More work needed, but future looks promising

By Ginna Young

Starting the year with a trio of games, the Lake Holcombe girls basketball program took on three opponents out of the league.

Dec. 3 vs. LCO non-conference (W 26-25)

To begin the season, the Chieftains hosted Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO), in what was a low-scoring affair on both sides.

“It was a tight game and offense was having a hard time buying buckets, but defense was strong, and allowed us to generate turnovers and points,” said coach Matthew Stewart. “Our adjustments at halftime and the heart of our team, allowed for us to field a comeback in the second half of the game.”

At the buzzer, the match went to Lake Holcombe by a single point, 26-25.

Sophomore Payton Birkenholz ended with 13 points, while freshman Leyla Beaudin and junior Alexia Hoffner played a great game defensively, generating multiple mistakes for the opposing team.

“We have some things to clean up, but I am really proud of the team for battling back and coming out on top,” said Stewart.

Dec. 5 vs. Gilman non-conference (L 75-18)

A couple days later, the Chieftains were off to Gilman, but a lack of offense led to a 75-18 defeat.

Dec. 6 vs. Luck non-conference (L 73-32)

The next night, Luck came to call, but Lake Holcombe was unable to get past them, dropping the game, 73-32.