The Lady Outlaws backed their exciting finish with a strong start.

Enterprise High School girls basketball team last week, playing without its injured captain, senior Alex McCadden, won both its games. The Outlaws traveled Jan. 21 to Heppner, where senior forward Hannah Graham banked four baskets in the fourth quarter as Enterprise battled from behind most of the night but finished on top by a score of 41-39. The following night in Stanfield, the Outlaws started strong and held off a late rally by the Tigers. Enterprise returned home victorious, 36-32.

Back-to-back wins against Blue Mountain Conference rivals kept the Outlaws in second place, their record at 7-1. Their mark overall improved to 13-3.

We know were one of the top 10 in the state, coach Mike Crawford said. From now on, we have to get our act together and play our best every night.

Sophomore Marta Stangel led the offense. She scored over the weekend a total of 18 points. Junior Whitney Schaefer was good for 16 points, freshman Hayley Riggs tallied 13. Graham and junior Shelby Graning each ended up with 10 points. Sophomore Elsa Steen made 5 points, senior Karli McCarthy had 3. Freshman Amy Edison chipped in a basket.

Next, the Outlaws will travel Jan. 28 to Athena. The following night, Enterprise will host Pilot Rock, the top squad in Blue Mountain.