Lady Outlaws crush the Cowgirls

The girls basketball team stepped all over the Crook County Cowgirls and recorded a 57-33 win on Saturday, December 1, to kick off their season.

Sisters knew they were up against a big, physical team and made sure they set the tone and pace of the game right from the start. The Outlaws came out strong right from the tip-off and took control.

Coach Julianne Horner told The Nugget that their goal in the first quarter was to keep Crook County from scoring. The Outlaws did a fabulous job and held the Cowgirls to just four points in the quarter while they racked up 16 points of their own.

"I was very impressed with the composure the girls showed even though we missed our first five shots," said Horner. "They kept coming back and shot high-percentage shots that began to fall."

Crook County was focused on Taylor Nieri and worked hard to squelch her scoring opportunities. That opened the door for Cassidy Edwards, who scored nine points in the quarter.

In the second quarter Edwards scored two additional buckets and went 4/5 from the free-throw line. Savannah Spear downed a three that propelled the Outlaws to a 30-13 advantage at the half.

Sisters continued their control of the game in the third quarter. Nieri scored a big three-pointer, an easy lay-in and made both her free throws for seven points in the period. Edwards scored nine points and at the close of the period the Outlaws outscored the Cowgirls 16-11.

"We played the entire team in the third quarter and everyone contributed with great effort and poise," said Horner. "I was very happy with the fact we could put in any five and they worked hard as a team. I was impressed with the effort the whole team had on the floor."

The Outlaws spent the final quarter at the free-throw line with both Jacobie Petterson and Spear hitting three of their four shots. The game ended and Sisters recorded the win.

Cassidy Edwards finished with 28 points and hit 14 of 17 attempts at the line. Nieri scored 11 points, pulled down 10 rebounds and recorded four steals. Spear tallied 11 points, three rebounds and five steals.

"It was a very physical game, and I could not be happier with how the girls responded to the contact," stated Horner. "We were 69 percent from the free-throw line. We will only get better, and I believe this was a great way to start the season."

The Outlaws play at Redmond on Wednesday, December 5, and two days later will travel to Churchill. On Tuesday, December 11, the Outlaws will face the White Buffaloes at Madras. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.