Lady Outlaws open league play with big win

The Outlaws girls basketball team was unstoppable in their league opener at home against Sweet Home on Friday, January 13, and trounced the Huskies 88-35. Three days earlier the Outlaws lost 52-39 at Crook County.

Sisters came out strong right from the start in their game against the Huskies. Taylor Nieri and Carissa Kernutt combined for 16 points in the first six minutes of play to give the Outlaws a big lead. Elise Herron and Savannah Spear applied pressure and forced the Huskies to turn the ball over seven times in the first five minutes. At the close of the first quarter the Outlaws held a commanding 20-2 lead.

Sisters continued to apply defensive pressure in the second quarter and forced Sweet Home to turn the ball over 11 times. Nieri and Kernutt each drained a three-pointer that kept Sisters' momentum rolling. At the half the Outlaws were on top 42-9.

The third quarter was marked with fouls, which stalled the game. Sisters went 15/20 from the line in period while the Huskies went 4/8. The Outlaws played a much cleaner fourth quarter and sailed to an easy victory.

The Lady Outlaws set a school record with most points scored in a game. Nieri and Kernutt both had great overall performances. Nieri led the team in scoring with 24 points and also recorded 6 steals, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Kernutt finished with 20 points, 6 steals, and 4 blocks.

Elise Herron, Avi Vogel, Samantha Kaiser and Jacobie Petterson each scored seven points on the night. Savannah Spear contributed six points, and Lauryn Chauncey and Claire Hensen each added four.

"The girls did an outstanding job playing as a team and staying focused on playing smart basketball," said Coach Julianne Horner. "This was the best team effort all year and has set a great tone for league play."

Three days earlier the Lady Outlaws fell to Crook County (CC). Sisters had a hard time getting their shots to fall in the first quarter, and at the end of the period trailed the Cowgirls 12-5. The Outlaws regrouped and got back on track offensively with 15 points in the second quarter. At the half the Outlaws were down by eight, 28-20.

Sisters tied it up in the first three minutes of the third but then fouled CC and sent them to the line three times. The Cowgirls went 4/6, which put CC back on top. In the final quarter, Sisters had a lot of great shots but fouled on the defensive side. CC hit six of their seven shots and recorded the win.

Nieri recorded her third consecutive double-double. Taylor racked up 21 points and pulled down 11 boards for the Outlaws.

The Lady Outlaws will play at home against Cottage Grove on Friday, January 20. The following Tuesday, Sisters will face Elmira at home. Games are scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m.