Madras White Buffaloes, 48-91.

Jake Jaca and Chasen Walker had 13 points each for Madras. Six players scored in double figures for the White Buffs.

The Outlaws top scorer was Evan Owens; he rang up 20 points.

Many key Sisters players are with the Sisters football team. However, Coach Rand Runco won't except that as an excuse.

"We have a good team, we must start to perform," Runco said. "Football is having a great season, now we must get started with ours."

Sisters did better against Henley on Saturday, going into double overtime before losing 64-62.

Sisters finished the first half leading by 11. But the Outlaws failed to sink any of their first seven shots in the third quarter and the Hornets began to creep back into the game.

With 11 seconds left to the end of regulation, Henley inbound a pass and hit a leaning jumper to tie the game with four seconds left. Sisters missed their final shot in the fourth quarter to send the game into its first overtime.

Down the stretch the Outlaws only made four of their 10 free throws.

"You can't win that way," Runco said "We had a great recovery after the first game, but our team defense must improve."

Runco is pleased with the play of some younger players that have contributed while on the varsity roster. Josh Reznick, Ony Schniebel, and Chris Berger have been impressive. Brendon McNolty and Kyle Kenney are new to the Outlaws program and have adjusted well.