Lady Outlaws stifle the Huskies

The Lady Outlaws were in complete control the entire game against the Huskies at home on Friday, January 24, and crushed Sweet Home in a final score of 44-16. Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, the Outlaws lost 29-26 in a heartbreaker at home against Laâ¯Pine.

Friday's contest against the Huskies began slow, with both teams struggling to convert on their shots. At the end of the period the score was even at 5-5.

Coach Julianne Horner said, "I was surprised how strong Sweet Home came out. They set us on our heels."

Sisters outscored the Huskies 16-2 in the second quarter, to go up 21-7 at the half. The Outlaws scored three transition buckets in the quarter and Olivia Stewart went a perfect eight for eight from the free-throw line.

"I was so excited to see Olivia take it at the "bigs' from Sweet Home and get to the foul line four times," said Horner. "She was rock-solid and hit every shot, which gave the boost we needed to take a decisive lead."

Starting guards Jacobie Petterson and Boston Moore showed both leadership as they took control of the game in the third quarter. Moore hit two buckets and Petterson hit a nice jumper and on the following possession took the ball down the court for a driving shot. Jacobie was fouled on the shot and converted on one of her two shots.

With six seconds left in the third Coach Horner called a timeout. The Outlaws ran a brand-new play and executed it to perfection. Petterson hit a deep baseline three-pointer at the buzzer to put the Outlaws up 31-12.

The Outlaws pushed the tempo and outscored the Huskies 13-4 in the fourth to close out the game.

"We were able to play every player and allow them to get running on the floor," said Horner. "I was most impressed with the teamwork and communication the girls had on the floor. They played strong and confident and kept a good pace that allowed for us to take a hold on the lead. I am very pleased how they were able to turn around from a tough loss on Tuesday and be the team they want to be; strong, confident and under control."

Petterson posted 16 points for the Outlaws, and Stewart tallied 10. Cassandra Arruda pitched in for five points, and Moore and Claire Henson each added four.

Three days earlier the Lady Outlaws lost in the last minute of the game against La Pine in a final score of 29-26.

At the close of a low-scoring first quarter the Outlaws held a slim 6-4 lead. The game was neck-and-neck the entire time, and every possession made a difference. At the half the Hawks were on top 16-12.

Sisters did a great job in the third quarter and limited La Pine to just one basket and three free throws, and regained the lead at 22-20.

The game went back and forth in the final period and it was a tight contest to the end. The Hawks went up by one with less than one minute on the clock, and the Outlaws just couldn't get the break they needed.

"I was happy to see the girls come out strong and start pulling away in the third," said Horner. "Then, we just got tired and fouled way too much. We put the Hawks to the line in the fourth and that ultimately won the game for them."

Savannah Spear led the team with 10 points, and Claire Henson added seven.

Sisters will play at Cottage Grove on Friday, January 31.