Girls basketball loses on the road

The Lady Outlaws lost 54-46 on the road against Junction City (JC) on Wednesday, January 29, and two days later suffered a 48-38 loss at Cottage Grove (CG).

Due to inclement weather, Tuesday's games were rescheduled for Wednesday.

Sisters traveled to JC and the Lady Outlaws matched up against a good Tiger squad. Posts Claire Henson and Cierra Mann, each hit three big shots in the first quarter to get the Outlaws rolling.

"We did a great job getting the ball to our 'bigs' and they were able to complete their shots," said Coach Julianne Horner.

The Outlaws fouled JC and put them on the line four times in the period. The Tigers converted on four of their attempts, and at the close of the first quarter held a two-point lead at 16-14.

In the second quarter, the teams went basket-for-basket. The Outlaws struggled at the free-throw line and only went two for six. At the half Sisters trailed 28-26.

Boston Moore gave the Outlaws a quick boost at the start of the third with a deep three-pointer, and from there the game stayed tight. Sisters was just one point back as they headed into the final period.

The score stayed neck-and-neck until two minutes were left on the clock. Sisters was sent repeatedly to the line but were only able to convert four of their eight attempts. The Tigers were able to get three easy baskets and took a solid lead with less than 40 seconds left.

"We pushed the rim and just could not get it to fall," stated Horner. "Junction City took it and converted. We were unable to slow them to the rim. We just couldn't get a break. We played a great game and the girls were very proud of how they played as a team. We will make a few changes and make sure the score lines up with how well we play the next time we face JC at home."

Mann led the Outlaws with 12 points and Henson tallied 11. Moore contributed seven points and Jacobie Petterson added five.

Two days later Sisters suffered a tough overtime loss to the Lions. The Outlaws played a strong and steady first quarter and were down by one at the end of the first period.

"We knew they were much bigger than us, and we needed to stick to our game plan," said Horner. "The girls did an outstanding job defensively in the first and once again Claire (Henson) and Cierra (Mann) worked hard down on the block not letting Cottage Grove get many second shots offensively."

In the second quarter the Outlaws were able to take a four-point lead at 18-14, which gave them a boost as they headed into the half. Savannah Spear hit a three and two tough shots inside the key to help Sisters gain the lead.

The Lions cut the Outlaws' lead to one in the third. The score went back and forth in the final quarter, and with eight seconds left on the clock Petterson was fouled and sent to the line. Jacobie hit both free throws to send the game into overtime.

CG scored two easy buckets underneath and again took the lead. Sisters could not get their shots to fall, and weren't able to get the foul. The Lions went on to win by 10.

"I was very proud of the girls' performance," said Horner. "They stayed composed and made good adjustments throughout the game. We had not faced an overtime situation all season. CG was able to shoot six for 12 from the line in overtime and we were only able to shoot two for two."

Spear scored 13 points, Petterson recorded 12 points and Henson added seven in the Outlaws' scoring effort.

Sisters is currently 1-3 in league and will play at home against Elmira on Friday, February 7. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m. The following Tuesday, the Outlaws will play at La Pine.