Girls hoops earn win over Sweet Home

The girls basketball team earned a 38-21 win at home over the Sweet Home Huskies on Friday, February 12.

Sisters got off to a slow start, but at the close of the first quarter managed to hold a 10-5 advantage. The Outlaws were not very aggressive in their offensive execution but headed into the half with a 16-8 lead.

In the second half of the contest, the Outlaws picked up the tempo, drove the lanes, and pushed the pace more, and that combination paid off. Sisters held onto the lead and beat the Huskies by 17 points.

"We had good contributions off the bench tonight in terms of energy, and I think it was when we rotated some of our younger players into the game that we finally upped our tempo and broke the game open," said Coach Casey Pallister. "All in all, I'm proud of the total team effort."

Pallister told The Nugget that Mia Cook, Meaghan Greaney, and Sydney Head were the younger players who really brought a spark of energy on defense when they entered the game, and all contributed to the team win.

Nina Horner led the team with 14 points and seven rebounds. Rylee Weber contributed seven points, seven rebounds, and five steals. Beth Bachmeier recorded seven points, six rebounds, and had one three-pointer in the contest.

The Outlaws shot 70 percent from the free-throw line, going seven-for-ten on the night.

Three days earlier, they lost 31-28 to the Lions at Cottage Grove. In Tuesday's action against the Lions, the Outlaws closed out the low-scoring first quarter with a 5-4 advantage. Sisters continued to keep the momentum and at the half were on top 13-9.

Sisters did face some adversity, as they were down two players who usually contribute huge minutes. Jules Meeter was out with an ankle sprain, and Rylee Weber was unable to play. The team stepped up to the challenge, and most girls played the entire game without a break.

The Outlaws played hard defense and avoided foul trouble.

Sisters lost their lead in the final quarter. The Lions' posts were able to get several easy shots from inside, including second-chance opportunities.

"We struggled once again to find consistency on the offensive end, and weren't able to put together any runs," said Pallister. "They took control from the start of the fourth with a run, and we never recovered."

Olivia Stewart led the Outlaws with 11 points and eight rebounds. Beth Bachmeier added eight points.

Pallister told The Nugget that Alexa Stewart continues to be one of the best on-ball defenders in the Sky-Em League.

Olivia Stewart commented on the Lions' come-from-behind win.

"In the fourth they hit some uncontested shots to get back into the game," said Stewart. "I think that got into our heads, and allowed them to keep their momentum rolling."

The Outlaws were to play at home against Junction City on Tuesday, February 16, and will play at Elmira on Thursday, February 18. Currently the Lady Outlaws are 3-5 in league play.