Boys basketball records win over Douglas

Sisters tallied a 58-34 win over Douglas on the hardwood on Saturday, December 15, after falling to Madras and Gladstone earlier in the week. Sisters lost 51-43 to Madras on Tuesday, December 11, and on Friday they lost 53-47 to Gladstone.

Sisters' victory over the Trojans was impressive. The Outlaws shot the ball well and did a much better job than they had been doing on defense. At the half, Sisters held a 33-15 lead. Coach Rand Runco was able to sub early and get many players on the court. The Outlaws outscored the Trojans 26-20 in the second half to secure the win.

Eli Harrison led the team with 20 points. Ryan Pollard logged 14, Cole Moore had 13 and Justin Harrer added six.

Moore, Pollard and Harrison all had impressive performances. Moore did a great job controlling the tempo of the game, Pollard tore up Douglas' zone with big three-point shots, and the Trojans had no answer for Harrison inside or out.

"It was a good win, but the important thing is that we keep improving. If we control our attitude, concentration and effort, (ACE - one of our core values) we will have a successful season."

The games against Madras and Gladstone were very similar. The White Buffaloes and the Gladiators are extremely athletic and quick, and applied intense pressure to the Outlaws guards. The Outlaws had trouble executing their offense. Sisters also had trouble keeping the big posts off the glass.

"The impressive thing about our team was that we kept battling back after trailing early in the games," said Runco. "I am really pleased with our competitiveness and effort. We went down early to both teams but fought back both times and had opportunities to catch them both at the end of the game."

Harrison scored 16 points against Madras. Pollard and Moore both tallied 10 points and Isaac Jackson added four. Harrison racked up 23 points against Gladstone. Pollard recorded eight points, Moore finished with eight and Harrer contributed four.

Runco told The Nugget that despite the losses the Outlaws are improving every day. Most players are in their first year of varsity and the learning curve is steep.

"I'm really impressed with the guys who didn't play last year," said Runco. "They are learning fast and their effort is superb. The guys like each other off the court and I am confident are going to put this chemistry together on the court."

Runco has been pleased with several of his players.

"I am really impressed with seniors Ethan Luloff, Isaac Jackson and Mitch Keranen, who are improving by the day and have great attitudes and effort. Sophomore Justin Harrer is also impressive, playing huge minutes and improving every second on the court. Eli Harrison, Cole Moore and Ryan Pollard are the players with the most experience and provide our foundation as we develop as a team. Two other players that are really coming on are Lane Adams and Jens Stadeli."

The Outlaws will travel to North Valley on Friday, December 21, and then be home for the annual Sisters Holiday Tournament December 27-29.