Chieftains’ fatigue works in Pirates’ favor at Regionals

By Ginna Young

Falling just short of hosting the first-round Regional game, Lake Holcombe’s No 9 ranked girls basketball squad headed to Gilman, Feb. 21, going up against the No. 8 seed.

The Chieftains were down by 11 at halftime, but Lake Holcombe’s defense was a good as it gets.

“We just didn’t have a bench to rest our players,” said assistant coach J.D. Kirkman. “The second half, we got in foul trouble again and the fatigue really took its toll.”

With no chance for a breather, the Pirates continued to rack up the points to take a 71-33 victory, ending Lake Holcombe’s playoff hopes.

“We’re very proud of all our girls and their effort last night,” said Kirkman. “They really gave it their all. All in all, we are very happy with our play, given the circumstances.”

Notching 20 points, senior Justine Kane led for the Chieftains, followed by senior Karly Kirkman, with 7, while senior Belle Jones had 4 and sophomore Abby Jones added 2 points.

J.D. Kirkman said the coaching staff extends special thanks to the three seniors, with many great memories from the year.

“It was an interesting and challenging season,” said J.D. Kirkman. “We couldn’t ask for a better bunch of athletes and it was an honor to coach them this year.”