Outlaws start season with two wins

The boys basketball team started off the season in style with two wins in two close games. Sisters beat Summit 57-52 on Tuesday, December 6, and two days later defeated Cascade 56-52 in overtime.

Sisters played well against a tough Summit squad on Tuesday. The Storm had just come off a weekend win at a 6A tournament in Portland and had a lot of momentum going into the contest.

Coach Rand Runco said, "They were very focused and came at us very hard. We'd had a few poor practices before this game, and we weren't quite ready for their intensity."

Summit's athleticism and depth helped them garner a slight lead of 18-15 to close out the first quarter.

Both teams put up just six points in the second quarter. Sebastian Boehm hit a big three from the corner to close out the half and keep the Outlaws to within three at 24-21.

The Outlaws regrouped at the half and came out with good momentum to start the third quarter. Sisters gained a small lead, held on and protected it for the remainder of the game.

Runco said, "Our defense was sound on their key players, and with John (Erickson) getting a lot of defensive attention Eli (Harrison) had an explosive offensive night."

Harrison racked up 32 points for the Outlaws, followed by Erickson, who finished with 14. Jalen Miller pitched in for eight points.

Runco told The Nugget that the unsung hero of the game was Chase Goff.

"Chase quietly had an amazing night against his old high school. He had 11 boards including some huge offensive boards, six assists, five steals and sparked us to win this game," stated Runco. "He was our tough-guy in this game."

Runco also noted the great effort of Jalen Miller, Cole Craig, Sebastian Boehm and Tim Hernandez, who contributed great defensive efforts in the win. Bryan Boswell and Bryce Alderman also played key defensive and rebounding roles.

Two days later the Outlaws took down the Cascade Cougars in overtime, with a final score of 56-52.

It turned out to be a crazy night for the Outlaws at Cascade. The players were all sitting in the stands waiting for the girls' varsity team to play when they looked up and saw the boys varsity team take the court and begin to warm up.

"It was a bit shocking," said Runco. "Our boys were eating, relaxing and just hanging out in the bleachers. It turned out Cascade had changed the time of the game and Sisters wasn't notified."

After a fast dressing down and hustling onto the court, the Outlaws got off to a slow start and found themselves down 9-4 at the end of the first quarter.

"Cascade applied good pressure and was changing defenses, and we still looked like we were in the locker room," said Runco.

Just before the half, John Erickson found Tim Hernandez in the corner. Hernandez hit the shot to pull the Outlaws to within three.

Sisters didn't start the second half any better than the first. Cascade kept hitting their shots and the Outlaws continued to struggle.

"Early in the third quarter Cascade pulled the ball out and put all guards in to neutralize our size, and we had to go to a smaller lineup," said Runco.

The Cougars hit the boards hard and played with intensity. Sisters picked up their defense also, but it was a struggle. The Outlaws always seemed a step late.

Cascade made another run late in the third and early in the fourth quarter, and went up by seven.

Runco said, "We increased our intensity, and for the first time in the game we were applying good pressure and forced some turnovers which led to fast-break points. We also got the ball inside to John (Erickson) and Eli (Harrison)."

Sisters struggled from the field, so attacked the basket hard. The Outlaws were able to get the Cougars in foul trouble but then struggled from the line. Cascade was also beating Sisters on the boards. Sisters didn't fall apart, but stayed solid and held strong on defense.

With approximately three minutes to go in regulation, Sisters put forth some amazing efforts. The Outlaws finally caught the Cougars and forced the game into overtime.

Runco told The Nugget that the Outlaws jumped to a different level in overtime and had a great effort by the entire team.

"Chase (Goff) and John (Erickson) had huge rebounds for us, and Eli (Harrison) hit a big three in the corner. Brian (Boswell) came up with a game-saving block and followed to gather up the rebound. Jalen (Miller) hit some huge free throws," stated Runco.

"It was one of those nights when our defense saved us and we were able to pull it out," added Runco. "I hope we learned some valuable lessons."

Sisters will travel to the Phoenix Tournament December 15-17. The Outlaws will host their annual Holiday Tournament December 27-29.