Outlaws tame the Lions

The boys basketball team defeated Cottage Grove 48-38 at home on Friday, February 6, and pushed their league record to 5-1.

Although they are small in stature, the Lions boast a strong dribble-drive offense and are very proficient shooting the three-pointer and getting to the rim. Sisters was able to extend pressure and throw the Lions off their offensive game.

It was a tight start and at the close of the first quarter Sisters held a one-point lead at 9-8. The second quarter was also close, but just before the half, Hayes Moore hit a huge three-pointer that gave the Outlaws momentum. At the half, Sisters held a 21-17 advantage.

Sisters' defense held strong and the offense geared up in the second half. The Tigers ran a compact zone-defense and the Outlaws struggled a bit with spacing. Tysen Gill and Connor Schaab did a nice job inside, and Justin Harrer and Isaac Mackenzie were tough defensively and at the high-posts. Sisters extended their lead and closed out the third on top at 35-26.

Sisters was up by 16 twice in the final period, but CG hit enough of their shots to narrow the gap. When the final buzzer sounded the Outlaws had bested the Lions by 10.

Steen Johnson paced the Outlaws with 13 points. Tysen Gill scored 10 points, Justin Harrer tallied six, and Hayes Moore added five.

Harrer told The Nugget he felt the Outlaws executed well.

"We knocked down outside shots and got the ball in the paint," said Harrer. "We take pride in the defensive end of the court and are one of the top defensive teams in the state for points allowed per game. We have two big games on the road next week, and if we continue to improve and play our game, I have complete trust in the team that we will get the job done."

Sisters is currently 12-6 overall. The Outlaws were to play at Sweet Home on Tuesday, February 10. Sisters will wrap up their week with a road game at Junction City on Friday, February 13.