Lake Holcombe runs into trouble with Bears, Cats

By Ginna Young

It was a battle for the Lake Holcombe boys basketball program, as they faced off with two strong conference opponents.

Jan. 6 vs. Clayton conference (L 52-37)

The Chieftains traveled to Clayton, giving out their best defensive game of the year. Offensively, they fell a little short in each half and the Bears came away with the victory.

Lake Holcombe trailed 43-36, with 4:19 left, but would score just one point in the final four minutes.

“Though the final score was 52-37, in the end, it was much closer than the score,” said coach Joy Webster. “There were many lead changes in the game and we led 30-28, with just 10 minutes to go in the game. We then went on a fourminute scoring drought, which hurt.”

Junior Taye Yeager had another solid game offensively, putting up 17 points, including five of those coming from three pointers. Sophomore Brian Strzok added 7 points, along with 9 rebounds.

Senior Harley Schroeder added 6 points, while sophomore Ryley Craker chipped in with 4, as well as 5 steals. Junior Trent Nitek added 2 points on the night and sophomore Chase Burgess had 1.

“Free throws were the difference in this game, as they shot 18 for 28 from the line and we were just 3 for 10,” said Webster.

Jan. 9 vs. Birchwood conference (L 76-66)

Always tough competition, Birchwood then came to call, with Lake Holcombe battling hard, but falling short once again. The Bobcats held on for a 76-66 win over the Chieftains.

Schroeder and Strzok combined for 49 points, with 25 and 24 points, respectively. Strzok also had a double-double on the night, leading the team with 10 rebounds. Craker added 10 points to the mix, while Yeager chipped in with 5, followed by sophomore Trent Lee, with 2.

Yeager led the team with 6 assists, followed by Craker, with 4. Strzok and Craker combined, with 12 steals for the Chieftains.

Lake Holcombe is now 2-6 overall and 1-3 in league action.