'Cats rewarded after second state showing

The Chisago Lakes Wildcats Girls Basketball team celebrated their second consecutive state tournament season at their postseason banquet on Tuesday, March 26.

Many players were honored with North Suburban Conference individual athletic and academic awards and the team was awarded the 2012-13 NSC Academic Team Championship.

North Suburban Conference Academic Team Champions

NSC Academic All Conference: Lydia Spading, Beka Meyer and Katie Jennissen

NSC All Conference: Hannah Trandahl and Bryanna Fernstrom

NSC Honorable Mention: Sam Forslund and Sarah Greene

Minnesota Girls Basketball Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year: Michelle Backes

BROKEN RECORDS
The 2012-13 Wildcats set programs records along with their state accomplishments. Season Records - Over the course of the season, these were records that the team broke - 49.9 points allowed, 575 steals, and 439 assists. Single Game Records - 26 total assists against St. Louis Park. Individual Records - There also are a variety of individual accomplishments that were part of a great season. Hannah Trandahl set program records for steals (148) and assists (152) while also reaching the Top 10 in career scoring with 738 points. Trandahl also carries a 4.0 GPA at Anoka-Ramsey CC. Bryanna Fernstrom moved into the Top five in career scoring (1,261 points) and into second place in career rebounds with 673. She also set team single season records for field goals made (256) and attempted (514) as well as rebounds (317). She recorded a rare triple-double with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 11 blocks against St. Louis Park. Katelyn Ramberg set the program record for three-point field goals attempted with 115.

Coach Craig Walker recognized the accomplishments of this year’s individual players as well as the team in the final year in the North Suburban Conference. “Win or lose, state tournament or not, this was one of the greatest teams that Chisago Lakes High School has ever put together,” he explained. “Unselfish play, teamwork, and togetherness allowed us to achieve great things. For that all of the girls deserve praise and congratulations.” Walker went on to recognize the seniors; Trandahl, Katie Jennissen, Ramberg, Lydia Spading and Beka Meyer and they each took turns commenting on their favorite basketball memories; bus rides, hotel stays, team bonding moments, and of course playing at Williams Arena. As well as the one thing they’ve learned from being part of the Wildcat Basketball program -- trust, effort, and perseverance were common themes.