Lady Outlaws split games on the hardwood

The Lady Outlaws dominated the court from start to finish to post a 74-30 victory over Sweet Home (SH) at home on Tuesday, February 5. Three days later Sisters dropped their game against Junction City (JC) with a final score of 38-33.

In Tuesday's action, Sisters held the Huskies scoreless for the first six minutes of the first quarter. The Lady Outlaws applied great defensive pressure which led to some easy buckets. Cassidy Edwards put up seven points, and Jacobie Petterson added six to help push Sisters to a 21-3 advantage at the close of the period.

The Huskies got into foul trouble in the second quarter and put the Outlaws on the line. Sisters held SH to just seven points, and at the half the Outlaws held a commanding 35-10 lead.

In the third quarter, Coach Julianne Horner mixed up the player combinations to encourage her players to play team ball.

"I saw players really come out strong on defense and everyone worked as a team," said Horner. "The different combinations of players on the floor showed what we are really good at and what needs to be worked on. I was proud of everyone."

Sisters outscored the Huskies 29-4 in the final quarter. The Outlaws played strong defense and forced the Huskies to turn the ball over 18 times, which led to several easy lay-ups for Sisters. The Outlaws sailed to an easy win.

Taylor Nieri led the Outlaws with a double-double. Nieri scored 21 points and recorded 10 steals in the game. Taylor also pulled down seven rebounds and was 8/11 from the free-throw line. Edwards recorded 18 points and had six steals. Savannah Spear and Jacobie Petterson each tallied 10 points and four assists. Claire Henson posted six points, and Harley Rowe added four.

Horner noted the unselfish play of Cassidy Edwards.

"Cassidy showed the most team-like act I have seen in years," said Horner. "She had an easy breakaway lay-up and jumped stopped and waited just a moment for the trailer player, and passed it over to a younger player for the score.

"I believe this one act defines the best in what this team is made up of," added Horner. "They all work their hardest for each other and are selfless in many of their acts, both on and off the court. I am continually impressed with their strength, character and work ethic."

Sisters struggled offensively in the first quarter of their match-up against the Tigers at Junction City on Friday. The Lady Outlaws could not get their shots to fall, and at the close of the period the Tigers held a 10-2 lead.

"We had numerous shots hit the rim, but just not get through the net," stated Horner.

In the second quarter the Outlaws' shots hit their mark. Sisters outscored JC 13-6 and entered the half down by just one point at 16-15.

The Tigers scored one more bucket than Sisters in the third and the Outlaws entered the final period down by three. Sisters had the opportunity to catch the Tigers at the free-throw line, but were not able to convert and lost the contest by five.

"We are not used to such a low-scoring game or the physicality, but the girls were strong and did not step back at any point," said Horner. "I believe we played well for three quarters and just ran out of time."

Nieri notched a double-double for the second straight game with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Edwards scored nine points and had four steals, and Petterson chipped in for six points.

The Outlaws will wrap up league at home against Elmira on Friday, February 15.