Chieftains downed by the Chiefs in conference clash

By Ginna Young

In an intense battle for bragging rights, the Lake Holcombe Chieftains Boys Basketball team hosted the Cornell Chiefs Feb. 15. Both teams were down starters, but Cornell looked for revenge from the season’s earlier meeting.

“We accomplished four of our team’s six goals at the contest’s end,” said Cornell coach Steve Parker.

The first half saw the Chiefs go into halftime up by seven, running a triangle and two-defense to contain Holcombe’s top scorers.

“Then Harley Schroeder decided to crash our zone party and pump in 16 first-half points,” said Parker. “He singlehandedly kept Holcombe in the game, after the home team fell behind by as much as 15 in the first half.”

The Chieftains would rally in the second half, tying the game.

“We, however, refused to panic and closed out the game on a 10-2 run, which is what our team has done to five of our last six opponents,” said Parker.

Without senior Sam Ewer and junior Max Sauerwein, Lake Holcombe turned to freshmen Owen Meddaugh, Trent Lee and Ryley Craker, and sophmore Taye Yeager.

“They all stepped up and made some nice contributions to the team,” said Lake Holcombe coach Joy Webster.

Meddaugh hit a three for the tie, but Cornell pulled away to take the conference match, 69-56.

Leading for Cornell, was junior Blake Anders, who finished at the rim with 23 points, a career-best 17 rebounds, to go along with 2 blocks, 2 assists and 2 steals.

“Blake Anders played his best varsity game to date,” said Parker. “He also had his younger brother, Hunter (freshman), get his first start. He finished with 4 points, 9 rebounds, an assist and a steal. I was proud of him for his solid performance.”

Junior Dylan Bowe continued to serve as the “floor general,” garnering 22 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal.

“It’s so much fun watching him eviscerate the opponent’s defense week after week,” said Parker.

Junior Avery Turany played one day removed from missing school with an illness, scoring scoring 7 points, recording 5 assists, 2 steals and drawing a charge.

“He was nowhere near 100 percent, but gave an all-out effort, nevertheless,” said Parker.

Junior Dawson Munson contributed 13 points, 7 rebounds and a steal.

On the Chieftains’ side, the junior Schroeder had a great night, leading the way with 24 points, followed by senior Dylan Bowen, with 22. Yeager chipped in with 5, followed by Meddaugh’s 3, while senior Nate Jones chipped in with 2 points.

Schroeder had another double-double on the season, with 10 rebounds followed by Jones, with 8. Jones led the team with 3 steals and 4 assists.