Outlaws win two on the hardwood

The Outlaws earned a 37-28 win over the La Pine Hawks at home on Tuesday, January 13, and three days later took down the Billies of Pleasant Hill in a final score of 47-34.

In Tuesday's game against La Pine, Sisters held a slim lead of 8-6 at the close of the first quarter. The highlight of the second period was a steal and dunk by Ross Erickson which boosted the Outlaws to a 12-8 lead. At the half Sisters held an 18-10 advantage.

Although the Outlaws held an eight-point lead at the half, it was evident that the team was lacking chemistry which resulted in sloppy play and missed shots.

Levi Rowe opened the third quarter with a steal and broke away for the lay-in. Sisters held the Hawks scoreless for the first three-and-a-half minutes of the period and at the close of the quarter had pushed to a 28-17 lead.

Rowe scored a three at the start of the fourth quarter and the Outlaws went up 31-17. Sisters went on to win the contest by nine in a final score of 37-28.

Rowe finished the game with 12 points, three rebounds, three steals and three assists.

Erickson scored 18 points, pulled down eight boards and had four steals on the night. Drew Harrison contributed five points and dished out three assists.

Coach Jake Rothauge said, "It was an awkward game. It was the first time we faced a 2-3 zone. The best way to beat a zone is to try not to let it set up. In the second half we did a better job and our defense did force them into mistakes. We picked up our defensive pressure and tried to get looks on the open floor. Tonight we definitely lacked energy and team chemistry."

Three days later the Outlaws notched a win over Pleasant Hill.

The first quarter was all defense. Rowe opened the period with a three-pointer and after that the Outlaws scored just one point at the line. At the close of the quarter Sisters trailed the Billies 5-4.

Midway through the second period the Outlaws picked up their defensive pressure which created numerous turnovers by the Billies. Sisters' execution was better and they took care of the ball. Rowe took over and sparked the team with three or four big hustle plays that resulted in points for Sisters. At the half the Outlaws had pushed to a 19-11 advantage.

The Outlaws went on to win the contest by 13.

"We switched to a zone in the second half and they (PH) couldn't score," said Rothauge. "Tonight we really played and won as a team. We went from one assist in the first half to 11 assists in the second half. The guys really hustled and did the right things tonight."

Rothauge told The Nugget that both Rowe and Harrison played a tremendous game.

"Levi was on fire tonight and did a great job on both offense and defense and Drew did a great job of getting the ball to Levi, who was hitting his shots. It was the epitome of team play," said Rothauge.

Rowe led the Outlaws with 21 points, including three threes, and three steals. Drew Harrison finished with 11 points, five assists and five rebounds. Erickson pulled down six rebounds and dished out four assists.

The Outlaws are on the road for their next three games. Sisters will play at Junction City on Tuesday, January 20, at Cottage Grove, on Tuesday, January 27, and at Marist on Friday, January 30.