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Playing at the Target Center is usually reserved for the state championship games in Minnesota.

With how the Chisago Lakes boys basketball team has been playing lately, that may not be far off from their trajectory, but in the meantime, it was a fun experience for players and parents to take part in the Target Center’s effort to involve more local athletics.

The Wildcats took on Big Lake in the bright lights of Minneapolis, and Chisago Lakes came out victorious on the strength of their first half, where they built a nine point lead.

Big Lake did make a second half charge, but the Hornets couldn’t dig out from the hole they were in.

Patrick Rowe, who is one of the premier players in the state, scored 22 points for Chisago Lakes, and his supporting cast was huge in the game, as well. Zander Schmidt netted 19 points, Ben Paulsen scored 17 and Ian Larsen added 13.

As the season enters the back third, Rowe is starting to get serious consideration for postseason accolades. He’s averaging over 32 points per game, 11 rebounds and seven assists, including a triple double against Becker just two days after the Big Lake win where he scored 33 points, grabbed 13 boards and had 13 assists.

The ‘Cats have an important section game against Duluth Denfeld on Friday, February 2 at home. The Hunters are jockeying with CL and Hermantown for the top seed in Section 7AAA.

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