Lady Outlaws miss state playoff berth

The Lady Outlaws defeated the defending state champions twice during the regular season but were unable to get the win they needed to advance to the state play-offs.

Sisters (No. 3) hosted La Pine (No. 4) on Friday, February 26, in its first home playoff game in several years, but came up short in a disappointing 31-29 loss.

It was a close game with several lead changes, but in the end La Pine came out on top. Coach Kevin Cotner told The Nugget that the Outlaws just had too many mental lapses throughout the game.

"These are the games that you want to draw from experiences and situations encountered over the course of the year, but I felt like we were just a little off tonight," he said. "It was almost like the girls were trying too hard, and they forgot to do some basic things."

Taylor Nieri led the Outlaws with eight points, followed by Chelsie McConville who contributed seven. Danelle Allen and Susan Ruettgers each recorded six points in the game.

Cotner said that he is very proud of his team.

"After the game I told them that in eight years of coaching girls basketball that they have been the easiest and most enjoyable to coach. I am sad to see this senior group leave. What they have done for the girls' basketball program has been amazing. They took us to a place that we have not been for a long time - one game away from the state playoffs. I hope the younger girls feed off this and use this to continue making strides as Outlaws basketball players."