Chieftains drop to Warriors, take big one from Panthers
By Ginna Young
The Lake Holcombe boys basketball program had a huge week – literally – in scoring and with a win over a tough East Lakeland Conference foe.
Jan. 16 vs. Winter conference (L 112-96)
The Chieftains opened the week by hosting the Winter Warriors, in what proved to be a triple-digit battle.
Down by 14 at the half-way mark, Lake Holcombe battled back to nearly match the Warriors point-for-point in the second part of the game. Although Winter’s lead propelled them to a 112-96 high-scoring victory, it wasn’t for lack of effort from the Chieftains.
“It was the most points we scored this season, but we still came up short…we gave up too many second and third shots tonight,” said coach Joy Webster. “We plain and simple got beat on the boards.”
Juniors Brian Strzok and Chase Burgess each scored 26 points, while junior Ryley Craker and freshman Emmit Johnson hit double digits, with 14 and 12 points, respectively. Senior Taye Yeager added 8 points to the mix, with senior Trent Nitek recording 6.
Freshman Carter Johnson and junior Owen Meddaugh each chipped in with 2 points.
Defensively, Craker led the team with 4 steals, while Strzok had 7 assists, followed by Craker with 4. Burgess came up with 10 rebounds and Nitek added 6.
Jan. 19 vs. Prairie Farm conference (W 72-61)
Shaking off the loss from a few days before, the Chieftains welcomed Prairie Farm, for a league battle. Lake Holcombe took a slim six-point lead into the break and the Panthers kept the match close, with control of the game going back-and-forth.
The Chieftains wouldn’t be denied and they claimed the 72-61 victory.
Craker ended the night with 25 points, with Johnson right behind, with 24 points, 18 of those from threepointers. Craker also led the team with 5 steals and 5 assists, while Johnson pulled down 8 rebounds, to go along with 4 steals.
Yeager came next, with 10 points and 4 assists, followed by Burgess, who added 8 points.
“Trent Nitek showed his physical toughness, playing the entire second half with a wide cut in his lip,” said Webster.
Nitek contributed a made free throw, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, while Strzok had 4 points and 12 rebounds.
Lake Holcombe is now 9-6 overall and are 5-3 in league play.
“With a win, the Chieftains have moved into second place in the conference,” said Webster.
