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The Wildcat boys basketball team built a nine-point halftime lead on the way to a 64-53 win over St. Louis Park Tuesday, January 23. The game was the second half of a girls-boys double header at the CLHS gym.

The Wildcats got off to a rough start, committing turnovers on their first three possessions and missing two early freethrows. But, they bounced back to take a 6-3 lead after Brian Jennissen hit a three and Josh Figini converted a three-point play with 14:15 to go.

The Orioles came right back and scored the next seven points to take a 10-6 lead at 12:50. Chris Golv and Taylor Jones retaliated with back-to-back threes, giving the 'Cats a 12-10 advantage with 11:15 to go. Ten seconds later, Park tied the score before the Wildcats went on a five minute, 15-4 run that gave them a 27-16 margin with 5:52 left.

During that run, CL did a great job of running the inside-outside game. Figini went to the line three times as the Orioles were forced to foul as he moved to the basket. Figini's inside presence, combined with a long three by Kyle Hogie opened up some lanes for other 'Cats to drive to the hoop. Golv, Jones and Scott Leigh all scored on successful moves to the basket to help build the lead.

"This group does a nice job of finding the other team's weakness," said Wildcat head coach Herb Jangor. CL built a 32-19 lead before the Orioles scored the last four points of the half to make it 32-23 at the break.

In the second half, Jones hit three from behind the arc and Figini continued to be effective on the inside. "It was one of those games where we felt we were always in control," Jangor added. "Every time they'd get close, our kids would step up and make a good play on one end or the other. We really got our running game going in the second half to get some easy baskets."

The Wildcats got contributions from a variety of players. Jones had five steals to go along with his game-high 18 points. Figini hauled down eight rebounds, scored 15 and blocked four Oriole shots. Golv provided scoring support with eight points. Zach Sill collected eight rebounds and Joe Knafla brought in six.

"Taylor Jones really brought it," Jangor said. " Golv had a nice night and Figini did a good job. My coaches thought we played 14 to 15 good minutes in each half. From a physical standpoint, it wasn't one of our best games. But, we used a lot of mental toughness on offense and defense. We were both patient and aggressive. We're starting to get it!"

Chisago Lakes 32 32 64

St. Louis Park 23 30 53

Chisago Lakes Scoring

Tyler Bouwens 2

Chris Golv 8

Zach Sill 6

Josh Figini 15

Joe Knafla 2

Taylor Jones 18

Kyle Hogie 6

Brian Jennissen 3

Scott Leigh 2

Troy Aadland 2

Total 64

Chisago Lakes at Fridley

Friday, January 27

The Wildcats used balanced scoring, including 27 points from their post players, and a 39 point second half to defeat Fridley.

The 'Cats led by eight points early in the game, but the Tigers came back to tie it at 19. "After that, I put the posse in," said coach Jangor. "Those guys held 'em scoreless and, when I put the starters back in, we played some of our best basketball in the last minute and a half of the first period. We held a 23-19 lead at half, primarily through hard work."

That hard work by the Wildcats continued in the first part of the second half. " Then we started executing and we built a double-figure lead. They made a little run and got it back to about eight," Jangor said.

Kyle Hogie came in the game and hit two key three's for CL and Brian Jennissen hit a long one to give the Wildcats some breathing space. "Josh Figini and Joe Knafla dominated the inside in the second half and Bouwens did a nice job, again, running things. He's been averaging about five assists per game.

"It was kind of a strange game. Fridley only took 46 shots and we only had 40. They're a pretty deliberate club, but we wouldn't give them anything. We played a great defensive game," the coach added.

As usual, Jangor credited the work ethic of his team. "It was a great team win. We need to continue to bring our energy. We're starting to execute offensively and be consistent. They're really trying to do what we want them to do. We're getting better at the mental part of the game."

Chisago Lakes 23 39 62

Fridley 19 23 42

Chisago Lakes Scoring

Tyler Bouwens 3

Chris Golv 5

Zach Sill 3

Josh Figini 17

Joe Knafla 10

Taylor Jones 6

Kyle Hogie 7

Brian Jennissen 6

Troy Aadland 5

Total 62

The Wildcats host St. Francis tonight, Thursday, February 1 before traveling to Benilde-St. Margaret's Tuesday, February 6.

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