(Harlan) Harlan scored the final six points of the first half and controlled the second half in a 69-51 boys basketball win over Creston Friday.
The Panthers jumped out to a 13-3 cushion in the early going. Cole Strider, Kyle Strider, and Colby Burg all connected from long range in the game’s opening minutes. Following a timeout midway through the 1st, Harlan closed the quarter on a 10-2 stretch to get back in the game. The lead would change hands six times before the break. After Harlan went on top 16-15, Creston rattled off six straight points to go back in front. It would turn out to be the last time the visitors possessed the lead. Brayton Schechinger’s tip-in at the first half horn pushed Harlan’s advantage to 28-23.
The Cyclones opened up the 3rd quarter on an 8-2 stretch to expand the lead to double digits. Michael Erlmeier, in his 2nd game back from injury, drilled a pair of 3’s early in the second half before Connor Frame got rolling. Frame scored 13 of his game high 25 points in the third quarter. He hit three shots from long range and was 4/4 from the line as Harlan zipped ahead by 20 at 52-32. The margin hovered around 20 points for the rest of the night. Brad Curren added 15 points for Harlan and Aidan Hall scored 11.
Kaden Briggs had a big night for Creston with 17 points. He did most of his damage on the interior. Khalil Sherrod, Colby Burg, and Kyle Strider all scored 8 points. Harlan executed a diamond-and-one defense against Burg who entered the game averaging 17.5 points per game.
The loss ends a five game skid for Harlan. They improve to 6-8 with their first win since January 7th against Red Oak. The Cyclones were without regular starter Will McLaughlin due to an injury suffered Thursday against Denison-Schleswig. Creston, which is down two starters, moves to 7-7 on the season.
