Boys basketball wins two

The Outlaws improved their record to 8-4 with a 52-34 win over Stayton at home on Tuesday, January 4, and then a 45-23 victory on the road over Molalla.

Sisters battled to beat No. 7 ranked Stayton on Tuesday night. The Outlaws' defensive intensity and team effort was critical in the victory.

It was a close contest the first two quarters, and at the half the Eagles held a slim 29-26 lead. Both teams put up 12 points in the third quarter, and then in the fourth the Outlaws pulled away. Sisters outscored Stayton 14-3 to secure the win.

Chase Goff, Ryan Gridley, and Bryan Boswell played key minutes for the Outlaws and provided great defense, blocked shots and rebounds.

"Our bench created enthusiasm and great energy, and every player on the court really did their job," stated Coach Rand Runco.

John Erickson, Sebastian Boehm, Eli Harrison and Jalen Miller provided the majority of the Outlaws' scoring punch. Erickson had 16 points, Boehm scored 10, Harrison contributed nine and Miller added seven. Miller also had an excellent defensive game and handled one of the best point guards in the state.

Runco told The Nugget that Jordan Hodges, Boehm, and Zech Mickel created havoc for the Eagles' guards and beat Stayton to loose balls all over the court.

"Our defense created high-percentage shots at the other end, and our offense executed well, which allowed us to shoot 63 percent from the field," stated Runco.

Sisters was 7/8 from the line.

The Outlaws also had close wins at the JV and freshman levels. The freshmen won by four, and the JV team won on a last-second shot by Beau Fitzke.

Sisters beat Molalla by 23 points three days later in their last game before league play.

The Outlaws jumped out quickly and took control of the game. Sisters' defense was intense, and the Outlaws controlled the momentum of the game. At the close of the first quarter Sisters was up 17-3 and at the half held a 27-13 advantage. Sisters outscored the Indians 18-10 in the second half to seal the win.

Runco had praise for Jalen Miller's performance. Miller scored 12 points in the game and dished out seven assists.

"This was Jalen's best game," said Runco. "He eliminated their guard and created great offensive pressure."

Eli Harrison had a double-double for the night and finished with 13 points and 11 boards. Erickson played limited minutes due to illness and still racked up 14 points for the team.

The Outlaws will host Sweet Home on Friday, January 14 at 5:45 p.m.