<I>Hector del Castillo/Chieftain</I><BR>Enterprise seventh grader Elsa Steen scores two points for the junior high Outlaws.

A coach’s ability to notice subtle details can make a big impact on a game.

Trailing the Elgin Junior High School girls’ basketball players at halftime Jan. 18, the Outlaws closed off the right side of the lane. The slight adjustment forced several turnovers, and the Outlaws took advantage. In its strong second half, Enterprise Junior High School came from behind for a 32-30 victory, the team’s second win that day.

“One of my coaches noticed that (the Huskies) wouldn’t go to their left,” said Enterprise eighth grader Whitney Schaefer, who contributed seven points to the effort. “I watched their timing – we’ve talked about it before: if you’re not left-hand-dominant, you’re kinda slow with that side. We forced them to their left and made some steals.”

In addition to Schaefer’s seven points, the Outlaws had seventh-grader Marta Stangel’s nine points and eighth grader Shelby Graning’s eight. Elsa Steen, Myranda McFetridge, Morgan Green and Claire Carper each made a basket.

Shortly after halftime, the Outlaws converted steals into three straight layups to tie the score, 20-20. The Huskies stayed even until the final quarter. Stangel sank a lay up for a 24-24 tie and added another to take the lead. Graning quickly followed with a basket as the Outlaws took control.

Earlier in the morning, the younger junior high Outlaws beat the Huskies, 26-21. Stangel and Steen led in scoring with six points apiece. Stephanie George, Kylie Willis and Green each tallied four points, while Silja Christoffersen made a basket.