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The Chisago Lakes boys’ basketball team played an excellent first half Tuesday, January 31 at home against Benilde-St. Margaret’s. However, the Red Knights shot 17 for 18 from the freethrow line in the second half and pulled away for a 75-59 North Suburban Conference win.

The Wildcats started the game the right way as Taylor Jones opened the scoring with a three point bank shot 40 seconds into the game. The ‘Cats led 10-4 after Jones hit a two, Trevor Johnson converted a three point play and Andy Olness’ baseline drive at the 14:30 mark.

Benilde fought back to narrow the margin to 10-7 and a pattern had been established. The Wildcats used balanced scoring to build a lead and the Red Knights would come back to get close.

Another Olness drive gave the ‘Cats a 15-8 lead with 11:00 to go. A minute later it was 15-13. Jason Kellum, Johnson, Zach Sill and Justin Rivard scored over the next six minutes to give Chisago its biggest lead (31-20) with 3:30 left. The Knights crawled back as they outscored the home team 8-3 as halftime approached. When the clock read 0:00, the scoreboard read Home 34, Visitor 28.

The first few minutes of the second half seemed to change the flow of the game. The Wildcats missed two shots from the paint and Benilde scored on its next four possessions (including two three’s by Jordan Taylor).

Almost before the crowd was settled in, Benilde led by five. The Wildcats cut it to one, but the Knights took over the game from that point. Their defensive pressure gave Chisago problems and Benilde converted for 14 second half fast break points.

“In the first half, we were very patient and that got us great shots. We became flatfooted spectators. It all came down to poor execution in the second half,” said Chisago Lakes head coach Herb Jangor.

The local boys shot 4 for 25 in the second half. Only three Wildcats scored from the field and Johnson scored 14 of the Wildcats’ final 25. Meanwhile, eight Benilde players combined for 47 points to seal the victory.

Jangor still has confidence in his team. “Trevor (Johnson) had an outstanding game, both scoring and on the boards, Sill is coming along and Taylor Jones had a great first half. They won’t quit and, if I know these kids, they’ll be playing their best ball at the end of the season,” Jangor added.

Scoring Summary

Chisago Lakes 34 25 59

Benilde 28 47 75

Jason Kellum ..................... 4

Andy Olness ..................... 4

Zach Sill .....................10

Trevor Johnson .....................20

Chris Golv ..................... 5

Taylor Jones .....................12

Scott Leigh ..................... 1

Cory Claeson ..................... 1

Justin Rivard ..................... 2

Total 59

Chisago Lakes at Fridley

Friday, February 3, the Wildcats were in the game the whole way, but the Tigers held on to win at Fridley 65-60.

The Wildcats started strong and held an 8-10 point lead in the first half behind the scoring of sophomore Taylor Jones, who had four three pointers in the first 18 minutes. However, the Tigers fought back to take a 37-33 halftime advantage.

Fridley threatened to make it an easy win in the second half as they built leads of up to 12 points. But, the ‘Cats came back to make it a close contest.

“We got back to within two with 40 seconds to go. But, then we had a turnover and had to foul,” said Wildcat head coach Herb Jangor. “They made one of the freethrows, so we were down by three with about 20 seconds left. We committed another turnover, this time an offensive foul, and that was about it.”

Fridley went 18 for 25 from the charity stripe and the Wildcats shot only eight, making six. According to Jangor, this was because the Tigers were more aggressive on offense. The Wildcats were getting jumpshots, but the Tigers attacked the basket and drew fouls.

“It was a solid performance,” Jangor continued. “But, it just wasn’t good enough to win.”

“Taylor Jones continues to improve and Brian Jennissen had one of his best games. Our next four conference games are with teams with records similar to ours. We’ll see which teams are going to move up,” Jangor concluded.

Scoring Summary

Chisago Lakes 33 27 60

Fridley 37 28 65

Andy Olness .....................11

Brian Jennissen ..................... 7

Zach Sill .....................10

Trevor Johnson .....................14

Taylor Jones .....................16

Troy Aadland ..................... 2

Total 60

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