Boys basketball season comes to an end

The Outlaws (No. 4) defeated Cottage Grove (No. 5) in the first round of league playoffs at home on Thursday, February 25, in a game that came down to a nail-biter. Two days later Sisters suffered a 48-44 loss at Elmira, which brought their hopes of a berth to the state playoffs to an end. The previous week, Friday, February 19, the Outlaws wrapped up league play with a 70-63 victory at Cottage Grove.

Sisters notched a 56-53 win in the final seconds of the game at home against Cottage Grove on Friday.

The Outlaws jumped out with a lead and took control of the game. Sisters was up 14-10 at the end of the first quarter, and at the half had extended their lead to 27-14.

Sisters continued to play extremely well against a very difficult Lion offense, and at the close of the third quarter were up 15, with a commanding 40-25 advantage.

In the fourth quarter the Outlaws failed to execute on offense and seemed to be a step late. Sisters watched the lead dwindle, and the Lions came back to tie the game 53-53 with 35 seconds left on the clock.

Coach Rand Runco told The Nugget that the Outlaws decided not let the Lions touch the ball again, and executed well for the last seconds in the game. Sisters ran their motion offense down to the last shot. Rodney Warner set a great screen and Drew Harrison kicked the ball back out to Erickson, who effortlessly drilled a deep three-pointer. A roaring crowd jumped to their feet as the Outlaws celebrated the win.

Erickson said, "Actually, I was pretty calm and I just took the shot. When it went in, there was a big wave of relief and everyone was so excited."

"It was great execution and a nice win," said Runco.

On Saturday, the Outlaws lost 48-44 at Elmira (Hawks), which brought their season to a close.

Runco summed up league play.

"We've increased our depth and now have a much more versatile bench. This group of boys has done an amazing job this season. Drew was our only full-time return player, and the seniors and underclassmen have really stepped up. Even our losses in league have been by a close margin. Our five league losses are of a total of 18 points. Our senior core, and tough play from younger classmen has helped us improve at a steady rate."