Win sends Outlaws to the final eight

The Outlaws earned a 53-40 win in a tight playoff game against the White Buffaloes of Madras on Saturday, March 3. More than 1,000 fans filled bleachers; chairs lined open spaces and people stood in corners to watch the big game.

Sisters was on the scoreboard first thanks to a quick bucket by Eli Harrison that kicked off the first quarter. With less than three minutes left in the period, Harrison drained a three-point shot to put the Outlaws on top 11-8. Madras went on an 8-0 run in the last two minutes to regain the lead at 18-13 lead, but John Erickson nailed a shot right at the buzzer to close the gap to 18-15.

It was a rough second quarter for the Outlaws, who just couldn't seem to find the inside of the net. Chase Goff was good for four points; the only points Sisters made the entire quarter. At the half Sisters trailed Madras 24-19.

Coach Rand Runco said, "We tried to slow things down because it was at a pace that was better for them than us."

Harrison hit back-to-back buckets at the start of the third quarter and pulled the Outlaws to within one point of the Buffs. Goff also contributed two big buckets and Sisters began to slowly gain the advantage. At the end of the third Sisters was on top 33-29.

Sisters continued to widen the gap in the final period. The last three-and-a-half minutes, the Outlaws were good on 13 of their 14 attempts at the line and pulled away to win by 13. Exuberant Sisters fans rushed onto the court, cheering and shouting as the team celebrated the win.

Senior John Erickson led the Outlaws in scoring with 18 points, followed by Eli Harrison, who recorded 13. Chase Goff and Tim Hernandez each tallied 10 points in the win.

Bryan Boswell pulled down eight rebounds on the night. Goff had six rebounds and Harrison added five.

Runco said, "Our supporting cast was key to the win. Chase (Goff), Tim (Hernandez), Sebastian (Boehm) and Bryan (Boswell) were rock-solid and so steady."

The Outlaws shot 83 percent from the free throw line, going 19/23.

John Erickson said, "This is so amazing that I can hardly put it into words. The last minute or so of the game I just got butterflies in my stomach. To have a shot at state is something I've dreamed of since I was a little kid. Now, I finally get the chance. It's kind of surreal."

Eli Harrison stated, "I've been to Outlaws basketball games since I was a little kid and dreamed about this moment, and now it's happened. It seems like we are a team that always finds a way to get the job done. I'm so excited about heading to Gill. We'll do our best to win every game we play."

Runco and the Outlaws were overwhelmed by the community support.

"Madras is famous for their crowds, so it was so cool to see all of the community support," said Runco. "The community support has been great all season, and the student body has been awesome. Student leaders Shannon Fouts, Connor Greaney, Emily Corrigan and Autumn Saunders have single-handedly made the student support the best it's ever been."

The Outlaws will head to Corvallis to Gill Coliseum on Thursday, March 8, to face Skyline League Champs, North Valley, in their first match-up of the tournament. North Valley is currently ranked No. 2 in the state, and Runco believes they will be a real challenge for the Outlaws.