Outlaws grab a win

The Sisters Outlaws basked in their second league win on Tuesday, February 15, thumping the Cascade Cougars 81-65 and providing a bright spot in a dreary season.

The glow was brief; the Outlaws lost to the ninth-ranked Sweet Home Huskies 40-67, on Friday, February 18.

But, while it lasted, the Outlaws dominated the Cougars. Dusty Macauley sank 23 points to lead Outlaws scorers and Evan Owens backed him up with 19.

Sisters hit nine three-pointers throughout the game to keep out of reach of the Cougars. Owens hit four treys and Macauley sank three.

Sisters shot approximately 50 percent from the field. Sisters free throw shooting was key late in the game. The Outlaws sank 24 of 30 shots from the charity stripe.

Darin Dalke dropped 27 points for the Cougars. Cascade went 20-42 from the field.

The first quarter was mired in sloppy play by both teams. The Outlaws took advantage of the Cougars' miscommunication and were on top after the first quarter, 24-13.

During the second quarter, Cascade continued to have trouble communicating with hand signals and Sisters pushed its halftime lead to 47-31.

Sisters' defense has plagued them all year, but on Tuesday something was noticeably different.

"We just tried to get back to basics," said Coach Rand Runco. "We had a very simple game plan."

The Outlaws' pressure defense set up easy shots on offense.

"Our team's defensive momentum set our offense in rhythm," Runco said.

Throughout the season, the Outlaws have crumbled under fourth quarter pressure.

This time, during the final quarter the defense turned back three major offensive charges. Each time, Sisters answered quickly with its own offensive attacks. On their last desperate charge, the Cougars plunged themselves into foul trouble.

The Outlaws kept the Cougars at bay, sinking 15 of 18 free throws during the final period. Macauley was a perfect eight for eight and Kyle Kinney dumped in six free shots.

Sisters is entering its final week of competition and will honor its senior players when Woodburn comes to town on Friday, February 25. Tip-off is at 5:30 p.m.