Chieftains win on the road

By Ginna Young

Lake Holcombe’s girls basketball program rolled in both their East Lakekland Conference games over the week, improving their record and league standings.

Jan. 31 vs. Birchwood conference (W 66-35)

Lake Holcombe traveled to Birchwood to begin the week, where they dominated the scoreboard. The Chieftains outscored the Bobcats 31-9 at the end of the first half and while the score was closer after the break, Lake Holcombe still went home with the win, 66-35.

Junior Emma Lechleitner came up big on the night for the Chieftains, racking up 30 points, followed by senior Karly Kirkman, with 19. Sophomore Abby Jones came next, with 6 points, with senior Justine Kane right behind, with 5, while sophomore Chloe Lee added 4 and freshman Savannah Burlingame chipped in with 2 points.

Feb. 3 vs. Bruce conference (W 55-29)

Lake Holcombe carried that momentum over to the next game, this time, taking on Bruce on their home court.

“It was a little weird, players that traditionally don’t rack up fouls ended up fouling out,” said assistant coach J.D. Kirkman.

The Chieftains ran roughshod over the Raiders, winning by 20 points at halftime and finishing with a 55-29 victory to take home with them.

“Bruce is a young team and they are rebuilding,” said J.D. Kirkman. “We were able to work on our offense and defense, as well as our inbound plays, which we really needed.”

Lechleitner again led for Lake Holcombe, with 20 points, while K. Kirkman and Kane each ended with 14. Freshman Lexi Hoffner got on the board with 3 points, and Jones and freshman Megan Paff each added 2.

The Chieftains now sit at 10-6 overall and are 8-4 in league action.

“We liked the way we spread the ball around, everyone had plenty of court time….” said J.D. Kirkman.