Lady Outlaws post big basketball win over Woodburn

The Lady Outlaws notched a sweet 41-32 victory at home over Woodburn on Wednesday, February 6. The contest was played a day later than scheduled due to weather conditions.

At the start of the contest, Sisters came out aggressive and ready to play, and with approximately three minutes left in the first quarter held an 8-6 lead. The last couple of minutes the Outlaws had good looks at the basket, but couldn't get their shots to fall, and at the close of the period trailed 9-10.

Sydney Head made both her shots at the charity stripe to start the second quarter scoring, and the Outlaws regained the lead 11-10. Meaghan Greaney gave the Outlaws the big boost they needed, and scored seven of the Outlaws' 10 points in the quarter. At the half, Sisters was on top 19-16.

The Outlaws had an early 7-0 run in the third quarter, and midway through the period extended their lead to 26-20. Isabelle Spitler's two three-point shots highlighted the quarter, and the period ended with a nice dish from Hallie Schwartz to Greaney, who made the short shot for the score.

Head's three-point shot highlighted the final quarter. The Outlaws held the lead the entire second half and beat the Bulldogs by nine.

Greaney had an outstanding performance - the best game of her career. Meaghan posted Sisters' first double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Spitler had a great all-around game and recorded 10 points, including three threes.

Coach Brittaney Niebergall-Brown commented on Greaney's and Spitler's performance.

"Meaghan's strength and aggression was unmatched under the basket. Her hard work and dedication to improving her basketball skills really shined tonight. Isabelle hit two key three-pointers in the third quarter to give us momentum and stretch our lead."

Head also had a great game. Sydney tallied seven points, pulled down seven rebounds, and dished out five assists.

"Sydney had a terrific all-around game," said Niebergall-Brown. "Since day one, she has worked very, very hard at continuing to develop her game. I thought that things really came together for her and I am really happy she got to celebrate her performance with a win. She has been an excellent leader for our team, and her work ethic is there every day in practice and in games."

Sophia (Bianchi), at the point guard position, also had a strong performance, and Niebergall-Brown told The Nugget she knew she could trust Sophia to get the ball up the court as well as be a positive leader on the floor.

Payden Petterson and RylieReece Morgan also contributed in the rebounding effort, with six rebounds each.

"This was the most complete game we have played as a team," commented Niebergall-Brown. "A lot of things that we have been working on all year we are demonstrating with better skill and more confidence. I was really happy for the girls and appreciated the support of all our Future Lady Outlaws and their families. This win was not just a win at the varsity level, but it was a program victory as well. We're going to keep working in practice, and we'll see how we do in the last three games."

The Outlaws game at Philomath that was scheduled for Friday, February 8, was canceled due to poor weather conditions and will be played at a later date. Sisters was to play at home against Stayton on Tuesday, February 12. They will travel to Sweet Home on Friday.