Following the mid-season tournament mishaps, The Lady Cats knew they needed a bounce back night heading into the second half of the season. They did just that, claiming the victory 50-37 over the 4A Chapman Lady Irish. The fellas from Holton, still looking for their second win, saw some improvements over the mid-season tournament and looked to ride that wave into tonight's non-league game, but came up on the short end losing 52-39 to Chapman.

GIRLS

In what felt like a must win game, Jon Holliday's crew came out with an aggressive mindset offensively. Scoring 18 in the first quarter and seemed they couldn't miss a basket. However the defensive side, where Holton seems to flourish, was not as sharp. Allowing 10 of the 15 first quarter points for Chapman in the paint. 8 of those 10? Transition layups. Coach Holliday said after the game that he felt his team turned it up after that first quarter, and he wasn't wrong. Holton held a Chapman team that averaged 45 points per game to 37, while forcing 18 turnovers.

Holton got a spark off the bench, as first player off the bench Danika Hickman jolted the Lady Cat's scoring in the first quarter on. She scored 6 straight for the 'Cats all thanks to phenomenal defensive effort towards the end of the first quarter. That play continued for Hickman as she ended the night with a great stat line. 12 points, 4 steals, 3 rebounds and a major headache for Chapman. Hickman was the Farmers State Bank Player To Bank On. 

Holton (6-5, 4-3 Big 7) – With the win, Holton snaps a 2 game losing skid and will next play in the “Purple Palace” against a hungry Royal Valley Panther team, fresh off their accomplishment of winning their mid-season tournament. It'll be a rematch from December 11th where Holton knocked off then #2 ranked Royal Valley 61-59. Opening tip is at 6:00.

Holton | 18 | 30 | 38 | 50

Chapman | 15 | 21 | 28 | 37

Holton- S. Tanking – 18, D. Hickman 12, L. Moore – 4, S. Holaday – 4, F. Haussler – 3, M. Ramirez – 3, Rhodd – 2, Barta – 2, Flewelling – 2

BOYS

Following the mid-season tournament, Holton had the opportunity to reflect on what they learned by playing against 6A type schools. They battled, but found out how tough it is to win games against tough opponents. Many times this season it looked as if the Holton Wildcats could cash it in and hang their heads just to say this season is over. That would be the easy thing to do.

Not under first year head coach Conner Bechard. Not this group of kids. They have more pride for what is worn on the front of their jersey more than what's on the back. So what do you do? You get back up and get back to work, and work hard. This first game back from the mid-season tournament comes up against a North Central Kansas League team in Chapman, who is 10-2, and one of the top tier teams in 4A. Every opportunity to just cash it in and hang your head and not compete. Not this group, not with this coaching staff. Holton battled, and for one 6:00 stretch, you saw the potential come out.

Holton led 2-0 to begin the game. That would be their only lead. Chapman would go on to lead at the half by 13 points, 28-15. With Winter Royalty seeing Abigail Hundley and Ethan Teter being seated on their thrones, Holton regrouped and showed some of their best basketball for 6:00 out of the halftime locker room. Forcing 6 Chapman turnovers and exploding on a 14-3 run, Holton found themselves in this game trailing 31-29 with 1:58 left in the 3rd quarter. That's when the run stopped, and another began. Holton started turning it over, instead of forcing turnovers. Chapman started hitting shots and Holton went ice cold. Chapman ended the game, the final 9:58 of regulation on a 21-10 run to claim a 52-39 victory in Holton on Friday night Zayne Moylan was the Farmers State Bank Player To Bank On.

Same story different night, right? Holton was in it for a little bit, but couldn't hang down the stretch.

Wrong. This was different. It felt different. The Wildcats showed exceptional amounts of energy, enthusiasm, athleticism and confidence for 6:02 in the 3rd quarter. They might've lost this game, but I'd say this is a stepping stone. Watch that 6:02 grow to 13:00, then 32:00. With just under half their games remaining, this team could surprise many down the stretch of the regular season.

Holton (1-10, 1-6 Big 7) – With the loss, Holton's losing streak continues now at 9 straight. Holton will next play in Hoyt vs the Royal Valley Panthers next Tuesday as they try to right the ship.

Holton | 4 | 15 | 29 | 39

Chapman | 10 | 28 | 36 | 52 

Holton-  Z. Moylan – 18, E. Prine – 7, Ka. Purcell – 6, T. Wright – 3, N. Woltje – 3, R. Holaday - 2