Girls beat Sweet Home on hardwood

The Lady Outlaws earned a big 54-31 win over the Sweet Home Huskies at home in Sisters on Tuesday, January 20, but three days later the tide turned and Sisters fell 41-24 to Junction City.

In Tuesday's match-up, six of the Lady Outlaws combined for 22 points in the first quarter, including three-pointers from Boston Moore and Cassandra Arruda. The Outlaws played strong throughout the quarter, and it was evident they came ready to play. At the close of the period Sisters held a 22-11 advantage over the Huskies. The Outlaws out-scored the Huskies 10-7 in the second quarter and closed out the half with a 32-18 advantage.

In the second half, Sisters took off their backcourt press and focused on their half-court pressure. The Outlaws worked hard to get good looks at the basket, hit the open player, out-scored the Huskies 22-13 in the half, and recorded the win.

"I was very happy with how well we played in the first half to set the tone for the game," said Coach Julianne Horner. "Our focus has been on becoming an offensive threat. We had nine of the 10 players who played in the game score, and were able to accomplish that goal this game. We were able to use this game to show us what we are good at."

Moore paced the Outlaws with 18 points, and Arruda tallied nine. Nina Horner and Bethany Bachmeier each contributed six points. Haylie Hudson and Cierra Mann each pulled down eight boards and Olivia Stewart recorded six.

On Friday, the Outlaws suffered a brutal loss at home against the Tigers of JC.

Sisters just couldn't get their shots to fall, and at the half they found themselves down 25-9. The Outlaws did a better job in the second half, but the first-half deficit was too much to overcome.

The Outlaws shot only 33 percent from the floor and 44 percent from the free-throw line. Players who normally put up points for the Outlaws weren't able to get anything to drop through the net.

"The girls worked at getting shots and playing defense but just could not get momentum until the last three minutes of the game," said Horner.

Mann led the Outlaws with 10 points, Moore scored seven, and Stewart added five.

The Outlaws were to play at Elmira on Tuesday, January 27. On Friday, January 30, Sisters will play at home against Sutherlin.