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The Wildcats got off to a fast start and never let up as they beat Columbia Heights 86-47 at the CLHS gym Thursday, January 3.

Amanda Farrell set career highs in points (19) and assists (9) in the victory over the Hylanders. "Amanda continues to improve on the court and as a leader for the Wildcats," said CL head coach Craig Walker. "At this point Amanda is my choice for most improved Wildcat for this season.

"There are a few reasons why Amanda is in the starting lineup and getting a lot of minutes at this point in the season. She is willing to be a court leader, as a point guard needs to be, shoots the ball well (8 for 12 FG, including 3 for 6 from three-point range) and shares the basketball (9 assists). But, the biggest reason she's getting the start and the majority of the playing time at the point is her defense. There are other players in our program who have more well rounded offensive skills, but Amanda recognizes the need for defense and has worked hard to improve on that aspect of her game. She had five steals in our press and half court defense that led to 10 points. That shows the importance of turnovers in a basketball game," coach Walker continued.

Walker went on to explain that the victory was a real team win. "We had 27 assists tonight. That's outstanding! Even in the comfortable victory, it was a fun game to watch. It wasn't one pass and a shot We made the extra pass to a teammate tonight and that's fun to watch, especially when we get out in transition off opponents' turnovers."

Re-emphasizing the team win, Walker said, "We had four girls in double digits (Whitney Tinjum 13, Kori Sells 12, Summer Young 10, Farrell 19) and 11 of 12 girls who played, scored. Megan Corradi, who is usually our leading scorer, could have forced the issue, getting to the freethrow line more, but chose to pass instead and ended the game with six assists."

SCORING SUMMARY

Chisago Lakes 45 41 86

Col. Heights 23 24 47

Wildcat Scoring

Amanda Farrell 19

Whitney Tinjum 13

Summer Young 10

Megan Corradi 6

Kori Sells 12

Brenna Coyle 8

Cassie Trandahl 6

Allyssa Lundberg 5

Jamie Peterson 2

Cami Sells 1

Kelsey Ristow 4

Total 86

"Looking at the schedule, we played all the top teams in the North Suburban first. We lost a close one to St. Louis Park in double overtime and were in games against Benilde and Fridley (undefeated) and lost to St. Francis and Totino Grace (also undefeated). The way we are playing, (we have) to make up a lot of ground to begin the second half of the conference season at .500. But at 3-8, there's no room to overlook anyone, including Columbia Heights," Walker added.

The Wildcats will conclude a four-game home stand with a pair of Friday games. January 11 the 'Cats will entertain Robbinsdale-Cooper. January 18 CL will host North Branch. Both contests are scheduled for 7:15 tipoffs.

When CL travels to Columbia Heights February 12, they will take part in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association "Think Pink Week." The purpose of the week is to boost awareness of breast cancer. Fans in attendance will be admitted for free if they wear pink. Both teams will honor the occasion by wearing special warm-ups and pink during the game. For more information on "Think Pink Week" visit the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's website at www.wbca.org.

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