Chieftains spoil Bobcats’ previously perfect record

By Ginna Young

It’s always fun to play the role of spoiler, which is what the Lake Holcombe boys basketball program did Dec. 15, when they headed to undefeated Birchwood. The Chieftains were down by eight points at halftime and junior starter Ryley Craker had picked up his third foul with 10 minutes left to go before the break.

“It was an all-around battle from the start to the finish,” said coach Joy Webster.

Thankfully, junior Owen Meddaugh and freshman Emmit Johnson did a good job filling the void. Coming out of halftime, Lake Holcombe made some adjustments defensively and within minutes, closed the gap.

Most of the second half was within six points, either direction, but with just 14 seconds to go in the game, junior Brian Strzok hit a clutch free throw, to put the Chieftains up by three. Birchwood had a last-second shot with no time left on the clock and Lake Holcombe went home the victor, 68-65.

“These boys fought hard the entire night, and I am proud of every one of them,” said Webster.

Strzok led all scorers, with 25 points and completed a double-double, with 10 rebounds, while leading with 6 assists. Johnson hit some key shots and dropped a season high 17 points, including five shots from beyond the arc, while junior Chase Burgess hit double digits, with 11 points and recording 9 rebounds.

Craker finished with 10 points, 4 assists and 3 steals. “Trent Nitek (senior) had a tough assignment guarding their (Birchwood) big man, but did awesome in the second half, holding him to just three of his 15 points,” said Webster.

Nitek also was able to pull down 6 rebounds and chipped in on scoring with 1 point, while senior Taye Yeager did a good job running the offense, after Craker’s foul trouble, and added 4 points to the mix.