Lady Outlaws pull off road win against Sweet Home

The Lady Outlaws had a full week of basketball, packed with three games - two of which were on the road. Sisters started off the week on Tuesday, February 11, with a 50-40 loss at La Pine, and the next day lost 53-35 at home to Elmira. On Friday, the Outlaws earned a 49-42 road win at Sweet Home.

In Tuesday's action, the Outlaws got off to a slow start. Savannah Spear scored three buckets for Sisters, and Claire Henson made one free throw for Sisters' only points in the first quarter. At the end of the period, the Outlaws trailed the Hawks 16-7.

Sisters outscored the Hawks by one in the second quarter. The Outlaws made all of their six attempts from the free-throw line. Henson made four points from the line, and Jacobie Petterson scored two.

"We were a little slow to get our legs back underneath us, but by the end of the first quarter we were back on track," said Coach Julianne Horner.

The Outlaws got to within striking distance in the third quarter, and with four minutes to go in the final period Sisters closed the gap to four points.

Sisters just couldn't get the break they needed. Their shots rolled off the rim and they were not able to get the second shots. With 1:20 left on the clock the Outlaws were forced to foul. The Hawks were able to convert three of their six attempts at the line, and Sisters couldn't answer back on the other end.

"The girls played hard and never gave up," said Horner. "Their character and determination is amazing, and I am proud of how hard the whole team worked."

Spear led the Outlaws with 15 points, followed by Petterson who scored 11. Henson contributed eight points and Boston Moore chipped in for six.

At home a day later, the Outlaws lost by 18 points to Elmira. It was tough on the Outlaws, with games back-to-back, and the Falcons came out hard and strong.

Henson scored all of Sisters' seven first-quarter points.

"Claire was going up strong and making big moves under the basket," said Horner. "We just had a hard time keeping Elmira off the basket on the other end."

At the end of the first period the Falcons held a 15-7 lead. Sisters had a tough second quarter and just couldn't find their rhythm. At the half Elmira had pulled to a 29-13 advantage.

Fatigue set in for the Outlaws in the third quarter, and they were unable to keep pace with the Falcons. With 4:58 left in the final period the Outlaws went on a good run. Petterson went four for four from the line and got a nice jumpshot to fall. Haylie Hudson, Nina Horner, Spear and Moore all added single buckets which made everyone on the floor a shooting threat.

"I saw the grit and determination the team has had all season long set in," said Horner. "I was very happy with those final minutes. It was not enough to bring us within range of a win, but this team has never lost their competitive edge, and I was proud how hard they pushed right down to the final buzzer."

Petterson scored 13 and Henson recorded seven points in the game.

The Outlaws wrapped up the week with a win on the road against Sweet Home on Friday.

Sweet Home came out strong, and the Outlaws had to work hard to stop them as they drove hard to the basket.

"We were a little taken back with how physical and fast Sweet Home came out," said Horner. "We had to regroup at about the five-minute mark and take the tempo back to Outlaw basketball."

The Outlaws got their game back in the second quarter and got points from five different players.

"We did a good job about being a threat on the floor," said Horner. "I was happy with how the girls changed the momentum around in the second quarter."

Sisters outscored the Huskies 19-9 in the third. Cierra Mann did a great job underneath, got rebounds and put them back into the basket. Mann scored nine of Sisters' 19 points.

"We were able to get multiple scorers, and were a threat both inside and out," said Horner.

In the final period, the Huskies tried to make a run and attacked the Outlaws' posts. Petterson answered and made six of her seven attempts from the line that clinched the win.

"Jacobie did a great job, kept her composure and made her free throws that never let Sweet Home back in the game," stated Horner.

The Outlaws were to play at home against Junction City on Tuesday, February 18, and on Friday, February 21, Sisters will play at home against Cottage Grove. Seniors Jacobie Petterson, Savannah Spear, Claire Henson and Katelyn Meeter will be honored at senior night on Friday.