(Harlan, IA) – Harlan took on Kuemper Catholic last night in basketball action and fell to the Knights 69-52. The Cyclones were issued a tough test against the Knights who have returned multiple players this season. Harlan couldn’t get over the hump last night in the third quarter as the Knights went 14-33 from the perimeter and shot 50% overall from the field.
Regardless of Harlan’s loss, the Cyclones are not backing down but rather focusing on the talent that they have on the floor. Head coach Mitch Osborn has seen Brehden Eggerss step into his own role as he has continued to get better at ball control and leadership on the floor. He only scored five points in the game against Kuemper Catholic, but his floor play is not just based on what he puts on the stat sheet.
A few other players that coach Osborn mentioned were Quinn Koesters, Jason Erlemeier, and Will Arkfeld. Erlemeier knocked down 10 points and shot 66% from the field while also pulling down two rebounds. The senior is currently averaging 9.5 points per game through two games this season. Another player was Will Arkfeld as he has been a top-three rebounder with 5.5 rebounds per game while knocking down six points per game. If the Cyclones can get the ball down low to Arkfeld, then the point total will continue to rise.
The Cyclones may have had a tough time against Kuemper Catholic in the scoring column, but are continuing to utilize their fighting spirit as they continue to work and improve. There may be room for improvement, but as early as it is in the season, it will be something that the Cyclones will succeed at down the line.
This Friday, Harlan takes on Denison-Schleswig, a team that Harlan has not beaten since 2021 and lost a close 69-63 matchup to last year. Don’t let the Monarch’s 1-3 record fool you, as they have Luke Wiebers, the 6’8 senior who leads them in scoring with 19.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game this season. They also have Lance Arkfeld who is averaging 14.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, just short of a double-double average. Harlan may lead the series 21-13, but they will have a challenge to make it 22-13.
Harlan will take on Denison-Schleswig at home this Friday at 7:30 p.m.
(Click below to listen to this article)
