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Chisago Lakes 49

Big Lake 46

“It was two very similar teams, each team trying to find out who they are. Two teams hoping to be good teams at the end of the year, both who lost a lot from last year. It was a very close game.”

That’s what Ed Wachutka had to say when asked about last Tuesday. He was right on- both teams were even. Heck, the game was even. But down the stretch, the Wildcats found a way to win their first game of the season.

After Chisago jumped out to a 10-8 lead after the first quarter, the Wildcats increased their hold on the Hornets with 14 more points in the second, leading to a 24-18 lead at the break.

Big Lake closed the gap in the second half, however, pulling within two after three. It wasn’t enough. Helped out by eight free throws in the fourth, the ‘Cats never lost their lead, putting away a 49-46 win, their first victory of the season.

Jess Peterson scored 17 points in the game including five in the fourth, three from the free throw line. She had a lot of help. The Wildcats had eight different players score in the game. Six scored between four and six points.

“If we can continue to do that, I like the looks of the season,” remarked Wachutka. “It was a big team win. Their point guard gave us some trouble but we beat them on the boards and we protected the ball. We needed to establish ourselves and we did that late.”

Chisago Lakes 49

Big Lake 46

1 2 3 4 F

Big Lake 8 10 13 15 46

Chisago Lakes 10 14 9 16 49

Scoring-

Peterson 17, Wachutka 6, Reed 5, Skoog 5, Ferris 5, Schultz 4, Cunningham 4, Sells 3.

Foley 50

Chisago Lakes 49 (OT)

While Chisago found a way to win on Tuesday, last Friday versus Foley, the Wildcats experienced the other end, falling to Foley in overtime, 50-49.

Down 30-22 at the half, Chisago used a strong second to get back in the game. Most of their points came from the free throw line as the Wildcats started to attack the basket. Six of their 10 points in the third came from the charity stripe. For the game, Chisago made 21-30 free throws.

It helped change the momentum of the game. Down four heading into the fourth, the ‘Cats continued their surge, actually taking the lead late. Tied with time winding down, the Wildcats had the ball with an opportunity for the final shot but they were never able to get it off. Overtime.

Tied 44-44, the overtime session went back and forth before Foley finally gained the upper hand. The Falcons outscored Chisago six to five, enabling them to walk away with a narrow 50-49 win.

“I was really pleased with our ability to play pressure defense and get the ball in our hands when we needed to,” said Wachutka. “I hope the girls remember that, to work hard and good things will happen.”

The loss dropped the Wildcats overall record to 1-4, moving them to 1-1 in the conference. On the way, three more league games over the next week before Spring Lake Park comes to town December 21.

Foley 50

Chisago Lakes 49 (OT)

1 2 3 4 OT F

Chisago Lakes 11 11 10 12 5 49

Foley 14 16 6 8 6 50

Scoring-

Peterson 19, Ferris 10, Reed 8, Sells 5, Wachutka 4, Skoog 2, Schultz 1.

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