Boys lose to Scappoose in first round

Sisters played against Scappoose in a tough first-round playoff battle on Friday, March 6, at Scappoose. The Outlaws fell in a close 38-32 contest.

The Sisters coaching staff told The Nugget they were so proud of the boys' effort. Scappoose averages over 60 points per game, and the Outlaws defended them very well. The Outlaws held McNabb, the Indians best shooter, to two points and were able to contain their point guard, Wellelshafer.

Chase Johnson, Scappoose's scoring post, got a few put-back buckets and scored 11 points in the contest, but the Outlaws did a great job defensively against him.

The score was even at 9-9 at the close of the first quarter, and at the half Scappoose held a two-point edge over the Outlaws with a score of 16-14.

The Indians pulled away for about two minutes in the third quarter, with four transition baskets, but the Outlaws slowly clawed their way back. Sisters pulled to within three points in the final period, but were unable to convert, and were forced to foul at the end.

Coach Rand Runco told The Nugget that everyone played so hard, but just shot the ball poorly.

"We out-played them on the defensive end, but missed shots that had to go," said Runco. The officiating was typical of state tournaments, with very few calls made. With one minute and 30 seconds to go, each team had three fouls.

"Our kids did a great job handling the physical play, but we missed some lay-ins against really physical play. We took good shots, but needed to hit a few more outside shots. It was a well-played, very physical game by both teams. They just had a few more shots fall. A few of ours that went in-and-out would have made it a different story."

Connor Schaab led the Outlaws with 10 points, Steen Johnson scored seven, and Tysen Gill, Keegan Greaney, and Justin Harrer each scored four.

The Outlaws wrapped up a great season with a 16-9 overall record.

"It's a really hard season to say good-bye to the team," said Runco. "They have been a great team and worked so hard to be that team. They were one of the top defensive teams in the state. The Scappoose and South Umpqua coaches said we played the best team defense they had seen a high school team play, and they feared our defense. We will miss all of the seniors that are really great people on and off the court: Ben Larson, Connor Schaab, Lane Adams, Tysen Gill and Justin Harrer. They are all great leaders by example for the entire program."