Harlem Student-Athletes are Busy over Christmas Break

By Bob Balgemann, REPORTER

 For some Harlem High School students, time off over Christmas is a break from the classroom and related activities. Not so of student-athletes who are at required practices and traveling around northern Illinois to various tournaments. While bowling competitions were close to home, the boys and girls basketball teams had to hit the road for a couple of tournaments. That was especially true of the Lady Huskies Varsity Basketball Team, which traveled to suburban Oswego for a tournament at Oswego East High School. They were rewarded for the commitment with a third-place trophy and their four-year regular, Kahley Logan, being selected for the all-tournament team. Harlem opened the tournament against Metea Valley (5-7) and dropped a 56-36 decision. The Lady Mustangs opened up a 47-25 lead in the fourth quarter, than saw Harlem pull to within five before regaining a more comfortable lead. Paige Schneider paced the Lady Huskies with 19 points. Harlem fared much better in the second game, turning a 32-27 lead after three quarters into a 45-34 victory over Plainfield Central. Brielle Shaw led the way with 12 points while Schneider added nine.

Another strong quarter, this one a 14-6 third, helped the Lady Huskies make it two in a row at Oswego East with a 43-31 win over Joliet Central. A balanced offense featured Schneider with 12 points; Logan with 10; Catie Daly with 10; and Klaire Boisvert with six. Oswego gave Harlem a tussle in the battle for third place and held a 23-18 lead at halftime. But, it was a solid defensive second half, especially the fourth period, which made a difference. The Lady Huskies outscored Oswego, 13-2, during the final eight minutes of play on their way to a 38-29 win. Logan had a big night with 20 points that solidified her spot on the all-tournament team. Harlem will take a 10-6 record into 2017 and return to action Friday night (Jan. 6), traveling to NIC-10 opponent Auburn (1-9). Tip off will be about 7 p.m. Harlem’s Boys Varsity Basketball Team was a bit closer to home, once again traveling to DeKalb, this time for the 89th Chuck Drayton Classic. After dropping their opening game against seeded West Chicago, the Huskies rebounded to edge Grayslake Central, 46-41. All-tournament selection Allen White III sparked the win with a 16-point performance, while Larontaye Spates chipped in 15. Harlem improved to 6-7 for the season and won the consolation championship with a 53-38 victory over Huntley, behind White’s 23 points and six steals. That was his sixth consecutive double/double, in which he scored more than 10 points and grabbed more than 10 rebounds.

The Huskies will be at home Friday night (Jan. 6) against Auburn (8-6), which went 2-2 during a Christmas tournament. Harlem hosted the 29th Al Dvorak Wrestling Tournament Dec. 22-23 and came away with two places. Junior Josh Carter (21-1) finished third at 220 pounds with Senior Dalton Hambrock (18-3) taking fourth at 195 pounds.

Neighboring Hononegah got a championship from Junior Anthony Cassioppi (21-0) at 285 pounds; a third from Senior Jordan Shahrikian (11-2) at 182 pounds; and a sixth from Senior Aaron Leppert (20-7) at 132.