Chieftains starting to nd rhythm again on the court

By Ginna Young Taking on New Auburn, at home, Feb. 14, the Lake Holcombe boys basketball program was in for a battle in the East Lakeland Conference game.

"This was a close game, with multiple lead changes," said coach Dave Engel. “We came into the game knowing that we couldn’t stop New Auburn’s bigs, but hoped to contain them." Engel and assistant coach Allison Golat-Hattamer decided their best bet, was to attack in transition and pressure their guards.

“Throughout the game, we were able to do both, with some really good play from our back court," said Engel.

By halftime, the Chieftains were only down by four points, with sophomore Emmit Johnson and senior Brian Strzok continuing to dominate, defensively and oensive ly.

“Brian picked apart anything they threw at him all night and Emmit really got aggressive with the ball," said Engel. “Connor Kane was able to come alive inside and found Brody Miller, when he started to see the double team. Brody did a great job being physical against New Auburn's three bigs, and Kyle Heidtke chipped in oen - sively and was our motor on defense." Despite the eorts, the game went to the Trojans, 63- 53.

Johnson led for the Chieftains, with 19 points, while Strzok, Miller and Heidtke all ended the night with 10 points, and Kane had 4.

Lake Holcombe now sits at 8-13 on the year and at 5-9 in conference play.

"We're starting to find our rhythm again, after injuries and the flu devastated us for the last three weeks," said Engel.