Cyclone girls top Bombers, 48-39

 HUXLEY (Jan. 16) -- Balanced scoring and a strong defensive fourth quarter paved the way for the Harlan Community girls basketball team’s third straight victory Tuesday night as the Cyclones prevailed 48-39 in a non-conference game at Ballard of Huxley.
 Returing to the scene of last year’s final game - a 53-34 regional semifinal loss to the Bombers - HCHS outscored the hosts 11-3 in the fourth quarter after allowing 18 points in the third and having its 10-point halftime lead cut to just one.
 Anna Ahrenholtz led the Cyclones with 11 points and Lexi Larsen added 10 points and six assists. Only seven girls played for Harlan, each contributing at least three points and three rebounds.
 HCHS improved to 7-5 overall while Ballard, featuring five new starters this season, slipped to 7-7. The Bombers entered the night having won four of their last five games.
 The Cyclones overcame a 35 percent shooting night and a rebounding deficit of six (29-23) by outscoring the Bombers 12-3 at the free throw line, where they hit 12-of-18 attempts.