(Harlan) Harlan matches up with Creston on Friday night. We’ll have the game on 96.5 KSOM with live video HERE.
Harlan coach Zach Klaassen says the team still has some areas to get better at down the stretch, but they are improving. “We looked pretty good the other night with our communication. Our defensive rotation was a little bit better. We got some run out layups. That’s one thing we’ve been talking about, we got some of those at the beginning of the season and then went into a lull, and now are getting back into running the floor harder. Rebounding is hit and miss it seems like. Some nights we are focused on it and we rebound well and other nights I don’t know if we just forget about it or what, but the boxing out could get better for sure.”
Sophomore Aubrey Schwieso and junior Erica Rust lead the Cyclones. Schwieso is averaging 15.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3.5 steals per game. “She’s feeling more comfortable. She played backup guard for us coming off the bench as a freshman last year. I’m pretty proud of her stepping into that starting lineup and taking a leadership role at the point guard position as a sophomore. It’s pretty impressive. I would say her 3-point shot is coming along as well.”
Rust is a 53.7% shooter and contributes 13.5 points and 9.7 rebounds a night. “Erica hits the O-Boards pretty hard. She’s been putting a couple of different moves in offensively.” Klaassen says, “Offensive boards and put backs have been a big part of her game lately. She seems to be a little bit more aggressive compared to what she was a few weeks ago or right around Christmas.”
Harlan’s main focus on defense will be Doryn Paup. Paup is averaging 19.6 points and 11.2 rebounds per game while shooting over 50% from the field. “Take away the middle, take away that penetration and kick out, and just keep her off the boards. Always have a body on her.”
Pregame coverage starts at around 5:50 with the girls game to tip at 6:00 on Friday in Harlan.
Harlan coach Zach Klaassen:
