Chieftains hit a rough patch in conference action

Max Sauerwein, Lake Holcombe junior, attempts to block his Flambeau opponent on the Chieftains’ home court Feb. 4. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

Lake Holcombe faced some tough competition in the East Lakeland Conference, as the boys squad saw a three-game week.

Feb. 1 vs. New Auburn conference (L 72-31)

It was off the short distance to New Auburn, to begin the week for the Chieftains, but the game wouldn’t go exactly as planned.

By halftime, the Trojans led, 44-16. Coming out of halftime, the Chieftains still didn’t see their offense come to life, but their defense did hold New Auburn to just 28 points.

In the end, the Trojans took the game, 72-31. “Lake Holcombe just couldn’t get things rolling at New Auburn on Tuesday night,” said coach Joy Webster. “They (team) struggled both with turnovers and shooting, all around.”

Senior Dylan Bowen put up 20 of Lake Holcombe’s 31 points, while senior Brendan Anders added 4, followed by senior Sam Ewer with 3. Junior Harley Schroeder and freshman Ryley Craker chipped in 2 points each.

Schroeder led the team with 3 assists and Anders led the team with 5 rebounds.

Feb. 4 vs. Flambeau conference (L 95-47)

A few days later, undefeated Flambeau came to call. Although Lake Holcombe made some good shots and played tough defense, Flambeau racked up 63 points in the first half alone.

The Falcons were held to 32 in the second half, but the Chieftains couldn’t catch up and the match went to Flambeau, 95-47.

“Flambeau shot very well from inside and outside, and was just the better team tonight,” said Webster.

Anders led the team in scoring, with 18 points, with Bowen right behind, with 14. Ewer followed that up with 7, while Schroeder and freshman Owen Meddaugh each knocked in 3 points. Freshman Trent Lee also got in on the scoring, with 2 points.

Schroeder had 4 assists on the night, while Ewer led the team in rebounds, with 7, followed by Bowen, with 5.

Feb. 7 vs. Bruce conference (L 97-43)

The Chieftains regrouped over the weekend, before their away game against Bruce. However, Bruce also put up too many points on the board to contend with.

Lake Holcombe saw the match-up go to the home team, 97-43.

With the losses over the week, Lake Holcombe’s record sits at 6-13 overall and 6-7 in league play.