Basketball win streak snapped

The Outlaws 14-game winning streak came to a halt as Sisters suffered their first league loss at Marist on Wednesday, February 6, with a final score of 54-73. At home two days later the Outlaws lost 46-56 in overtime to Junction City (JC).

"Marist is tough to beat at their place and as a team we weren't at our best," said Coach Rand Runco. "We struggled to execute both on offense and defense. But, you can't fault our effort. It was excellent."

Sisters trailed by one, 17-18, at the close of the first quarter and at the half were down 29-35. The Spartans continued to control the game and in the fourth quarter outscored Sisters by 11 to earn the league win and hand Sisters their first league loss of the season.

Daniel Ketchum led the Outlaws with 16 points. Jarred Hasskamp scored 11 points, and Tanner Hodges and Nate Jackson contributed nine points each.

Two days later the Outlaws lost in overtime to Junction City, one of the top teams in the state.

Runco told The Nugget that his team knew it was important for them to have a good start, play steady and get the ball inside. Sisters did just that. At the end of the first quarter the Outlaws were only down by one, 10-11. Sisters outscored the Tigers 14-6 in the second period to take a 24-16 lead at the half.

"We played very well the first half," said Runco. "We controlled the game and Daniel (Ketchum) was able to control Junction City's top guard Blaire Wheadon."

Ketchum got into foul trouble in the third quarter, and Runco had to change the scheme. The Outlaws were no longer able to contain Wheadon, and the Tigers tied it up. At the close of the third period, the game was tied 32-32. JC took a four-point lead toward the close of the fourth period, and Runco said it took an incredible amount of energy to catch them.

"Crucial plays from Daniel (Ketchum), Jarred (Hasskamp) and Nate (Jackson) allowed us to tie the game at the end of the fourth quarter," said Runco.

Ketchum made an amazing move to the basket to send the game into overtime.

"We're the only team that's come back to catch them (JC) when they've been ahead," said Runco. "When the guys were down, they showed great heart."

In overtime Sisters had some inopportune turnovers at a time they needed to ice the game. Instead, the Tigers took the lead and then spread the court. The Outlaws were forced to foul and take risks which resulted in a 10 point loss.

The Outlaws will travel to Elmira on Tuesday, February 12 and then head to Cottage Grove on Friday, February 15.