Lake Holcombe sits near top of league with big win

By Ginna Young

The girls basketball program is on a roll at Lake Holcombe, after the squad took out undefeated power house Prairie Farm.

Feb. 8 vs. Bruce conference (W 61-43)

First up on the week’s schedule, was Bruce, where Lake Holcombe traveled to the Red Raiders for the East Lakeland Conference match. The Chieftains got off to a good start in the first half, taking a 32-21 lead into halftime.

The second half would be much of the same, with Lake Holcombe taking the victory, 61-43.

“[I] was able to get our under classmen in with more minutes against Bruce,” said coach Jennifer Lechleitner.

Senior Brooke Lechleitner led with 18 points, with sophomore Emma Lechleitner right behind with 13. Junior Justine Kane knocked in 12 points and junior Karly Kirkman followed that up with 11 points, including a three-point shot.

Senior Carly Vavra recorded 4 points and freshman Abby Jones connected on a three-point shot.

Feb. 10 vs. Prairie Farm conference (W 63-58 OT)

“WHAT A GAME!!!” That’s what came to everyone’s mind, after Lake Holcombe made the trek to undefeated conference opponent Prairie Farm.

The Chieftains were down by seven at the break, but outscored the Panthers, 27-20 in the second half to send the game into overtime.

“At one point, we were down 30-15 and that’s how fast the game moved all night,” said J. Lechleitner.

Lake Holcombe refused to give up without a fight and eeked out a 63-58 win in overtime.

“We are the only one so far in [the] conference to beat Prairie Farm and what a great feeling that is with ONLY seven players,” said J. Lechleitner.

E. Lechleitner led for the Chieftains, with 17 points, with B. Lechleitner right behind, with 16. Kirkman knocked down two shots from beyond the arc, ending with 13 points. Kane added 8 points, followed by Jones, with 4, while Vavra chipped in with 2.

The Chieftains sit at second in the conference, with a 14-5 overall record and 10-2 in the league.

“The girls played so well for each other and just wanted a win,” said J. Lechleitner. “As a coach, that is the best feeling.”