---

Chisago Lakes 64

Pine City 39

Very little went wrong for the Chisago Lakes boys basketball team against Pine City last Friday. They started strong, controlled the middle, and most importantly, came out on top in the end. It was quietly, if not thee best, one of their best performances of the season. Because of the victory, the ‘Cats are still one game up on Mora in the conference standings with two league games left.

Seven players helped the Wildcats get on the board early and often in the first quarter. Chisago hit three three-pointers during that stretch, all three coming from different players. The barrage of baskets helped the ‘Cats move in front 19-10 right away, establishing a lead that they would never relinquish.

“We got everyone involved right off the bat. David Olson had a great game; he really got a lot of players involved early,” said Herb Jangor, Chisago Lakes head boys basketball coach. “We talked about that game being the first game all year where we had patience on both end of the court. It was a good game for us.”

For the most part, the Wildcats kept that heat on for the rest of the game.

Leading 29-23 at the half, the ‘Cats kicked it down again in the third. Already with two three-pointers in the books, Mike Tschida canned another trey in the quarter while inside, Trevor Johnson controlled the boards, striking for four in the quarter and finishing the game with eight rebounds. In addition, Olson struck for four as well, and Zach Sill, who started the game for Chisago, also added a basket. Quickly, the six-point advantage had turned into a 44-31 lead with one quarter left.

“Zach got the start and had a nice game for us,” mentioned Jangor. “Trent Froberg came off the bench and did a super job for us also. We just shot the ball well and he had patience on offense and had great shot selection.”

In front by 12, the Dragons started the fourth with a mini-run, trying desperately to get back into the game. The run didn’t last long as Jangor once again went to his bench for an answer, helping Chisago throw the knock-out punch.

“When they made that little run, got within 10 in the fourth, Kyle Collins came off the bench. He really gave us some energy out there, he gave us some movement. He didn’t play a whole lot in the game but he really made a difference there, just giving us a spark. I mean from there we controlled the game. It’s just another example of how this team is more than a few players. When everyone comes to play, we’re pretty tough to beat.”

They showed that down the stretch to Pine City, pulling away from the Dragons. Olson scored 12 of his 22 points in the fourth while Sill, Froberg, Jason Kellum and Levi Secord also got into the act. Chisago closed the game on a 19-8 run, securing a 64-39 win.

The victory is the Wildcats third in a row and their 19th of the season. Chisago has two weeks left in the regular season. They face Zimmerman and Fridley this Friday and Saturday, both on the road.

Chisago Lakes 64

Pine City 39

1 2 3 4 F

Chisago Lakes 19 10 15 19 64

Pine City 10 13 8 8 39

Scoring-

Olson 22, Tschida 11, Sill 6, Johnson 6, Kellum 5, Secord 5, Froberg 5, Maushart 3.

---