Chieftains struggle against two sets of tough Panthers

By Ginna Young

Lake Holcombe’s boys basketball program couldn’t overcome two teams over the week, as the season is more than halfway through.

Jan. 17 vs. Prairie Farm conference (L 73-64)

Beginning the week, the Chieftains headed to Prairie Farm, for a showdown with the Panthers.

The first half was mostly Prairie Farm, but Lake Holcombe outscored the Panthers in the second part of the game. It wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit and the home team took the win, 73-64.

Sophomore Brian Strzok and senior Harley Schroeder combined for 46 of Lake Holcombe’s 64 points, with 26 and 20 points, respectively.

“Strzok was hot from outside, hitting seven, threes on the night,” said coach Joy Webster.

Sophomore Ryley Craker added 9 points, along with junior Taye Yeager’s 8, while junior Trent Nitek chipped in with 1 point.

Strzok and senior Abram Wininger led the team with 6 rebounds each, followed by Yeager and Nitek, who each had 5. Craker led the team with 5 assists and 3 steals, and Schroeder had 3 steals on the night.

Jan. 23 vs. Gilmanton non-conference (L 74-37)

After almost a week of downtime, Lake Holcombe traveled to Gilmanton, where scoring was in short supply. The Chieftains were down by 27 at the break, although they stepped up the offensive effort in the second half.

It wouldn’t be enough to catch up to the Panthers and the game went to Gilmanton, 74-37. The Chieftains now sit at 4-9 overall and 3-5 in league action.

Schroeder and Craker were the leading scorers, with 14 points each, while sophomore Owen Maddaugh added 5, and Yeager and sophomore Trent Lee each chipped in with 2 points.

Nitek, led the team with 7 rebounds, followed by Strzok and Schroeder with 6 each, and Craker led the team with 3 steals.

“It was a tough night all around, for the Chieftains on Tuesday night,” said Webster.