Lady Outlaws get clawed by Falcons

The Lady Outlaws wrapped up league play with a 72-52 road loss at Elmira on Monday, February 24.

Sisters played slow and sluggish in the first few minutes of the game and quickly fell behind. At the five-minute mark the Outlaws defense kicked in. They stole the ball three times to get on the scoreboard but trailed the Falcons 17-7 at the end of the period.

"We needed to pick up our pace right at the beginning, and once we figured that out we were playing good basketball," said Coach Julianne Horner. "I was very impressed with our full-court press and how the girls were able to get Elmira to turn over the ball under pressure."

In the second quarter, the Outlaws went bucket-for-bucket with the Falcons but got into foul trouble, and Elmira added 10 points from the free-throw line.

The Outlaws outscored Elmira 24-18 in the third. The defensive press forced the Falcons to turn over the ball. Sisters pulled to within nine with three minutes on the clock, but fouls once again put the Falcons on the line and they jumped to a 60-46 advantage.

Sisters tried to manage their fouls and cut their 14-point deficit in the fourth period. The Outlaws got good looks at the basket, but the ball would not fall and they were unable to get within striking distance.

"We have worked under pressure all season, and the girls were really trying to get good looks, but Elmira did a great job with pressuring the ball and only allowing one shot," said Horner. "I was again very proud of the team that they never stopped playing and worked hard on every possession. These girls show such integrity and tenacity as a team that it makes me proud to be an Outlaw."

Claire Henson led the Outlaws with 13 points and Cierra Mann contributed 12. Jacobie Petterson recorded 10 points, in the contest, and Savannah Spear and Haylie Hudson each added seven.

As Horner reflected on the season, she told The Nugget that this year's team has been the nicest group of young women she has had the pleasure to coach.

"These girls exemplify the meaning of team," said Horner. "Each one was accepted by her teammates for the strengths they have and the personality they have, and were embraced and felt special."

Horner looked back over the season with satisfaction.

"I could not have asked more from a group. The win over Junction City at home was one of the most exciting, as we had never beat Junction City in the four seasons I have been an Outlaw."