Boys basketball loses to tough competitors

The Outlaws lost to both Summit and Mt. View this past week, two of the tough teams they face in a challenging pre-season schedule. Both teams are picked to be league and state contenders.

Sisters lost 52-47 in a close game against Mt. View at home on Friday, December 7. The Cougars are a big, physical team and the Outlaws faced them with tenacity and toughness.

The Cougars jumped out quick, and the Outlaws had trouble getting their shots to fall. At the close of the first quarter Mt. View was on top 15-4.

In the second quarter the Outlaws picked up the pace and cranked up their defense. Sisters was able to handle the Cougars' big posts and their dribble penetration. Eli Harrison, Cole Moore, Ryan Pollard and Justin Harrer all contributed in the scoring effort.

Sisters pulled the game to within one point, but the Cougars hit a three-pointer at the buzzer which put the Outlaws down by four at the half with the score at 26-22.

The Outlaws struggled again in the third quarter but battled back in the fourth. Sisters kept at it and with 30 seconds left on the clock had narrowed the gap to just two points.

The game seemed to unravel from then on. Harrison fouled out of the game and Sisters put Mt. View on the line. The Cougars converted on their free-throw attempts and the Outlaws lost by five.

Coach Rand Runco said, "It was a good battle and we definitely improved this week playing very good teams. This is one of the toughest pre-seasons we have ever played and we are improving by the day. We just need to focus and work as a team."

Runco noted several players' performances.

"Our posts, Mitch Keranen, Isaac Jackson and Lane Adams all did a great job on the big Mt. View men. Justin Harrer played at the perimeter for his first time and did a nice job on defense and also contributed a couple of huge buckets. Ethan Luloff played great defense and Ryan Pollard is starting to get his offense going."

Harrison led the team with 18 points. Cole Moore had his best game of the season with 16 points, several assists and some huge defensive plays.

"I was really impressed with Eli's (Harrison) defense," stated Runco. "He contained one of the most athletic players in the state. I'm also impressed with the entire team's chemistry and hard work."

Three days earlier the Outlaws fell 59-41 to the Storm in their first home game of the season.

At the close of the first quarter Sisters held a slim 13-11 lead. The Storm held Sisters scoreless in the second period and at the half the Outlaws were behind by 13 at 26-13.

The Outlaws stayed even with the Storm in the third period, with both teams putting up 22 points.

Summit was able to pull away and went on to record the win.

Sisters got into foul trouble early on and was forced to play players out of position. The Storm also began to trap Harrison. Eli handled the pressure of the trap well and escaped the double teams to finish with a season-high 30 points and over 10 rebounds. Ryan Pollard tallied eight points in the game.

"We did an OK job on the boards but had real trouble offensively, and foul trouble was a big factor," said Runco. "The boys are working hard and learning quickly, but any adversity in the game threw us off. We need to adjust during the game. I am confident with their great work ethic and how quickly we are learning we will slowly become a very tough team.

"Our coaching staff is so impressed with how fast we are improving," added Runco. "Eli Harrison's steady leadership is such a help."

The Outlaws will play at home against Gladstone on Friday, December 14, and then face Douglas on Saturday.