Outlaws win basketball league opener

The Outlaws basketball team won its league opener 67-51 over North Marion (NM) at home on Tuesday, January 17.

Andy Burke downed a three-pointer at the start of the game and on the next possession laid it in for two off a great feed from Guy Mount to give the Outlaws an early 5-0 lead. With 1:32 left in the first quarter Carter Davenport rolled the ball up and off his fingertips for the lay-in to push the Outlaws to a 14-6 advantage. Jeff Fitter added two more off a fast break and Nate Jackson stole the ball and dribbled full court for the lay-in to give the Outlaws a 18-6 lead.

North Marion scored four points, including one at the buzzer to close the gap to 18-10 at the end of the first quarter.

Sisters outscored the Huskies 24-13 in the second quarter. Exceptional play came from Carter Davenport, Jeff Fitter and Nate Jackson. Davenport scored Sisters’ first seven points, including a ‘three,’ and Fitter scored eight of his game-high 15 points. Jackson dished out two impressive assists at the end of the quarter: a back lob to Fitter and an assist to Guy Mount. At the half the Outlaws had pushed to a 42-21 advantage.

Andy Burke made a block against the Huskies’ top player, Adam Brickley, and then fell to the ground. The gym fell silent. Burke had sprained his ankle, had to be helped off the floor and was unable to return to the game. The Outlaws kept their composure and finished with a 67-51 victory.

Sisters shot 70 percent from the line and 47 percent from the field.

“We worked short, hard practices during the week and I felt that really paid off,” said Runco. “We came out great. Our intensity and sharpness was excellent. Our transition was key and our defense was tenacious. We were able to penetrate the key and then kick it back out to our three-point shooters and start to take seams which allowed us to open up the offense.”

Runco added, “We knew NM was a good team and we’d be equally matched. We had to deliver pressure, keep them off balance and contain them because they have really athletic offensive players, so we pressured in the full court and contained in the half court.

“I loved our energy,” said Runco. The only downside was losing Andy. Andy was playing a great game and shutting down their key player (a returning first team all conference player). Andy completely took him out of his game and did an awesome job on him.

“We’re in league now and we’re all evenly matched so every night we’ve got to ‘bring it’ and tonight we did.”

Runco noted the excellent play of Jeff Fitter, Nate Jackson and Guy Mount.

“They (NM) keyed in on Guy so he wasn’t as open as normal. He still scored nine points and came through in other ways, including great defense.”

Fitter finished with 14 points, six steals and seven assists. Jackson had 15 points and Davenport contributed 12 points and three steals. Brian Knotts pulled down eight rebounds for the Outlaws.

Three days later the Outlaws notched their second league win with a 61-50 victory over the Molalla Indians.

Sisters started the game minus Andy Burke, who was still out with an ankle injury. Nick Purvis was ill and Jeff Sampson had been suffering from a sore foot all week.

“We had a couple players that were forced to play in new positions,” said Runco, “and others that had to play more minutes than they would normally.”

At the half the Outlaws trailed 24-21.

Sisters outscored the Indians 40-26 in the second half to seal the league win.

Guy Mount led the Outlaws with 18 points and Jeff Fitter added 16 points, seven assists and four steals.