Outlaws earn win over the Wolfpack

The boys basketball squad defeated the Wolfpack at Caldera in a final score of 49-36 on Saturday, January 9. Their game against Klamath Union that was scheduled for Tuesday, January 4, was cancelled due to inclement weather and plans are to reschedule it at a later date.

Saturday’s match-up against the Wolfpack was the first game the Outlaws had played in nine days, and their first game on the road in three weeks. Needless to say, Sisters had a hard time in the first quarter finding rhythm on the offensive end of the court. It was a defensive slugfest, and the Wolfpack’s aggressive man-to-man defense forced the Outlaws into tough, contested shots that were not part of their offensive game plan. At the close of the quarter Sisters trailed 6-9.

Caldera continued their defensive pressure in the second quarter and forced the Outlaws to take more quick shots. Sisters kept plugging away and right at the buzzer that ended the half Noah Pittman hit a long ball that gave the Outlaws their first lead of the game, 18-16, and good momentum that carried into the second half.

The Outlaws put the defensive clamps on the Wolfpack in the third quarter, and unlike the first half, they rebounded on the defensive end, and limited the Wolfpack to just one shot, which allowed them to increase their lead. Pittman had a great quarter and scored six of the Outlaws’ six points. Jesse Murillo contributed four points in the quarter to help the Outlaws push to a 33-24 lead.

In the final period, the Outlaws increased their lead behind a solid performance from Murillo, who scored 10 points in the quarter. Murillo took advantage of several offensive rebound opportunities and inside passes from driving teammates. Ricky Huffman scored six points and had some great finishes at the rim. Murillo and Huffman combined for all the points in the quarter and helped the Outlaws secure the 13-point victory.

Coach Chad Rush said, “This was a great game for us to play right before we head into league play on Tuesday. Facing a team that really pressured us and pushed us around a little will get us prepared for the competition we’ll face in the Oregon West Conference.”

“It was great to see players step up on the offensive end, when the Wolfpack harassed and annoyed Max Palanuk all game and limited him to just four points on the night,” added Rush. “Jesse, Ricky, and Noah had great games to carry the scoring load on a night when our leading scorer struggled to even touch the ball. This was a great team effort that I know will help us in league play.”

Murillo led the Outlaws with 17 points. Huffman and Pittman scored 11 points each, and Adam Maddox-Castle and Palanuk each added four.

Sisters was to play at home against Stayton on Tuesday, January 11. They will face the Sweet Home Huskies at home on Friday, January 14.