Another DH Split Between Harlan Community, Lewis Central in BKB

HC's Kenzley Bruck & Brinley VanBaale (2-7-25)

Another DH Split Between Harlan Community, Lewis Central in BKB –

(2-8-25) – “Second verse, same as the first.”

The old Herman Hermit’s song, I’m Henry VIII, I am, couldn’t have said it better Friday night as Harlan Community split their basketball doubleheader with Lewis Central for the 2nd time this season. The Cyclone girls’ earned a 63-51 win while the boys’ dropped a 62-53 decision.

The Cyclones also split their doubleheader with the Titans in Council Bluffs on Jan. 7th.

The girls match up saw the sophomores shine as Brinley VanBaale’s back-to-back 3 pointers would tie the game at the half and Kenzley Bruck would score 10 points in the 2nd half.

VanBaale talked with KNOD Sports about playing with confidence.

“I just saw an open spot and I was like, you know, gonna shoot it and hope it goes in and, if not, just on to the next play. But, (I’m) glad they went in and glad to help the team and it was a big boost for us.”

Bruck feels being able to play with a team that’s like family has an excellent opportunity for her at such a young age.

“We work so well together and we understand each other and just playing with them has just been a really, like, really awesome blessing and I can't wait to see where the rest of our season goes.”

After getting first points of the game off the opening tip, the Cyclones found themselves in the midst of a 15-0 run by the Titans in the 1st qtr where they couldn’t buy a bucket for almost 7 minutes. They were able to get things correct in the 2nd qtr to comeback and tie the game at the half.

“There was not a whole lot going right for us on the offensive in that first quarter,” said Cyclones Coach Zach Klaassen. “Obviously we're a little frustrated… and we were like, just stay the course, just stay the course. We’re gonna be OK and the kids bought in.”

Aubrey Schwieso led Harlan Community with 18 points while Lewis Central got 21pts and 14 rebounds from Brooke Larsen.

The Harlan Community boys’ did all they could to keep pace with Lewis Central but the Titans took control late in the 3rd on an 8-0 run. Cyclone Coach Mitch Osborn thinks they could have made an adjustment going into the 4th qtr.

“Realistically probably one adjustment, looking back on it, (it was) 43-39 going into the fourth, maybe would have probably shown a little zone defense maybe in the fourth quarter, just to try to stop a little dribble-drive penetration because that's what killed us.

But Osborn also knows free throw shooting was a key in the contest.

“They were 22 for 28 and we were 7 for 17. That's a backbreaker.”

Dallas McDowell had 21 for Harlan Community while Jozef Reisz had a double-double with 17 points and 10 boards. Parker Stessman led Lewis Central with 22 points. The Cyclones lost their 3rd consecutive game and 6 of their last 7.

Both Harlan Community teams will prepare to play at Well Fargo Arena on Tuesday against Atlantic in the Iowa Wolves High School Hoops Series. (KNOD 105.3FM)

View past scores by visiting the Iowa High School Athletic Association's website, Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union website,
or Iowa Quik Stats