Lady Outlaws lose two, win one on hardwood

The Outlaws started off their week with a 66-33 loss at home to the White Buffaloes of Madras on Tuesday, December 15. On Friday, December 18, the team recorded a 40-34 win over Crook County and a day later lost by four to Central.

Sisters played short-handed in Tuesday's game with three of their starters on the bench. The Outlaws were held scoreless in the first period and at the half were down 24-9. Brittany Birkeland sparked Sisters in the third quarter with five points and six rebounds. Taylor Walker led the team with nine points on the night.

Coach Kevin Cotner told The Nugget that the team's goal remains the same, which is to limit turnovers and find ways to be offensively consistent.

Cotner said, "I think it was a good reminder of how important 'the team' is and we're looking forward to getting everyone back together for Crook County."

The Outlaws definitely played as a team on Friday - and defeated Crook County 40-34.

Sisters had a rough first quarter and were down 11-1 at one point, but battled back to tie it up 12-12 at the close of the period. Crook County held Sisters to just five points in the second quarter and at the half had pushed to a 22-17 advantage.

At the close of the third quarter the score was tied 28-28. The Outlaws remained composed and outscored the Cowgirls 12-6 in the final quarter to secure the win.

The Sisters guards were patient and deliberate on offense and worked the ball around the perimeter and into the post, where Susan Ruettgers came up big for the Outlaws.

"Susie was great for us tonight," said Cotner. "Her mid-range shots allowed us to stretch the Crook County zone and begin our dribble drive attack at the beginning of the fourth."

Cotner added, "This was an important game for us. We have been focusing on some key components of our game, specifically patience, poise and execution and it was nice to see the girls respond and put together a solid performance."

Susan Ruettgers led the Outlaws with nine points, followed by Marin Allen, Danelle Allen and Chelsie McConville, who each scored seven. Taylor Nieri added six points, including one three.

Cotner told The Nugget that Brittany Birkeland was a great spark for the Outlaws off the bench.

"She comes in with energy and 'verbals' that our team needs," said Cotner.

A day later the Outlaws lost 36-32 in a competitive match-up with fourth-ranked Central High School. At the half the score was tied 11-11, and at the close of the third Central led by four at 20-16. Both teams put up 16 points in the fourth and the Outlaws lost by just four points.

Cotner told The Nugget that Central played a very unique packline defense and almost dared the Outlaws to shoot the outside shot.

"We have to be willing to shoot the ball in this type of situation and I felt that we were a little hesitant tonight," said Cotner.

Chelsie McConville and Marin Allen made two big threes late in the game to keep the Outlaws within reach, but Central held on for the win.

"I thought the girls continued to make improvements in some of our key areas," said Cotner. "We had a number of opportunities to win this game, but had some dry spells where we could not put the ball in the hoop. Defensively, we played a great game. We just gave up some untimely three-point baskets. Our effort and heart were definitely there tonight, but we have to play a smarter 32-minute game. I honestly believe we can beat any team in the state if we put together a complete game. The girls are starting to realize this as we compete with the best teams in the state night in and night out."

Danelle Allen and Chelsie McConville led the team with 11 points each, and Marin Allen added seven.

Sisters will host their annual holiday tournament on Monday and Tuesday, December 28 and 29.