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Chisago Lakes 61, North Branch 42

It's been a while since more than pride was on the line in a regular season match up of Chisago Lakes and North Branch girls basketball. 

They've tangled in the postseason a few times over the last half decade, but for the most part, the regular season games were just a blip in North Suburban radar.

This year, however, with Chisago Lakes at 9-3 and North Branch at 8-3, there was a lot riding on the anticipated match up in North Branch on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

"Playing Chisago Lakes is always a fun game," veteran Head Coach Dan Schindler said. But, it would've been a lot more fun for him if the Vikes didn't struggle after the opening half.

The game moved at a snail's pace in the opening minutes. Both teams were getting good looks, but neither team was able to sink many of their shots. "Typically, they are one of the best defensive teams in the NSC and we struggle at times to get in an offensive rhythm against them," CL Head Coach Craig Walker said.

Near the eight minute mark, both teams started making their open shots and trading baskets. North Branch had a small lead for a bit, but the Wildcats pulled back ahead by two points at the halftime break.

"I thought we played a good first half," Schindler said. "We were able to control their inside game somewhat and kept the tempo at a pace we liked. We really wanted to keep it at that pace."

But Walker's squad came out of the locker room with a plan, and they executed it.

"I've been real impressed with the maturity of our girls this season," he said. "Our halftime discussions and adjustments have been successful because they know what they are capable of accomplishing."

The Wildcats defense began hounding North Branch's ball handlers and forcing them into mistakes that led to easy Chisago Lakes baskets.

"The press and our ability to create steals and score off of it, allowed us to pick up the tempo of the game and play at a tempo we like," Walker said. "Hannah Trandahl thrives in a fast paced game and does a great job getting the ball to her teammates in the open court when we can play fast."

Schindler, though, was disappointed they couldn't keep the game at a grind. "I give Chisago Lakes credit as they made some nice adjustments at halftime and were able to pull away from us," he said. "We need to be able to score a little more against the good teams."

Down the stretch, Chisago Lakes kept the pressure on and enjoy a 15 to 20 points cushion for most of the last 10 minutes.

"We had a few good shots to start the second half but weren't able to make them and Chisago made theirs," Schindler said. "They have nice size across the front line and I thought they used it pretty well the second half. They have a lot of different ways that they can beat you and we just lost some our defensive focus on assignments the second half."

The Wildcats sealed the game with a few big shots from Annie Stenson, who is dangerous when she gets hot. "Annie's contributions recently have provided a big left for us," Walker said. "She can shift the momentum quickly by hitting a couple quick outside shots."

Along with Stenson's seven second half points, Whitney Tinjum had a typical monster game, scoring 19 points and grabbing 18 boards in the 61-42 victory.

Sophomore Bryanna Fernstrom had 12 points and seven rebounds for the Wildcats, and Zoe Hansen got things done without scoring, nabbing 13 rebounds and dishing out three assists.

For North Branch, Erin Reber returned from a concussion to lead the team with 11 points. Kallie Grote was the only other Viking in double digits, scoring 10 points. "I thought Erin did a nice job for us coming back from injury, and Kallie has been consistent scoring for us all year," Schindler noted.

Although the school's proximity is awfully close, the rivalry has stayed civil, despite the back-and-forth results of the contests.

"Coach Walker has done a nice job with that team and they will be tough for anybody to beat down the stretch," Schindler said. Unfortunately for the Vikings, they'll see the Wildcats again down the stretch. But, it'll be a perfect chance for revenge after losing the opening game in the duel.

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