Outlaws lose to Tillamook in first round

The Outlaws battled hard against the Cheesemakers in the first round of the 4A state playoffs held in Tillamook on Friday, March 4, but Tillamook's bigger, physical players were just too much for the Outlaws to handle. Sisters lost the contest in a final score of 70-55.

Tillamook entered the game with a 20-3 record, losing their first two games of the year and only one other when their star player was injured and couldn't play in the game.

Sisters' fans came out in full force to support their team with a rooter bus full of students, cheerleaders and the band, along with friends and family who made the long drive over the hill.

"We had an amazing crowd from Sisters," said Coach Rand Runco. "Tillamook is known for their home-court fan base and wow, what an atmosphere! Jody Henderson brought his amazing band and the gym was really rocking."

The Outlaws got down early but fought back in the second quarter to cut the Cheesemakers' lead to five. Tillamook hit a long three just before the buzzer sounded to end the half with a 34-22 advantage.

Sisters outscored Tillamook 17-12 in the third quarter and at one point narrowed the gap to just five points but continued to struggle with containing the Cheesemakers' very big, quick players. Sisters gave it all they had but lost the game by 15 points.

"They were a full package of posts, a player-of-the-year forward and three very quick, good-shooting guards," said Runco. "Their dribble penetration really hurt us and our help defense was slow due to the fact that each player had his hands full with a bigger or quicker assignment."

The Cheesemakers switched between a 2-3 zone and a matchup zone. This was the first time the Outlaws had faced this size of team in this particular type of defense. Runco told The Nugget that the Outlaws had a slow start against it, but their biggest problem was their inability to get the stops they needed.

"The Tillamook coaches told me we were the best defense they faced this year, and that it was the best they have played," stated Runco. "It was a tough matchup in the first round of the tournament."

John Erickson scored 24 points for the Outlaws and was 5/6 from the line. Erickson also had seven rebounds in the game, including five big offensive boards. Eli Harrison finished the night with 12 points and eight rebounds. Jalen Miller added eight points and seven assists, and Hodges scored two threes for six points.

Coach Runco was pleased with seniors Jordan Hodges and Zech Mickel's performances.

"Jordan played through an injury he suffered in practice this week and really sparked us and Zech played great defense," said Runco.

The Outlaws wrapped up a good season and over the past weeks the young squad surprised many people with their impressive play. Sisters' defense was rock-solid all season, giving up less than 41 points per game.

"Unfortunately, this one got away from us," said Runco. "We'd sure like to play them again, especially on a neutral site. The whole team played very hard, never quit, and fought the whole way. They should be proud of themselves for a great effort."