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Rogers 82, Chisago Lakes 59
In their first foray into the Mississippi 8 this year, Chisago Lakes didn’t like what the found against Rogers. The up-and-coming Royals are 10-3 on the year, and they didn’t waste any time showing the ‘Cats what got them there.

Rogers put up 45 first half points while Chisago Lakes only scored 25. It was a defensive clinic by the Royals while they were also pushing the pace offensively.

Chisago Lakes was able to keep up the offensive pace in the second half, but they were never able to threaten the eventual Rogers victory, as the Royals won 82-59.

Aron Johnson scored 17 points to lead the Wildcats, Trevin Nelson scored 12 and Eric Thompson chipped in 11. Jordan Belka led the Royals with 18 points. They had seven players that scored eight points or more.

Chisago Lakes 71, Princeton 61
Senior leaders Trevin Nelson and Thomas Gillach took over the scoring load in a big Mississippi 8 Conference win over Princeton on Thursday, January 12.

The ‘Cats scored 37 first half points behind some accurate shooting from Nelson and Gillach, who ended up with 24 and 19 points, respectively, on the game.

In the second half, Chisago Lakes was able to fend off a late Princeton charge, with Arran Hickcox and Thompson both chipping in some crucial baskets. Johnson even added in some low post buckets, giving the ‘Cats a balanced offensive attack.

Adam Williams led Princeton with 19 points and James Flicek had 17.

The Wildcats travel cross county to take on North Branch on Thursday, January 19 this week before hosting a crucial section game against Hermantown on Saturday, January 21. Although the Hawks are only 6-9 on the year, the two squads have faced off for the section championship the last two years, so the rivalry and gravity of the game will not be lost on the current players.

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