Girls basketball tallies two victories

The Lady Outlaws basketball team earned a 58-47 win over the Eagles at Stayton on Tuesday, January 3. Three days later they defeated Molalla 51-38 at home.

In Tuesday's game, Sisters' strong defensive play gave the Outlaws their victory. Sisters jumped out early, and at the end of the first quarter held a 15-9 lead. The Eagles came back hard in the second quarter, but the Outlaws stayed composed and focused and were up by three at the half, 25-22.

Sisters racked up 20 points in the third period and went on to win the contest by 11.

The Outlaws had a difficult time hitting the easy shots under the basket but Taylor Nieri was able to hit some big shots from the outside. Nieri finished the game with 24 points, including three three-pointers.

Elise Herron scored 14 points, Carissa Kernutt logged eight points, and Samantha Kaiser added six.

Coach Julianne Horner told The Nugget that Herron did a tremendous job defensively and slowed down the Eagles' point guard, which kept Stayton from easily getting into their

offense.

The posts handled the Eagles' press and snatched the ball away for 17 steals on the night. Kernutt accounted for eight steals, Claire Hensen had six, and Samantha Kaiser added three.

"This was a team win and we hope to build on it as we move closer to league play," said Horner.

Three days later, Sisters beat Molalla by a 13-point margin. Again, the Outlaws came out with a strong first quarter. Great defensive pressure allowed them to close out the period with a 16-6 lead.

The Outlaws had to take the pressure off a bit in the second quarter due to foul trouble. Sisters went 6/10 from the line and Molalla went 9/19.

Horner said, "The team was running the floor well and getting good looks at the basket but had a hard time getting the ball to fall in the second quarter."

Sisters came out hard in the third quarter, pushed the tempo of the game and outscored the Indians 17-9. In the final period, Molalla outscored Sisters 14-8, but the Outlaws were able to hold on for the win.

The Outlaws will take on the Sweet Home Huskies at home on Friday, January 13. The game is set to begin at 7:15 p.m.