Lady Wildcats Win OT Thriller over Denfeld

Chisago Lakes made the trip up to Duluth Denfeld on Wednesday night.

The Wildcats opened up the 1st round of playoffs on the road, despite that they were full of confidence going up against the Hunters.

The game began with both teams feeling each other out, while also playing off some of the nerves that come with playoff basketball. But once each team got a feel for the game and settled in, it was all gas no brakes. The Wildcats lead much of the 1st half but not by much. Even when Denfeld took the lead they too didn't lead by alot, the most either team lead by was 5. As the half wound down the Wildcats held onto the lead but Denfeld was hot on their heals. They were able to tie the game but just before half, the Wildcats retook the lead and also got the ball back. But they were unable to capitalize on the takeaway, going into halftime leading 30-28.

As the 2nd half began, the Hunters had made a quick swing of momentum and they were able to take over the lead. They were able to keep the lead for a chunk of time but the the Wildcats came back and took over themselves. Once again neither team could pull away, which only added to the already electric atmosphere. Late in the half, each team matched the other with shots, when one made a three the other would come back and drop a three of their own. The game was so close that even at the end of regulation we still couldn't find a winner, and we were headed to overtime tied at 50.

The Wildcats came out firing in the OT period, quickly jumping out to a 54-50 lead. But just as quickly as they got out to the lead, Denfeld had erased it taking a 55-54 lead. But this didn't bother the Cats one bit, as they came back and hit on a long three retaking the lead and this time for good. As OT was wrapping up, Chisago lead by only two but a foul put them at the free throw line, they missed and caught a break as the Hunters touched it out of bounds. Then again they were fouled on a shot and got another chance for free throws. Madison Eagle made the first which made it a three point lead, but still left time for a chance from three for the Hunters, something they had rarely missed on. But she would drain the 2nd shot making it a 4 point game and with only 4 seconds left this would seal the victory 59-55.

The Wildcats will play at Rock Ridge in the semi final on Saturday.

Scoring

Chisago Lakes:

Raeann Goehring 18 points, 4 steals, 3 rebounds

Claire Beaver 15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals

Madison Eagle 9 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals

Annika Hall 6 points, 3 steals, 1 rebound

Makenna Thorsen 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal

Kayla Larsen 3 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal

Mariana Cooksley 2 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal

Annika Smith 2 points