The Lady Outlaws basketball squad fell to Burns 51-33 on December 20. The Highlanders are a 3A school with a good basketball program and entered the game with the Outlaws with a 5-2 record.

Both teams got off to a slow start and at the close of the first period the Outlaws trailed by two, 6-8. At the half, the Highlanders had extended their lead to 21-15. Payden Petterson hit a long ball at the end of the second quarter to keep the game close.

Burns continued to play hot in the second half, while the Outlaws were cold. After three quarters the Outlaws were behind by 12, with the score at 22-34. The Highlanders finished strong and scored 17 points in the final period, while the Outlaws scored 11.

Petterson led the Outlaws with nine points and freshman Shae Wyland recorded six. Twelve players got time on the court and eight of them scored points for the team.

Juhree Kizziar played well for the Outlaws as their back-up point guard, and hit a nice three-point shot in the final period. Starting point guard Emma Lutz got into foul trouble and had to spend time on the bench.

Josie Patton was able to rejoin the team after being out a couple of games due to injury. It was a help to the Outlaws to have her back at the post position.

It was a tough game for the Outlaws as they were short five players who were unable to make the trip due to injury and sickness. The team did play hard defensively and rebounded the basketball well.

“The main reason we came up short on the scoreboard was numerous turnovers that reduced our scoring opportunities,” said Coach Paul Patton. “After the game we reflected on what we learned from the game, and what we need to work on in the next few practices in order to improve.”