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The Chisago Lakes girls’ basketball team was beaten by the state’s second ranked team 76-40 at Benilde-St. Margaret’s Tuesday, January 31.

According to Wildcat head coach Carl Pierson, his team had a tough time matching up with the talented, conference leading Red Knights. The senior dominated Benilde team used its overall quickness and skill level to roll to a 45-18 halftime advantage.

The Red Knights shot 17 for 28 (61 percent) from the field in the first half and 55 percent for the game, compared to 35 percent for the Wildcats. Benilde also outrebounded the ‘Cats 37-24 and committed only five turnovers. Chisago gave the ball up 22 times.

“We got a first hand look at what it takes to be one of the top teams in the state. Now we'll have to see if we act on the knowledge we've acquired. We have a very good handle on what we need to improve on in order to be an elite team.

“The thing that remains to be seen is whether or not our players are willing to devote the time and effort to reach that level,” said Pierson

Alise Bowie collected seven rebounds to lead the Wildcats and Jess Peterson grabbed six missed shots.

Scoring Summary

Chisago Lakes 18 22 40

Benilde 45 31 76

Jess Peterson ................... 14

Amanda Farrell ................... 5

Kori Sells ................... 5

Alise Bowie ................... 2

Megan Corradi ................... 3

Alyssa Lundberg ................... 2

Caitlin Cunningham.............. 2

Kayla Schultz ................... 3

Brenna Coyle ................... 4

Total 40

Chisago Lakes 56, Fridley 53

Friday, February 3

The home win over Fridley puts the Wildcats record at 3-2 in the section and will be a big boost at seeding time in a few weeks.

Both teams traded buckets for much of the first half and the Tigers had a 30-28 lead at the break. In the second half, the Wildcats compacted their zone defense to prevent Fridley penetration and it proved effective for much of the half.

With a 53-51 lead and one minute to play, Jess Peterson made perhaps the biggest play of the game. Alise Bowie missed the second of two free throws and Peterson grabbed the rebound and put it back for a four point lead (55-51).

Peterson also hit a free throw with eight seconds left to extend the lead to three (56-53) and put added pressure on the Tigers.

This game was close in just about every way. Chisago Lakes outrebounded Fridley 33 to 31 and shot 42 percent, compared to Fridley’s 40 percent. The Tigers turned the ball over 12 times. The ‘Cats had 18. A key to this close contest was that the Wildcats held Fridley to two points in the final two minutes of the game.

"Our execution in the final two minutes of this game was monumentally better than just two weeks earlier when we were in a similar situation against St. Louis Park. Our players demonstrated that they learned from the mistakes made in the past,” said coach Pierson.

“To a large extent, we won this game with our minds and our decision making. The rest of the win can be attributed to a great demonstration of determination. We really turned up the intensity on defense in the final minutes. We found that extra gear that good teams have. This game was a great step in the right direction,” Pierson added.

Peterson led the team with eight rebounds and Bowie grabbed six. Megan Corradi had a good all-around game with five rebounds, three steals, three assists and two blocks. Kori Sells collected five rebounds, Kayla Schultz led the team with five assists and Courtney Skoog hit two big three pointers.

Scoring Summary

Chisago Lakes 28 28 56

Fridley 30 23 53

Jess Peterson ................... 20

Kori Sells ................... 4

Alise Bowie ................... 8

Megan Corradi ................... 15

Caitlin Cunningham.............. 3

Courtney Skoog ................... 6

Total 56

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