Chieftains make good start in second half of season

It was a busy week for the girls basketball program at Lake Holcombe, as they took on New Auburn, not once, but twice, and faced off against league-leading Flambeau.

Jan. 19 vs. New Auburn conference (W 49-36)

The Chieftains started out the week at home, taking on conference opponent New Auburn. Scoring proved to be key, as Lake Holcombe was up over the Trojans by seven at halftime and continued their scoring ways in the second part of the match-up.

New Auburn couldn’t catch up and the game went to the home team, 49-36.

“I really like seeing every player getting in the books,” said coach Jennifer Lechleitner.

Junior Brooke Lechleitner nailed two shots from long range, ending with 17 points, with freshman Emma Lechleitner right behind, with 10 points. Sophomore Karly Kirkman also knocked down a three-pointer, finishing with 7 points.

Senior Allison Golat-Hattamer recorded 5 points, while junior Carly Vavra added 4 points. Sophomores Justine Kane and Belle Jones each chipped in with 2 points, as did freshman Ella Hartzell.

“[The] team is coming together to hopefully finish out the season,” said J. Lechleitner.

Jan. 22 vs. Flambeau conference (L 55-51)

A few days later, the Chieftains hosted Flambeau who is undefeated this season, but didn’t have an easy time against Lake Holcombe. The game was a back-and-forth contest, tied up at the break, 29-29.

“These girls played their hearts out and it is so refreshing to see them all (seven) enjoy playing together,” said J. Lechleitner. “Outstanding team effort.”

Flambeau’s deeper bench proved to be the Chieftains undoing, as the game went the Falcons’ way, 55-51.

“We ran out of legs with only seven players,” said J. Lechleitner. “However, the Lake Holcombe girls played like they weren’t tired. Couldn’t be prouder.”

Kirkman again hit a three, ending with 18 points, while Hattamer and B. Lechleitner each had 11 points. E. Lechleitner also connected with a three-point shot, with 9 points on the night. Hartzell rounded out the scoring, with 2 points.

Jan. 25 vs. New Auburn conference (W 42-24)

The girls were back in action against New Auburn, this time, making the short trek to face the Trojans.

Lake Holcombe’s offense came to play, outscoring New Auburn, 21-5, in the first half. The second half was much closer, but the Chieftains held on for a 42-21 victory.

“Nice win for the Chieftains tonight,” said J. Lechleitner. “Almost all players got on the board.”

B. Lechleitner ended the night with 11 points, followed by E. Lechleitner, with 9. Kirkman was right behind, with 8, while Hattamer and Vavra finished with 5 points. Hartzell chipped in with 4 points.

“This is the best my team was from the line, hitting 70 percent,” said J. Lechleitner. “For us, starting the season with 7 percent to 70, is huge. Sure proud of them all.”