(Harlan, IA) – Harlan girl’s basketball is back on a winning track after defeating Underwood on Saturday 52-33. This win helped to build on the confidence of the Cyclones, especially because they now have back-to-back conference road games that are crucial wins.
This season, Harlan has held teams to just 43 points per game with more pressure on the defensive end of the basketball. Head Coach Zach Klassen has continued to push being more physical and focus less on how you make the defensive plays, rather creating turnovers and forcing the tough shots.
With a very experienced squad this season, Harlan’s juniors and seniors have continued to be great leaders for the younger girls on the team. Coach Klassen is hoping that with their leadership, Harlan will become a revolving door of leadership and talent for Cyclone basketball in the future.
The IGHSAU released their rankings last week that updated Harlan to #7 in the state for Class 3A. Harlan currently sits at 10-2 on the season and 6-1 in Hawkeye Ten action. The Cyclones also started off the season with an eight-game winning streak, where they continued to win games big down the line until losing to St. Albert and Lewis Central, two other state-ranked teams. These rankings are important as Harlan looks to stay in the top eight, to land a good position come February.
On Thursday, Harlan will be traveling to Atlantic to take on the Trojans in Hawkeye Ten action. The Trojans are led by Paytn Harter, who averages a double-double of 16.9 points and 11.5 rebounds per game this season. Both teams have had some time to prepare for one another as they’ve been ready to go down for a defensive battle.
Atlantic will host Harlan on Thursday, January 25th with the opening tipoff at 6:30 p.m. KS95.7 will be live with Tom Robinson on the call with a video live-stream on Western Iowa Today TV.
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