Boys basketball splits games

The Outlaws topped the Huskies 45-32 in a road game on Tuesday, February 10, and three days later fell 51-34 to the Tigers at Junction City.

Tuesday's match-up against the Huskies was a very good game. Both teams battled hard early and at the close of the first quarter the score was even at 8-8. Coach Rand Runco told The Nugget that the defensive match-up was tough, and neither team shot the ball well.

Sisters' defense held and the Outlaws took the lead in the second quarter. Connor Schaab hit a big three and the Outlaws went on a 13-4 run. At the half the Outlaws held a 21-12 advantage over the Tigers.

The Outlaws also had a good third quarter. Keegan Greaney did an excellent job on Hunter Jutte, the Huskies' stellar point-guard. Greaney, Justin Harrer, and Ben Larson did a super-job of trading-off on the prolific scorer.

Sisters held onto their lead in the final period and went 10-for-14 from the line.

Runco said, "We played with great energy and were aggressive offensively."

Sisters had a very balanced attack, with Tysen Gill and Connor Schaab doing an excellent job in the paint. Gill led the team with 14 points, and Schaab recorded nine. Hayes Moore contributed seven points and Larson added six.

Three days later, the Outlaws had a difficult time on the road against the Tigers. It was senior night for the Tigers, and it looked as if the entire town had shown up for the game. JC was really up for the contest after their loss to the Outlaws at home in the first round.

Sisters started out with tough defense but missed multiple good looks at the basket. Both teams had a hard time getting the ball through the hoop. At the end of the first quarter the game was tied at 5-5.

The Outlaws battled hard and never quit, but gave up a few easy points in the second quarter, and missed good opportunities. Sisters was out-scored 14-4 in the period and trailed 19-9 at the half.

Sisters was now in a position where they had to chase the disciplined Tigers. The Outlaws extended pressure in the third and fourth quarters but the damage had been done. Each time the Outlaws tried to make a run they turned the ball over. The game got sloppy and Sisters recorded the loss.

Steen Johnson led the Outlaws with nine points, including two threes. Harrer scored eight points, Schaab tallied six, and Greaney added five.

"Our effort was excellent but we did not execute well," said Runco. "We held our own on the boards, but gave up too much in defensive transition and shooting percentage. The big statistic is that we only went to the line eight times compared to the 20 to 25 times in the past games. We needed to be more aggressive offensively. We will re-group and be ready for the last two games."

Despite the loss, the Outlaws did clinch a playoff spot, which they feel is a great accomplishment in the balanced conference.

Sisters was to play at home on Tuesday, February 17, against Elmira in their final home game. The Outlaws will wrap up league play at Sutherlin on Friday,

February 20.