Outlaws defeat Lions in league opener

The Outlaws opened league play with a 42-32 win over the Lions at Cottage Grove (CG) on Friday, January 16.

Sisters was a little nervous and a bit tense in their first league game of the season. The Lions packed in their defense early in the game and the Outlaws had trouble getting their shots to fall. The Outlaws counted on their defense to keep them in the contest. At the half Sisters was down 19-14.

The Outlaws came out in the third with intensity and purpose and out-scored the Lions 15-5. Sisters held the lead in the fourth, but CG cut it to one point with about 1:30 left on the clock.

Sisters maintained their composure and pulled away in the last minute. Connor Schaab and Hayes Moore hit some crucial freethrows down the stretch, and Keegan Greaney and Justin Harrer had some very good defensive plays at the end of the game to help seal the win.

Schaab and Harrer did a nice job on the glass and were a force in the paint. Schaab finished the game with a double-double, 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Harrer recorded 12 points and five boards. Keegan Greaney added six rebounds.

Hayes Moore, Ben Larson, Greaney, Steen Johnson, and Logan Schutte executed well on the perimeter and stayed patient until the Outlaws made their run in the third quarter.

"It was an impressive performance, and our defense was again outstanding," said Coach Rand Runco. "That is what it takes to win on the road in league. It was a nice team effort."

The Outlaws were to play at home against Sweet Home on Tuesday, January 20. Sisters will face Junction City at home on Friday, January 23.