Outlaws drop two on the hardwood

The boys' basketball team lost 45-66 at Cottage Grove (CG) on Tuesday, February 6.

Sisters played great defense the first four minutes of the game and held the Lions to just four points. The offense was another story. The Outlaws missed several easy shots, fell behind early and were never able to catch up. At the half Sisters trailed the Lions 14-27.

The Outlaws were unable to get into a rhythm and struggled offensively the entire game. Sisters only made it to the free throw line once the entire night, while the Lions had 22 opportunities at the line.

Jarred Hasskamp and Zach Lange each scored nine points for the Outlaws. Nate Jackson, Daniel Ketchum and Dan Purvis, all top shooters for the Outlaws, were held to a total of three points.

Jeff Sampson finished the night with six boards and five steals.

"Jeff had an excellent game and played tough," Coach Rand Runco said. "Tonight we struggled offensively, and we missed good looks early. We just couldn't score," added Runco.

Three days later the Outlaws lost 58-65 to Pleasant Hill (PH).

Sisters had a good start in the game and took the lead in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, the Outlaws broke down on the boards and lost by seven.

Coach Runco told The Nugget he felt his players executed well and played good defense but all the pieces just didn't come together.

The last time the Outlaws matched up against PH, they were outscored by 25 points on their home court. The second time around, Sisters made a much better showing, and their improvement was evident.

Sisters forced PH in 26 turnovers but were pounded on the boards. Pleasant Hill's Franklin (senior) finished the night with 13 offensive boards.

The Billies went to the free throw line 27 times and made 19 of their 27 attempts. The Outlaws only made it to the line once the entire night.

"We've improved so much since the beginning of the season and learned so much," said Runco. "This is an awesome group of athletic kids, and I'm impressed with their team play and camaraderie. They've hung together well. Tonight we improved another piece of our game both on offense and defense, and if we can put it all together, I'll be really pleased. We're right there. We've just got to get over the hump."

Jared Hasskamp led the Outlaws with a career high of 28 points. Hasskamp made seven of his eight three's in the first half of the game. Jared went eight for 11 from the three point line and tied the school record with eight three's.

"Jared was just awesome," said Runco. "They (PH) would collapse on us. Cory (McCaffrey) would find Jared, and he hit some great shots."

Nate Jackson had 14 points. Tanner Hodges contributed seven, and McCaffrey dished out five assists.

Runco praised Hodges and said he was hard nosed and played a tough game.