Outlaws split tough league games

The boys basketball squad posted a 51-41 win at home over Cascade on Thursday, January 10, and a day later dropped their game against Woodburn in a final score of 48-35.

Thursday's game against Cascade was the second league game for the Outlaws, and was rescheduled from Tuesday to Thursday due to poor weather conditions. The Cougars are a fairly young team with not a lot of size, but one of the best overall shooting teams in the league, who entered the game with an 8-3 record.

The Outlaws came out firing on all cylinders, and toward the end of the second period held a 25-9 lead. Cascade hit two three-point shots late in the quarter and at the half Sisters was up by 10, with a score of 25-15.

Sisters continued to play well, and controlled the pace of the game, but just couldn't get away from the Cougars. The Outlaws turned the ball over, and the Cougars made a run.

Jack Berg hit some big shots, and Ryan Waddell and Zach Anderson pounded the glass, which gave the Outlaws some extra chances.

With under three minutes left on the clock, Anderson blocked a three-point shot and Berg picked up the ball and fed Noah Richards on a breakaway for the score. The Outlaws were able to steal the ball and get it to Jude Carhart on a fast break which iced the game.

Berg led the Outlaws with 24 points. Anderson scored eight, Waddell had six, and Brad Eagan added five. Carhart and Noah Richards contributed four points each.

Coach Rand Runco told The Nugget that the Outlaws followed their game plan and defended well early in the game.

A day later the Outlaws traveled to Woodburn, who is ranked No. 4 in the state and averages 70 points per game.

Woodburn's RJ Veliz is one of the best guards in the state, and he made it very difficult for the Outlaws to defend. According to Runco, his mid-range shot is deadly, he can shoot the three, and he puts the ball on the floor in both directions.

In addition to Veliz, the Bulldogs have several players who can shoot, and a 6'5" post in the paint.

The Outlaws struggled to score from the get-go. It was difficult to contain Veliz, but Sisters did hold the rest of their team down and controlled their explosive scoring.

Sisters was down by 10 at the half, but kept battling. In the second half, the Outlaws were able to cut the Bulldog lead to eight twice, but each time they pulled to within striking distance, Veliz flew by them or hit a three to score.

Berg hit big shots to keep the Outlaws within range, but the Outlaws struggled to get to the rim. Sisters started to score in the final minutes, but gave up some offensive boards, and some good drives didn't hit pay dirt. Woodburn held onto their lead and beat the Outlaws by 13.

Berg led the Outlaws with 19 points.

"Credit goes to Woodburn for really containing us defensively, and beating us on the glass," said Runco. "We need to get more physical against physicality that we face. I was proud of our fight, but we just did not play well."

Sisters was scheduled to play at home against Philomath on Tuesday, January 15. The Outlaws will play on the road at Stayton on Friday.