Lake Holcombe ends week on a winning streak

Allison Golat-Hattmer, Lake Holcombe senior, grabs a rebound on her home court Jan. 29, against conference opponent Birchwood. The Chieftains raced out to an early lead and reeled in a 67-24 win on the night. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

As the season draws to a close, the Lake Holcombe girls program is holding steady, after a trio of wins over the last week.

Jan. 26 vs. Winter conference (W 62-50)

It was an away game at Winter to begin the week, with the Chieftains leading over the Warriors at the break, 33-23.

“Missed a lot under the basket,” said coach Jennifer Lechleitner. “However, we were able to get to the charity line in the second half.”

Although it was close in the second half, 29-27, Lake Holcombe’s lead from the first edged the game in their favor. The Chieftains brought home the victory, 62-50.

Junior Brooke Lechleitner led with 23 points, followed by freshman Emma Lechleitner, with 19. Sophomore Karly Kirkman ended her night with 14 points, while senior Allison Golat-Hattamer connected with a three, finishing with 5 points.

Junior Carly Vavra chipped in with 1 point.

“Another nice conference win for the girls tonight,” said J. Lechleitner.

Jan. 29 vs. Birchwood conference (W 67-24)

After several days of rest, the Chieftains hosted Birchwood, with Lake Holcombe offering up a scoring barrage.

“Our team is playing together and they want to see each other succeed,” said J. Lechleitner.

It was 42-12 at halftime, in favor of Lake Holcombe. The second half didn’t see the Chieftains score as high, but it wasn’t necessary, as Birchwood’s scoring simply wasn’t there.

The match-up went to Lake Holcombe, 67-24.

“Another conference win to go into seeding with,” said J. Lechleitner.

B. Lechleitner again led with 18 points, while Kirkman was right behind, with 15 points. Hattamer came next, with 13 points, and Vavra ended with 10 points.

E. Lechleitner finished the night with 6 points, sophomore Belle Jones added 3 and freshman Ella Hartzell got on the board, with 2 points.

“This was an especially nice win in front of the athletes’ parents, as it was parents night for us,” said J. Lechleitner. “Without the support from the parents, we wouldn’t be playing. So, a big thank you goes out to them.”

Feb. 1 vs. Bruce conference (W 62-44)

Making the trek to Bruce, Lake Holcombe finished out their week against the Red Raiders. The Chieftains kept up their scoring pattern from the previous games, putting good numbers on the board in the first half.

Lake Holcombe went into halftime, up by 11, but Bruce decided to mount a comeback in the second half, scoring 27 points. The Chieftains weren’t about to be shut down and added 34 points of their own, to take a 62-44 road victory.

“It wasn’t a pretty win, but it’s another conference win,” said J. Lechleitner.

Kirkman led the charge for Lake Holcombe, with 21 points, including a three-pointer, followed by E. Lechleitner, who ended with 18 points. B. Lechleitner was next, with 13.

Hattamer finished the night with 5 points, Hartzell added 3 and Jones chipped in with 2.

The Chieftains are now second in the East Lakeland Conference, with an 8-3 league record and 8-6 overall.

“We are playing Bruce for our first playoff game,” said J. Lechleitner. “We need to make some adjustments before then.”