Chieftains dominate Cats

By Ginna Young

The Lake Holcombe girls basketball program split a pair of games over the week, with a big win over a league opponent.

Jan. 23 vs. Birchwood conference (W 51-19)

Birchwood came to call on the Chieftains, but forgot to pack their offense, which worked in Lake Holcombe’s favor. The Bobcats scored a mere two points in the first half, opposed to Lake Holcombe’s 35.

The second half was more enouraging for Birchwood, as they outscored the Chieftains, but with the large lead from the first half to fall back on, Lake Holcombe reeled in the win, 51-19.

“It was nice to get a win like this and get everybody some good minutes,” said coach Chris Clark.

Senior Emma Lechleitner came away with an impressive 26 points, followed by freshman Payton Birkenholz, with 9, while freshman Katya Kuc ended with 5. Sophomore Megan Paff was right behind, with 4 points, and junior Abby Jones, sophomore Alexia Hoffner and freshman Maria Andres, all added 2 points.

Freshman Cloey McGinn also got in on the scoring, connecting a free throw.

“They worked hard and played well,” said Clark.

Jan. 29 vs. Eleva-Strum non-conference (L 67-37)

A weekend off, and it was time to face non-conference opponent Eleva-Strum on the Chieftains’ home court. Eleva proved too much for Lake Holcombe and the game went to the visitors, 67-37.

Lechleitner again led for the Chieftains, with 16 points, while Jones came up with 10 and Kuc added 4. Right behind, with a three-pointer, was Birkenholz, and Hoffner and Paff each chipped in with 2 points.