(Harlan) Claire Schmitz scored 25-points to lead Harlan to a 64-46 win over Atlantic in a Hawkeye Ten Conference girls’ basketball game at Atlantic on Monday. The Cyclones notched their fifth straight victory.
Schmitz scored 20 of her 25 points in the second half including 13 of 15 from the free-throw line, 12-13 in the second half. In addition to that, the 5’10 sophomore grabbed 11-rebounds. Macie Leinen had a solid performance as well with 16-points and 11 rebounds.
The Cyclones were 25-37 from the free-throw line and 20-25 in the second half.
Jocelyn Cheek hit a three-point shot late in the first quarter to push Harlan to an 11-9 lead. The Trojans kept it close in the second frame. Taylor McCreedy’s three-point play pushed the home team to a 24-22 lead however it was short-lived. Harlan responded with a 4-0 mini-run to put the visitors back on top 26-24 at the break.
The third quarter proved to be the difference in the game. Harlan’s stout defense held the Trojans scoreless most of the third quarter while rolling out an 11-0 run. The visitors outscored Atlantic 17-6, in the third quarter, and 21-16 in the final stanza to secure the win.
Jocelyn Cheek scored 9-points, Brecken Van Baale added 7, Ashley Hall, 5, and Caitlyn Leinen chipped in 2 for Harlan now 10-8 on the season and 5-3 in the Conference.
Haley Rasmussen led Atlantic with 16-points including 6-6 from the free-throw line. Taylor McCreedy and McKenzie Waters scored 10-points each, Tessa Grooms and Corri Pelzer 4-points each, and Maycie Waters finished with 2-points. The Trojans were 12 of 16 from the free-throw line.
Atlantic falls to 8-10 on the season, and 4-5 in the Hawkeye Ten. The Trojans travel to Red Oak on Tuesday night. Harlan hosts Kuemper, Catholic, Carroll on Tuesday.
