Boys basketball on winning streak

The boys basketball team earned a 42-36 victory over Junction City on Tuesday, January 15, and three days later defeated Elmira at home with a final score of 63-45. The Outlaws are proving they are one of the top teams in the league.

As Tuesday's game started, Junction City spread the court, and stall was the name of their game. The Tigers limited possessions and refused to run with the Outlaws. JC held the ball, ran time off the clock and then went for the lay-in. Sisters took shots too quickly and were rushed when they had possession of the ball. JC held the Outlaws to just nine points in the first half and headed to the locker room with a 17-9 lead.

The Outlaws made adjustments at the half, and Coach Rand Runco encouraged his players to remain calm, trust their defense and work steadily at getting points on the board basket by basket.

Sisters locked down, and the entire team stepped up defensively. Going into the fourth quarter the Outlaws cut the Tiger lead to two. The lead changed hands several times, and at the end of the quarter the Outlaws regained the lead and held on for the win. The Outlaws spread the court, made good decisions, took care of the ball and forced the Tigers to foul. Sisters went five for six from the line in the fourth quarter to ice the game.

Runco commented that his senior leadership was excellent and noted that Nate Jackson was very disciplined, defended well and shot the ball well. Jackson scored 12 of his 15 points in the second half.

"It was a crazy game and a huge win for us," said Runco. "JC is the best ball control team in the state, and to defend against them was a testament to the mental toughness of the kids, especially on the road."

Jackson led the Outlaws with 15 points, including three three-pointers. Daniel Ketchum had eight points for the night and dished out five assists. Tanner Hodges added six points.

Tyler Miller was a force on the boards with eight rebounds.

On Friday, the Outlaws notched another league win in their victory over Elmira. Elmira tried the same strategy as JC did against Sisters. Elmira played slow, disciplined ball and were patient offensively.

Ketchum hit a bucket at the buzzer to tie the game at 10-10 at the end of the first quarter. Jackson gave the Outlaws a boost at the start of the second quarter when he scored a quick bucket and then drained two threes from the perimeter. Sisters got into a rhythm offensively and continued to extend the lead. Zack Lange drove and made a lay-in to push the Outlaws to a 27-17 advantage as the buzzer sounded to end the half.

Sisters continued to control the ball and the pace of the game. The Outlaws outscored the Falcons 20-12 in the third quarter and finished with a 63-45 victory.

Jarred Hasskamp led Sisters with 20 points, including two threes and also led the team with 13 rebounds. Jackson had 17 points for the night, including five threes. Ketchum contributed 11 points, and Miller added seven points and nine rebounds.

Runco said: "I was really pleased with our team's defense tonight. That's what keeps getting us the wins. We also have excellent depth and 10 players that all contribute."

Sisters is 3-0 in league and 12-2 overall. The Outlaws will host Cottage Grove on January 22 and will travel to Pleasant Hill on January 25.