Chieftains run over Cats, lose steam with Falcons

Coming off a tough non-conference game, the Lake Holcombe girls basketball program began East Lakeland Conference play.

Dec. 15 vs. Birchwood conference (W 75-13)

In the first of the two away games, the Chieftains traveled to Birchwood, where Lake Holcombe put on a scoring show, notching 41 points in the first half, opposed to Birchwood’s three.

“This was a great way to start our conference play,” said coach Jennifer Lechleitner.

Birchwood rallied somewhat in the second half, but Lake Holcombe added another 34 points, to take a 75-13 victory.

“Our goal was to have everyone score and I also was able to play all of my underclassman a lot,” said Lechleitner. “They impressed me by how much they wanted to be out on the court.”

Freshman Emma Lechleitner led the way, with 21 points, while junior Brooke Lechleitner notched 17 points. Sophomore Karly Kirkman hit three shots beyond the arc, finishing with 13 points.

Sophomore Justine Kane came next with 9 points, including a three-pointer, followed by senior Allison Golat-Hattamer, with 7 points. Sophomore Belle Jones added 4 points, three of those from beyond the arc, and junior Carly Vavra and freshman Ella Hartzell each chipped in with 2 points.

“This game allowed us to rest some of our athletes for the next conference game against Flambeau,” said J. Lechleitner.

Dec. 18 vs. Flambeau conference (L 55-36)

“It was a long week for the Lake Holcombe team of eight,” said J. Lechleitner.

That’s what Lake Holcombe’s coach said after the road game at Flambeau to finish out the week before winter break.

“Not only did they come off of four weeks virtual school, seven required days of practice and this being the third game of the week, really took its toll and you can tell by the final score,” said J. Lechleitner.

Flambeau outscored the Chieftains almost double in the first half, 35-18, and while Lake Holcombe rallied somewhat in the second half, it just wasn’t enough. The Falcons claimed a 55-36 victory, sending Lake Holcombe’s record to 1-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play.

“I’m hoping with rest this weekend off, we can travel to Clear Lake and give them some competition,” said J. Lechleitner.

B. Lechleitner led the way on scoring for Lake Holcombe, with 11 points, three of those coming from three-point land, while Hattamer and Kane each had 8. E. Lechleitner also hit a three, for 7 points and Kirkman added 2 points.

“The Lake Holcombe girls are behind with conditioning, compared to many schools in our conference, as we couldn’t have our first practice until Dec. 5,” said J. Lechleitner. “I know we will come out striving to hit the top of our conference.”

Cutline: Emma Lechleitner, Lake Holcombe freshman, plays keep away with Cadott defenders, after grabbing a rebound on her home court Dec. 14. The Chieftains fought hard, but the numbers game caught up with them and Cadott walked away with a 58-47 victory. Photo by Ginna Young