Outlaws fall to defending state champs

The Outlaws traveled to Cascade on Friday, January 17, and matched up against the defending state champion Cougars. Sisters lost the battle in a final score of 45-38.

Sisters started out well and played a great first half. The Cougars boast a very tough 6'4" post and three excellent three-point shooting guards. The Outlaws were able to contain the three-point line and limited the Cougars' posts touches in the first half.

The Outlaws were up 8-7 in the first quarter, and from there through the second quarter it was a tight game. Sisters allowed Cascade the last shot and it was a tied ball game at 21-21 as the teams entered the half.

Cascade pulled ahead by five in the third quarter. The Outlaws made a great defensive stand and stopped the Cougars from scoring for seven possessions in a row in the final quarter, but on the flipside the Outlaws missed a variety of open shots. Sisters got good looks at the basket but couldn't convert.

The Cougars pulled ahead and won by seven.

"The boys improved so much from the last game against a really tough team," said Coach Rand Runco. "We were right there, but just didn't get it done. We were again in position but couldn't convert when it counted. We need to get over that hump."

Sophomore Hayden Martinez had a great game for the Outlaws and finished with 18 points and four rebounds. Connor Schaab and Hayes Moore each recorded six points.

Runco stated that Nate Kaping, Lane Adams and Tysen Gill did a great job against the Cougars' post, and the Outlaws' perimeter defenders did an outstanding job defending against Cascade's guards.

The Outlaws were to open league play at home against La Pine on Tuesday, January 21. On Friday the Outlaws will play at 5:45 p.m. at home against Sweet Home.