Lady Jackets Come Up Short Against Big Lake

The Cambridge-Isanti Girls hosted Big Lake on Thursday night.

It was a frigid night outside, which forced the game to be moved up.

The Bluejackets were looking for the 2nd win in a row, after beating Chisago Lakes on Tuesday.

Scoring was at a bit of a premium in the 1st half, as both teams tried to settle in. C-I took the early lead thanks to some shots from beyond the perimeter. They were able to keep this lead for a good chunk of the 1st half. Late in the half, Big Lake was able to find success offensively as they started to pick up their pace. As they moved faster they found more lanes to open up and had the Jackets on their heels. C-I tried to match this speed but wound up taking some unnecessary risks which turned into empty possessions and turnovers. They got away from their type of game and it allowed Big Lake to take over the lead and keep it at half 26-19.

Although they had gotten out of sorts at the end of the 1st half, they got off to a hot start in the 2nd. They got back to their style of play and didn't worry so much about keeping up with Big Lake. The Bluejackets also fed the hot hand and it started a scoring run. It took some time but eventually the Jackets completely overcame their deficit and had tied the game late at 39. They looked destined to retake the lead they once had back in the 1st half. But the Hornets were able to hit a few big shots themselves to keep the lead. The Bluejackets didn't blink and continued to battle. But as the game wore down, they struggled to hang on to the ball cleanly. They were making smart plays, taking the open looks, but every rebound, pass and dribble seemed to force a jump ball which definitely hurt the Jackets momentum. Big Lake was able to capitalize on some of these sudden change of possessions and built their lead back to 6, and sadly that would seal the game. C-I would fall 50-45.

They have a young team, but has shown tremendous growth and will no doubt in time be a very good team.

Scoring

C-I:

Reese Oliver 17 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block

Kallie Ostlund 13 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal

Allie Troolin 5 points, 13 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 steals

Finley Nelson 3 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal

Scarlet Porta 3 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal