Lake Holcombe adds wins to their record

By Ginna Young

It was all wins for the Lake Holcombe girls basketball squad, after the Chieftains stepped out of the conference, then took a dominating win over Winter.

Jan. 27 Riverside Homeschool Group non-conference (W 65-32)

“We had a big gap between games, so we picked up this non-conference game,” said coach Jennifer Lechleitner. “Flambeau played them earlier in the season, so we thought we would pick them up also.”

Lake Holcombe played host to the Riverside Homeschool Group, gaining more experience and honing the skills of the Chieftains. It was all Lake Holcombe in the first half, as they went into halftime, up by 17 points.

The second half was almost a repeat of the first and the Chieftains took the win, 65-32.

Leading for the Chieftains, was sophomore Emma Lechleitner, with 20 points, with senior Brooke Lechleitner right behind, with 19 points, including a three-pointer. Junior Karly Kirkman also notched two shots from beyond the arc and senior Carly Vavra connected from long range, ending with 5 points.

Freshman Abby Jones ended the night with 4 points and junior Justine Kane shot a free throw, for 1 point.

“Our team is down to seven players for the next few weeks, so controlling fouls will be key,” said J. Lechleitner. “We need to play smarter as a team and move the ball around.”

Jan. 28 vs. Winter conference (W 72-44)

The next night, Lake Holcombe saw Winter come to town, with the Chieftains opening a scoring barrage on the visiting warriors.

Lake Holcombe went into halftime, up 42-28 and held Winter to just 16 points in the second half. The Warriors never came close to threatening the Chieftains’ lead and the game went to the home team, 72-44.

“I absolutely love seeing every one of my players scoring,” said J. Lechleitner. “It builds confidence and team moral. Justine Kane came out with a great game, scoring her highest in her high school career yet.”

B. Lechleitner led for Lake Holcombe, with 25 points, including a three-pointer, with Kane knocking down a couple shots from long range and finishing with 20 points. Kirkman also connected on a three, ending with 9 points.

E. Lechleitner recorded 8 points on the night, followed by Vavra, with 5. Jones added 3 and freshman Emily Kirkman chipped in with 2 points.

The wins improve Lake Holcombe’s record to 10-5 overall and to 6-2 in the East Lakeland Conference.

“We are now in our second round of conference play, so it’s nice to come out with another win,” said J. Lechleitner.