Defense rounds up big wins

Excellent defense helped the Outlaws boys basketball team tally two wins this past week. Sisters racked up a 63-26 road win over Junction City (JC) on Thursday, January 19, and a day later they pounced on the Lions with a 69-47 win at home.

Sisters jumped to an early 19-7 lead against JC in Thursday's match-up and never looked back. The Outlaws executed well against the 2-3 zone that they faced for most of the game.

Eli Harrison scored 21 points for the Outlaws, and John Erickson contributed 13. Sebastian Boehm recorded eight points, and Bryan Boswell added six.

"I was pleased with our intensity on the road after having the game delayed for two days," said Coach Rand Runco.

On Friday, against Cottage Grove (CG), the team played well against the Lions' man and triangle defense. The Outlaws tallied 19 points in the first quarter and held CG to just seven. It was a much tighter second period, with Sisters outscoring the Lions by just two points. At the half the Outlaws held a 28-14 advantage.

Sisters held the lead the entire second half and outscored the Lions 41-33 to secure the win.

Nine Outlaws contributed points in the win.

Jalen Miller had his best all-around game of the season. He put up 12 points in the game and dished out eight assists.

"Jalen did an excellent job getting us into sets and staying aggressive during the game," said Runco. "He did an excellent job as floor leader."

Eli Harrison and John Erickson continued to lead the team in scoring and big plays. Harrison knocked down 16 points for the Outlaws, including three threes, and Erickson scored 15. Sebastian Boehm put up eight points, Chase Goff scored six, and Tim Hernandez added five.

John Erickson told The Nugget that the team is just like one big family.

"We play hard for each other and it doesn't matter who scores," stated Erickson. "We just want to win."

Sisters will play at La Pine on Friday, January 27, with tip-off set for 5:45 p.m. On Tuesday, January 31, the Outlaws will travel to Sweet Home to face the Huskies. The game is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.