Outlaws tame the Lions

Sisters' defense set the tempo for the Outlaws' 61-36 win over the Cottage Grove (CG) Lions on Friday, February 29. Sisters will advance to the state basketball playoffs as the Sky-Em's No. 3 seed.

The Outlaws jumped out quickly and held a 14-4 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Sisters held the Lions to just nine points in the first half of the contest and forced 10 turnovers. Daniel Ketchum scored nine of his 16 points in the second quarter, and at the half Sisters held a 28-9 lead.

Sisters outscored the Lions 23-14 in the third quarter and went on an 8-0 run to close out the period with a 51-23 lead. The Outlaws sailed through the fourth quarter to win the contest by 25 points.

"Our defensive pressure really hurt them (CG)," said Coach Rand Runco. "It was great to see the kids step up and get us out of league."

Runco told The Nugget that the Outlaws planned to get the ball inside to posts Drew Harrison and Tyler Miller early in the game. Runco said the posts were unable to do much with the ball the first half but the second half they made some great moves and got some good shots. Harrison scored 12 of his 14 points in the second half of the game.

Nate Jackson led the Outlaw offense with 18 points, including three of the team's seven three-pointers. Ketchum did an excellent job at point guard and scored 16 points for the night. Dan Purvis led the team with five rebounds.

The Outlaws make the five-hour drive to Baker on Wednesday, March 5, for the first round of the playoffs.