Chieftains take out Bruce, get caved in by the Diggers
By Ginna Young Lake Holcombe was on the road for not one, but two Regional playoff games, defeating one foe who was familiar to them.
March 4 vs. Bruce Regional (W 63-50) As the No. 9 seed, Lake Holcombe met familiar opponent Bruce, the No. 8 seed, to begin the first round of Regional action. Coming out in a triangle and staying in junk defense all night, Bruce didn’t have an answer for the Chieftains’ scoring.
“We had planned on this happening and had spent most of the last week working it in practice,” said coach Dave Engel. “Bruce didn’t have an answer for inside all night.”
Because of the work by Connor Kane, Bruce couldn’t stop him, leading to a 63-50 victory by Lake Holcombe.
“He’s been working hard on his high post game and it showed tonight,” said Engel. “Defensively, Brody Miller did an outstanding job, being physical inside and helping on dribble penetration, while recovering hard. Kyle Heidtke again was our motor on defense, and our two wings and top did great applying pressure.”
Sophomore Emmit Johnson finished the night with 23 points, while Kane had 19 and senior Brian Strzok came away with 14. Miller added 4 points to the mix and Heidtke connected on a three-point shot.
“It was great to see the seniors add a playoff win to their credentials,” said Engel.
March 7 vs. Mellen Regional (L 78-48) A few days later, the Chieftains were off to No. 1 Mellen, but this game was much different than the first playoff bout.
“Mellen came out prepared for us,” said Engel. “We missed a few rotations to stop ball rotation and Mellen was able to capitalize on each missed rotation.”
Lake Holcombe was down 18 at halftime and despite Strzok’s best efforts to get the team back in the game, the Chieftains watched the Granite Diggers take the win, 7848, putting an end to the season.
“Mellen was just too good of a team to fall behind early by that deficit,” said Engel. “I’m extremely proud of how, throughout the season, this team has grown. They’ve overcome three weeks of sickness, multiple injuries and rose above distractions that arise throughout any season.”
Strzok finished with 22 points, while Johnson added 15 and Kane had 7. Miller and senior Trent Lee each chipped in with 2 points.
“Trent Lee’s and Brian Strzok’s senior leadership on, and off, the court, will be greatly missed next year,” said Engel.
