Lady Outlaws split games on the hardwood

The Lady Outlaws basketball team trounced the Huskies 64-47 at Sweet Home on Tuesday, January 31, and three days later suffered a heartbreaking 36-32 loss at home to Junction City.

In Tuesday's game against the Huskies, the Outlaws fought hard in the first quarter, with the score going back and forth between the two squads. Sisters put up two points to close out the period with a two-point lead, 13-11.

Sisters came out very strong in the second period. Five players contributed on offense, which made it very difficult for Sweet Home to defend. At the half the Outlaws were up 33-20.

The third quarter looked much like the first. The score went back and forth the entire eight minutes, and both teams put up 14 points each.

Samantha Kaiser hit four baskets at the start of the fourth quarter and pushed the Outlaws to a 20-point advantage. Sisters held on to their lead and beat the Huskies

by 17.

Kaiser scored a career-high 17 points and 10 rebounds. Taylor Nieri scored 11 points, and Savannah Spear followed with nine. Carissa Kernutt contributed eight points, and Elise Herron added six.

Horner was very pleased with Savannah Spears' performance at point guard.

"Savannah led the team with the calmness and poise of a seasoned point guard," stated Horner. "She had two three-pointers in the second quarter and one in the third that kept our momentum going."

Three days later the Outlaws lost by four at home against the Tigers, despite playing perhaps their best home game.

Kaiser led the team in scoring with 11 points, followed by Nieri who scored seven. Elise Herron and Carissa Kernutt each pitched in for six.

Horner said, "Sisters put their hearts on the floor and played well. I was impressed with Kaiser's leadership and the big shots she hit down the stretch. Herron also had two big rebounds and a steal in the fourth which created the lead for the team. The seniors showed their leadership during this game, as well as hitting their free throws. We were 10/12 from the line which kept us in a very tight game.

"We did a great job keeping the fouls down, and we worked hard defensively," added Horner. "We played the best game of the season on our home floor."

The Lady Outlaws are currently 2-5 in league and 6-13 overall. Sisters will travel to Cottage Grove on Friday, February 10, and will wrap up league play the following week. The Outlaws will travel to Elmira on Tuesday, February 14, and three days later play at home against La Pine.