Outlaws split pair on the hardwood

The boys basketball team suffered a tough 57-52 road loss to Elmira on Tuesday, February 2, but three days later bounced back with a 54-42 victory at home over La Pine.

In Friday's game the Outlaws matched up against a talented Hawks team. Sisters' goal was to play good team defense and offense and pull steadily away.

Sisters jumped out early with threes from Rodney Warner, John Erickson and Eli Harrison and at the end of the first quarter held a 14-7 lead.

It was a much tighter second quarter. The Outlaws only outscored the Hawks 13-12. Jalen Miller made a lay-in at the buzzer to push the Outlaws to their 27-19 lead at the half.

The Hawks scored six points early in the third and pulled to within four points of the Outlaws at 29-25. Sisters extended their lead by as much as nine, but at the end of the third La Pine had again narrowed the lead to four at 36-32.

Jordan Hodges kicked off the fourth quarter with a three, followed by a quick bucket by Jalen Miller. Sisters stepped up their defense and pulled away. The Outlaws outscored the Hawks 18-10 in the final period to secure the win.

Coach Rand Runco told The Nugget that the Outlaws made some great defensive efforts:

"Cory Holt was a phenom on the offensive boards, and Drew Harrison controlled the defensive boards. Jalen Miller, Rodney Warner and John Erickson had exceptional defensive nights and John and Jalen both had five assists each. Jalen had an excellent night with five assists and no turnovers."

Sisters made too many mistakes to beat Elmira's veteran basketball squad in Tuesday's matchup. Coach Runco told The Nugget he felt the Outlaws had improved enough get the win, but to beat the top teams in the league they must all be on the same page.

The Outlaws were outscored by the Falcons in both the first and second quarters and trailed Elmira 21-18 at the half. Sisters was not able to close the gap in the second half and lost the contest by five.

Runco noted that the team's success thus far has been the unselfish play of the seniors and their care for the team.

"Randy Ketchum, Aaron Simundson, Rodney Warner and Drew Harrison are such special seniors," said Runco. "We are in the playoff hunt because of their constant support and unselfish play. Randy and Aaron are amazing young men. They push us every day and support the team completely. Our success down the stretch will depend on our team sharing the basketball and becoming a true team. It could be really fun to watch!"

The Outlaws were to host Pleasant Hill on Tuesday, February 9, and on Friday will travel to Junction City. Sisters is 4-3 in league and half a game behind Pleasant Hill for the third spot in league. Marist leads the pack in first place, and Elmira is in second place. Junction City is in fifth place, followed by Cottage Grove and La Pine.