Outlaws win two on the hardwood

The Outlaws boys basketball team recorded a 48-38 road win over Elmira on Tuesday, January 25, and put another win in the record books on Friday with a 57-31 victory at home over the visiting La Pine Hawks.

Against Elmira on Tuesday, the Outlaws stormed to a 30-15 lead at the half. The Outlaws played excellent defense, and John Erickson was at the top of his game on offense.

The Outlaws had a slow third quarter but picked things up in the fourth and held on for a comfortable win.

Coach Rand Runco had praise for several of his players.

"Eli Harrison played a great defensive game on Elmira's post and held him to just three points," said Runco. "Jordan Hodges, Sebastian Boehm, and Jalen Miller put excellent pressure on the Elmira guards, and Brian Boswell and Ryan Gridley had key roles taking turns defending the Elmira post. Jalen Miller has struggled with injuries, and he played incredibly well with a sore hip and an injured elbow."

Harrison was happy with the team's defensive effort.

"Our team defense was really solid," he said. "We forced Elmira into a lot of turnovers, which was really good and helped us get out and run a little bit. We've definitely improved on defense and have a lot more depth than we had at the beginning of the season, but we still need to work on finding a rhythm on offense."

John Erickson scored 26 points for Sisters, and Jordan Hodges added 10.

"This was a big win on the road," said Runco. "Our youth has been showing up on the road, so it was nice to get a road league win. I'm hoping we'll peak at the right time."

Sisters played with great intensity in their matchup against La Pine on Friday. The Outlaws executed well on defense and offense and at the end of the first quarter held a 27-6 lead over the Hawks. Sisters held the Hawks to just nine points in the half. The Outlaws maintained control in the second half and sailed to an easy win.

Harrison posted a double double for the Outlaws with 20 points and rebounds on the night. Erickson finished with 12 points and Miller added eight points and dished out five assists.

Sisters finished the first round of league at 3-2 and are 11-6 overall. The Outlaws will play top-ranked Sweet Home at home on Friday, February 4. Game time is set for 7:15 p.m.