Outlaws keep pace on the hardwood

The Outlaws lost 31-28 in a close defensive battle at home against Pleasant Hill (PH) on Tuesday, February 9. Three days later, Sisters recorded a 44-31 road win at Junction City (JC).

Tuesday's game was a match-up against two defensively oriented teams. Sisters struggled to score against the very physically strong PH team that boasts two big posts and a squad that plays a sagging man defense.

The game got off to a very slow start, and halfway through the first quarter Drew Harrison made a lay-in to tie it up at 2-2. At the close of the quarter PH was up by two at 6-4.

Most of the second quarter the score only reflected a two- or three-point spread. With just under two minutes left in the half, Cory Holt scored a bucket to give Sisters its first lead in the contest at 14-12. The Billies answered back, and at the half the Outlaws and the Billies entered the locker room tied 14-14.

Sisters was held scoreless until midway through the third quarter, when Drew Harrison scored and pulled the Outlaws back to within one at 17-16. Jalen Miller scored the last four points of the quarter and Sisters regained the lead by one at 22-21.

With just under three minutes left in the game the Outlaws pulled to within one point of Pleasant Hill with a score of 29-28. Neither team was able to get a ball in the hoop for the next two minutes. The Billies put one down in the final seconds to win the contest by three.

Jalen Miller led the Outlaws with 10 points. Drew Harrison scored six points and pulled down five boards. John Erickson recorded four points and four assists and Cory Holt added four points. Rodney Warner led the team with seven rebounds.

Coach Rand Runco said, "We upped our transition and hit the offensive boards hard, but that wasn't enough. We missed two open threes to tie the game in the last minute. We just could not get going offensively. This was partly due to their sagging man defense. I was really pleased with our defense. Rodney (Warner) did a great job on their post, Derek Smith. Drew (Harrison) did a nice job on the boards and Cory Holt and John Erickson also did a great job on the boards."

Sisters bounced back three days later and beat the Tigers by 13. Junction City played a unique zone and the Outlaws shot better in this game. Again, Sisters defense was very good, and they played a better offensive game than earlier in the week.

The Outlaws jumped out quick and three-point shots from Jalen Miller, Drew Harrison and John Erickson helped push Sisters to an 11-4 advantage at the close of the first quarter.

Sisters held their lead throughout the second period. Erickson hit a bucket with 14 seconds left on the clock and at the half the Outlaws were up by six at 16-10.

The Outlaws continued their tough defensive play in the second half. Jalen Miller ignited the team with his quickness and speed, which created great opportunities on offense.

Sisters hit six three-pointers in the game. Jordan Hodges, Jalen Miller, John Erickson and Drew and Eli Harrison all hit threes against the tough JC zone. The Outlaws were 10/14 from the line.

"Winning in Junction City is hard to do any time, so this was a good win after our tough loss to PH," said Runco. "This game puts us at 6/5 with one game in league remaining. A win in our final game will put us in fourth in a tough league and we will play one home league playoff game and one on the road."

The Outlaws had a bye on Tuesday, February 16, and will travel to Cottage Grove on Friday to match up against the Lions in the final league game of the season.