Outlaws rack up wins on the hardwood

The Outlaws' 46-26 win at Cottage Grove on Friday, February 10, pushed them to a perfect 8-0 record in the Sky-Em and also tallied their 12th consecutive win.

Cottage Grove came out with an impressive delay game to shorten the game and cut down the number of possessions. The Outlaws responded with discipline and composure and worked hard to combat the Lions' strategy.

Sisters won the tip but turned it over in an attempt to get the ball inside. Cottage Grove proceeded to run over four minutes of offense without taking a single shot. The Lions continued with their game plan for the remainder of the first quarter and only allowed the Outlaws five possessions. Sisters turned the ball over three times and were only able to score two buckets, and at the close of the period held a slim 4-2 lead.

Sisters was patient on offense and chose high percentage shots to gradually pull away. At the half Sisters held a 14-10 advantage over the Lions.

"We did a pretty good job, but shot too quickly after getting stops, which did not allow us to take a bigger lead at half," said Coach Rand Runco. "We should have pulled it to a 20-10 lead, but instead were just up by four which was exactly what Cottage Grove (CG) wanted."

The Outlaws were able to push to a 10-point lead in the third quarter, but the Lions cut it to four with four minutes left in the game. Sisters went on a 2-1/2-minute defensive surge that tore the Lions apart. The Outlaws outscored CG 18-2 in that short timespan and were able to get their bench players on the court. Sisters sailed to an impressive victory and beat the Lions by 20.

Eli Harrison led the Outlaws with 18 points and eight rebounds. John Erickson scored 10 points and Jalen Miller had an outstanding game with six points, eight assists and five rebounds. Bryan Boswell pitched in for five points.

Runco stated, "Cole Moore played a great game coming off the bench, and Boswell was huge on the boards. I was really impressed with John Erickson's and Miller's leadership in this mentally tough game."

The Outlaws are currently in sole possession of first place in the Sky-Em League. One more win will solidify the position. They are 18-3 overall and are ranked ninth on the OSAA ranking system. The Outlaws will wrap up league play at home on Friday, February 17, against La Pine. On Saturday, Sisters will play Riverside in a non-conference game. Tip-off for Friday's game is set for 7:15 p.m. and Saturday's game is scheduled for 7 p.m.