Lady Outlaws drop two on the hardwood

The Lady Outlaws' basketball team had a rough week, suffering a 36-29 loss to the Tigers at Junction City (JC) on Thursday, January 19, and a day later falling at home to Cottage Grove (CG) 59-53.

Thursday's matchup started with a hard-fought first quarter, and at the close of the period Sisters held a slim 13-11 lead. The Outlaws got into foul trouble in the second quarter and sent the Tigers to the line 10 times. On the upside for Sisters, the Tigers only made four of their 10 attempts; but on the downside, the Outlaws lost the tempo they'd set earlier in the game. At the half JC held a 21-17 advantage.

Sisters had a hard time getting the ball to fall in the third quarter. JC took advantage of the opportunity and outscored the Outlaws 31-21. The Outlaws came back in the fourth with energy and tenacity and only allowed the Tigers one basket but were forced to foul down the stretch. The Tigers hit 3/8 from the line, and the Outlaws lost by seven.

Taylor Nieri led the team in scoring with 13 points, followed by Carissa Kernutt who finished with eight.

Coach Julianne Horner said, "We know it is always difficult to play at Junction City and the girls were ready to take control in the first quarter. Fouls got us out of the game early and we had a tough time gaining ground once Junction City took the lead."

A day later, the Outlaws lost at home to Cottage Grove. The contest didn't get started until 8:30 p.m. and Sisters came out slow and missed their first seven attempts at the basket. At the half the Lady Lions were up 29-13.

Sisters pulled it together and came out strong in the third quarter and late in the period pulled ahead with a one-point advantage. Sadly, the Outlaws were not able to hold onto the lead, and at the close of the third JC was on top 38-35. The Tigers held on through the fourth quarter to seal the win.

Nieri was the Outlaws' top scorer with 24 points, followed by Kernutt who scored 12. Elise Herron contributed seven points, and Savannah Spear pitched in for five.

"It was tough on the girls having a late return from the night before from Junction City and then having a game delay, starting the game at 8:30," said Horner. "We mentally were ready, but our bodies were a few steps behind.

"I was so proud of the tremendous comeback in the third quarter," added Horner. "The team worked hard and stayed focused down the stretch. We were neck-and-neck with Cottage Grove, but fouled their inside players and sent them to the line 15 times, and they converted for eight points. The third quarter we had the best team play we've had all season. I am very proud of the girls and their tenacity to the end."

The Outlaws will play at La Pine on Friday, January 27, and the following Tuesday will travel to Sweet Home.