Girls basketball loses on the hardwood

Sisters' young squad lost two more games on the hardwood last week. The Lady Outlaws fell 31-17 to Cottage Grove (CG) at home on Wednesday, February 8, and two days later lost 58-28 to the Falcons at Elmira.

Due to inclement weather, the Outlaws' Tuesday game against CG was rescheduled and played a day later. Once again, the team struggled to make baskets.

Sisters only shot 16 percent from the field and 56 percent from the stripe, and the fast pace of the game resulted in 22 turnovers.

Hogan Hernandez led the Outlaws with seven points, and Grace Sundstrom added four.

Two days later, Sisters lost to No. 4-ranked Sutherlin.

The game featured two completely different halves. In the first half, the Bulldogs hit seven shots from behind the arc for 21 of their 38 first-half points, while Sisters was held to eight points in the half.

In the second half, the Outlaws played much better, and stayed even with the Bulldogs. Both teams put 20 points on the scoreboard.

Rylee Weber led the team with 11 points, four steals and two assists. Olivia Hougham contributed seven points and three steals, and Hernandez added five points.

Despite the frustrations, the young and fairly inexperienced Outlaws continue to work hard and hold their heads high.

Rylee Weber said, "It stinks to have games where our shots won't fall, and Sutherlin is a very well-coached group of girls. Our team works hard and has great attitudes, and I'm proud to play and learn with them, win or lose."

Coach Alan Von Stein commented on the Outlaws struggles:

"The girls have grasped the offense and defense, but have struggled with turnovers and getting the ball through the hoop. As they get more court time and the game begins to slow down for them, the turnovers will start to decrease. The same is true for putting the ball in the hoop."

The Outlaws have two games left in the season. They were to play at home against Junction City on Tuesday, February 14, and then wrap up the year on Friday, February 17, at Elmira.