Outlaws claim league title along with Cottage Grove

The Outlaws wrapped up league play with two wins, which earned them a tie with Cottage Grove for the league title. Sisters defeated Junction City 41-23 at home on Tuesday, February 14, and on Friday earned a 43-39 victory on the road at Elmira.

Sisters honored seniors Keegan Greaney, Tanner and Tyler Head, Ben Saba, Jake Larson, and JW Bertagna prior to tip-off in Tuesday's game.

The Outlaws played very good defense and were solid on both ends of the court. Junction City played a very patient game, and made a good effort to cut down the Outlaws' possessions.

The Outlaws made good on the opportunities they got in transition and steadily built a lead. Sisters' defense smothered the Tigers and refused to give them easy buckets.

"Many times they (Tigers) could not find daylight to get a shot off," said Coach Rand Runco. "Our guards made it really hard for them to penetrate at all."

Sisters guards took care of the ball and shot the ball well. The Outlaws went five-for-11 from behind the arc against the Tigers' zone and consistently pounded them inside. Sisters bigs -Ty Horner, Tyler and Tanner Head, and JW Bertagna, who was back from an injury - all played tough on the glass and outscored them 22-4 in the paint.

The Outlaws committed eight turnovers in the game, but forced double that.

Jack Berg hit three three-pointers, and Horner and Saba added some long-range shots. Horner finished the game with 13 points, Tyler Head and Jack Berg both scored nine, and Keegan Greaney added four.

Runco noted Tyler Head and Keegan Greaney for their play.

"Tyler really stepped up offensively and finished some great looks in the paint," said Runco. "Keegan was again outstanding, and defensively tormented the offense with many deflections and multiple steals.

"It was a really good night honoring our seniors, and a good return after a tough loss to Sutherlin last week," said Runco.

The win against Elmira on Friday put the Outlaws in a tie with Cottage Grove for the Sky-Em title.

Sisters started out tough on defense, but missed six shots at the rim. They started to connect in the second quarter and at the half had doubled up on the Tigers 18-9.

The Outlaws had several untimely turnovers, and had a lapse in defense which allowed Elmira back in. The Falcons also hit some tough perimeter shots from well behind the arc and took a five-point lead.

The Outlaws' seniors stepped up and really battled for the win. Keegan was everywhere and defensively deflected balls and stole the ball. Tanner Head finished several in the paint and Ty Horner (junior) dominated the defensive glass. Sisters edged out the Falcons and won by four.

Greaney led the team with 10 points, Ben Saba and Tanner Head each recorded nine, Horner contributed seven, and Tyler Head added four.

"We knew it would be a battle as the Falcons are always tough at home," said Runco. "The boards were definitely the key to the game. We didn't shoot well from the line until crunch time. It was a good road win and got us the co-league title with Cottage Grove."

The Outlaws were to face Cottage Grove in a head-to-head battle at Sweet Home on Tuesday, February 21, to determine the No. 1 and No. 2 seed. The winner will wait until the first round of state and the other will play a play-in game on Friday, February 24.