Outlaws wrap up season with wins

The Outlaws finished out the season with a bang with back-to-back wins against Bend and La Pine on Monday and Tuesday, June 21-22.

Sisters earned a solid 58-44 win against Bend on Monday. The Outlaws were down by two at the close of the first quarter, 15-17. They battled hard in the second period, and at the end of the quarter Max Palanuk hit a three-pointer that sent the Outlaws into the half with a five-point lead, 28-23, along with a big boost of momentum.

In the third, Sisters outscored Bend 15-9 and kept the lead until the final whistle. They held Bend to zero points in the paint in the final quarter.

Palanuk led the team with 18 points, and Nate Weber finished with 17. Camden Froelich scored 10 points, and Connor Linn added six. Linn and Ricky Huffman both had solid defensive efforts and rebounded the ball well.

Coach Rob Jensen said, “The boys played well together and did the little things well. Our help side defense improved as the game went on and Max and Nate hit a combined nine threes to really help our offensive effort.”

At home on Tuesday, the Outlaws not only celebrated their 64-40 victory over La Pine, but also honored seniors Camden Froelich, Connor Linn, and Nate Weber.

Jensen said, “These guys were solid leaders and led by example. They showed growth mindset and continued to grow both in the game of basketball and in maturity and character. I’m very proud of how they stuck with it through a tough league season and continued to work to get better. They were true seniors, which, after COVID and the off season we had, was easier said than done. They showed resilience and grit and were coachable throughout.”

Sisters started the game strong and held a 20-14 lead at the close of the first quarter. They really made a statement in the second period and outscored the visiting Hawks 17-6. Sisters headed into the half with a 37-20 advantage.

The Outlaws continued their solid play throughout the remainder of the contest, and executed a few outstanding lob plays to both Palanuk and Weber.

The seniors did their job on senior night, a solid 14-17 from the free-throw line, which put away a scrappy La Pine squad.

Palanuk continued his hot streak and hit three triples, and used his length around the basket to score a season-high 21. Froelich and Weber tallied 16 points each. Griffin Gardner was a spark for the Outlaws from off the bench with five points and several rebounds.

Jensen told The Nugget that Froelich and Weber attacked the rim well and Linn did a good job on the boards.