Chieftains split the week’s games with Trojans, Indees

By Ginna Young

With back-to-back home games, the Lake Holcombe boys basketball program looked to gain some momentum as the season moves forward.

Jan. 9 vs. New Auburn conference (L 61-55)

Tied at the top of the conference with New Auburn, the Chieftains hoped to unseat the visiting Trojans, but the match turned into a battle from the opening tip. It would remain that way, with several lead changes.

But, New Auburn refused to back down and relinquish their standing, eventually pulling just ahead, for a 61-55 win.

Freshman Emmit Johnson led on scoring, coming off the bench and knocking down four shots from beyond the arc, for 16 points, followed by senior Taye Yeager, with 11 points. Juniors Ryley Craker and Brian Strzok each hit double digits, with 10 points each, while Strzok notched 13 rebounds and Craker led with 5 assists.

Senior Trent Nitek also got on the scoreboard, with 5 points, and junior Chase Burgess chipped in with 3.

Jan. 15 vs. Gilmanton-Independence non-conference (W 74-57) Although they started out sluggish, after not hitting the hardwood for several days, and being down by five at the break, the Chieftains weren’t going to take another loss, as they faced Gilmanton-Independence. Picking up the intensity in the second half, Lake Holcombe outscored the Indees by more than 20 points.

They went on to win 74-57, bringing the Chieftains’ record to 8-5 overall and 4-2 in conference play.

“The Chieftains had great balanced scoring, with four players hitting double digits,” said coach Joy Webster.

Yeager led the team this time, with 23 points, followed by Strzok, with 15, Johnson, with 14, and Craker, who came away with 11. Nitek added 6 points, while Burgess had 3 and freshman Connor Kane chipped in with 2.

Strzok, Craker, Burgess and Nitek combined for 24 rebounds, with Craker and Johnson combining for 10 steals, and Craker led the team with 5 assists, followed by Johnson, with 4.