Boys basketball wraps up league play

The Outlaws suffered a 51-29 loss at home against Elmira on Friday, February 15, to wrap up league play and bring their season to an end. Three days earlier Sisters fell 62-28 at Cottage Grove.

On Tuesday, the Lions proved to be more than the Outlaws could handle. Sisters was plagued with turnovers early in the game, and at the close of the first quarter were down by 18.

The Outlaws improved defensively in the second half, but continued to struggle on offense.

"Cottage Grove played very well and shot the ball incredibly well," said Coach Rand Runco. "Their ball pressure was a major problem for us, and when we got down early we did not play very good defense for about eight minutes, which kept us from staying in the game."

Justin Harrer led the Outlaws with 11 points and Tristen Lewis added seven.

Sophomore Ben Larson had an excellent game and took good care of the ball in the second half. It was his first showing at the varsity level as point guard. Ethan Luloff did a great job on defense and according to Runco provided great leadership on the floor. Lane Adams did a great job on the boards.

Three days later, the Outlaws lost by 22 at home against Elmira.

Seniors Ryan Pollard, Eli Harrison, Ethan Luloff and Isaac Jackson were all honored. Runco told The Nugget that each of them had contributed much to the team and the program and noted it was difficult to lose both Ryan and Eli to injuries.

Sisters again had a good defensive performance but struggled to make their shots from the field. The Outlaws held the No. 1 team in the league to 11 points in the first quarter and seven in the second period.

The Outlaws were down by just four at the half with the score at 18-14. Unfortunately, the Lions pulled away in the second half, outscored the Outlaws 33-15 and secured the win.

Harrer led the team with eight points, including two threes, and seven rebounds. Luloff tallied eight points and put forth a great defensive effort. Lane Adams contributed seven points and six boards and did a tremendous job defending the big Elmira post.

Runco said, "Seniors Ethan Luloff and Jens Stadeli did a great job on senior night. They led the team and played very hard. Ben Larson, Tristen Lewis and Hays Moore all played well and made it a great battle."

"This was our last game and a good first half before they got away from us," added Runco. "We are really proud of all of the effort and how the team handled the adversity of many things that were out of our control this season."