Boys basketball team launches season

The Outlaws boys basketball team started their season with a thrilling overtime win against Stayton, followed by a close-fought losing battle against Cascade.

It might not have been the smoothest of games for the Outlaws, but it was definitely exciting as Sisters pulled off their first win of the season with an 80-71 victory over the Stayton Eagles in triple overtime on November 27.

It was a close and intense match up from the start, and at the half Stayton held a four-point lead over the Oultaws at 24-20.

The Outlaws found themselves down by 10 heading into the fourth quarter (29-39). Sisters' defense stepped it up and was the key to the Outlaw win. Lee Elder came in and anchored the defense until the offense got back into rhythm. Sisters held a three point lead with eight seconds remaining in regulation play when Stayton's guard, Ryan Bowers, dribbled across half court and hit the three pointer to send the game into overtime. At the end of regulation, the score was tied 53-53.

Sisters took the lead in the first two overtimes, but the Eagles kept coming back to tie it up both times with scores of 62-62 and 70-70. The Outlaws were able to get the ball inside to Drew Harrison, who managed to get several Stayton players into foul trouble.

"Daniel (Ketchum) really took control in the last five minutes of the third overtime," said Coach Rand Runco.

The Outlaws outscored Stayton 9-1 in the third overtime to earn the 80-71 victory.

Ketchum was solid and steady and carried the Outlaw offense throughout the entire game. Ketchum finished with 36 points, which tied the school scoring record held by Chris Olsen (1998). He also contributed two steals and seven rebounds.

Harrison finished the night with 17 points and was a huge force inside for Sisters. Dan Purvis added 11 points. Zach Lange was tough on the boards and pulled down nine rebounds despite the fact he found himself in foul trouble early in the game.

Runco told The Nugget that he used a seven-man rotation throughout the game and conditioning was a major factor in the win.

"I was really pleased with the mental and physical toughness of the entire team," said Runco. "We just didn't quit. We really ran them into the ground, which is amazing considering we played seven players the majority of the game."

The Outlaws fell 62-69 at Cascade on Friday, December 7.

Sisters led 12-9 at the end of the first quarter and then trailed the Cougars the remainder of the game. The Outlaws were able to pull to within six with 45 seconds left on the clock but then were forced to foul and ended up losing the contest by seven.

Lange led all scorers with 19 points. Ketchum had 17 points for the night, and Purvis added 16.

The Outlaws will host Sweet Home on Friday, December 14, at 7 p.m.