Girls basketball team snaps losing streak

The girls basketball team recorded two wins to keep them in contention for a third-place finish in league standings. The Outlaws beat the Falcons 51-38 at Elmira on Tuesday, February 2, and three days later earned a big 40-30 victory at home over La Pine.

After a tough loss to Marist a week earlier, the Outlaws knew they needed to win at Elmira on Tuesday. The Falcons needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, and weren't going to back down.

It was a tight game, and at the half the score was tied 16-16.

Sisters had opportunity time and again in the first three quarters to pull away but just could not finish. In the final period the Outlaws outscored the Falcons 35-22 to secure the win.

"It was tough to come back after a tough loss to Marist and to try to replicate that energy and passion," said Coach Kevin Cotner. "It was nice to see the girls battle through a little adversity and put together a great second half. This game put us in position to lock down a playoff spot. Now, we need to focus on pushing for that third seed."

Cotner told The Nugget he was especially pleased with the play of Danelle Allen.

"Danelle was strong with the ball and picked appropriate times to attack the hoop. She is going to be pivotal for us in our playoff push," Cotner said.

He also noted that Taylor Nieri and Elise Herron both had a great defensive game.

Three days later, the Outlaws earned a 40-30 victory at home over the visiting La Pine Hawks. The win kept the Outlaws in contention for the third spot in league standings.

Sisters held a slim one-point lead with a score of 9-8 at the close of the first quarter. Neither team scored the first three minutes of the second period. Danelle Allen drained a three-pointer with under three minutes left in the half to regain the lead for the Outlaws, 16-14. La Pine made a quick bucket to tie the game back up at 16-16 and then went up by two with less than 30 seconds left on the clock.

There was a bit of confusion as the clock went dead. The Outlaws thought it was half time and headed into the locker room. The referees put 25 seconds back on the clock and called the Outlaws back into the gym. Marin Allen drilled a three-point shot and Sisters went into the half with a 19-18 lead.

The Outlaws scored the first six points of the third quarter to push to a 25-18 advantage. La Pine battled back and at the end of the third the Hawks had pulled to within one at 27-26.

With 4:30 left in the final period the Outlaws held a narrow one-point lead at 31-30. Sisters held onto the lead and forced the Hawks to foul down the stretch. In the final two minutes the Outlaws went to the line six times and made seven of their 12 shots to win the game by 10.

"It was their (Nieri and Walker) composure and decision-making that allowed us to continue to pull La Pine away from the hoop," commented Cotner.

The Outlaws were to host Pleasant Hill at home on Tuesday, February 9, and travel to Junction City on Friday, February 12. The Lady Outlaws are currently in fourth place in league standings. Cottage Grove is in first place, Marist is second and Junction City is third. Behind the Outlaws are Elmira and Pleasant Hill.