HCHS girls put away Neumann late; Leinen MVP

 OMAHA, NEB. (Jan. 25) -- The Harlan Community girls basketball team capped a 3-1 week on the hardwood by defeating Wahoo Bishop Neumann 49-36 as part of the Nebraska Prep Classic last Saturday at Creighton’s D.J. Sokol Arena.
 HCHS (7-8) led 27-24 in the third quarter before pulling away with a pair of 8-0 runs.
 Cyclone junior Macie Leinen was named the Most Valuable Player of the game after finishing with 14 points and five rebounds. Brecken Van Baale also hit double digits with 10 points, Claire Schmitz had eight points and seven rebounds and Jocelyn Cheek, Ashley Hall and Raegen Wicks all scored five. Hall added seven assists and three steals.
 HCHS shot 44 percent from the field (5-of-12 from three-point range) and made 16-of-21 free throws.
 Bishop Neumann (1-13) was led by Lauren Thiele’s 15 points.