Harvest Christian wins 18th straight

When challenged by Newark, Harvest Christian had the answer.

Alyssa Iverson scored 16 of her game-high 26 points in the second half as the Lions pulled away from the Norsemen for a 58-45 win in nonconference girls basketball action in Elgin Tuesday night.

The Lions won their 18th in a row to move to 23-3 on the season.

Katie Kaldenberger and Maddy Martin added 12 points apiece for Harvest. All of Kaldenberger's points came on 3-pointers.

Harvest clung to a 23-20 lead midway through the second quarter, but outscored the visitors 21-5 over a span of about 7 minutes. Kaldenberger nailed 3-pointers on consecutive possessions, Martin scored on a steal-and-drive just before halftime, then buried a 3-pointer in the second half to fuel the run.

Despite several players battling the flu, the Lions' defense, clamped down on the Norsemen, holding star Joslyn Mitchell to 7 points while forcing 25 turnovers.

"Our kids battled and battled," said Harvest coach Rich DeTamble. "I can't tell you how proud I am of Nygia Pollard, for her play tonight, and Katie Kaldenberger, the only senior on my young club. That kid came to play, and she battled Mitchell and kept her away from the basket."

Harvest pushed the lead to 20 points twice in the second half. The Lions led 58-38 before Newark finished the game on a 7-0 run.

Alyssa Schofield led Newark with 12 points but no one else hit double figures for the Norsemen (18-9).

Iverson added 6 rebounds and 4 assists for Harvest. Martin also grabbed 5 rebounds. Pollard finished with 5 points and 4 boards for the hosts.

The one big advantage Newark had was on the backboards, where the taller Norsemen held a 37-22 advantage. They were led by Riane Tomsa, who grabbed 10 rebounds.

The Lions have not lost since dedicating their season to Paulina Castro, a former Lions' player and now a Northern Illinois freshman who is battling Hodgkins lymphoma. Harvest will show its support at Friday's game on #pcstrong Night.