The Cambridge-Isanti boys’ basketball team lost 81-66 to Spring Lake Park on Dec. 14. On Dec. 18, the Jackets earned an 85-77 triumph over Princeton.
The Panthers had a team blessed with quickness, speed and slick ball handling. Spring Lake Park’s use of those talents defensively with a full court press and double teaming produced numerous turnovers and some easy baskets. When the Panthers weren’t scoring easy baskets on a fast break, their sharp shooters were sinking six 3-pointers in the first half.
“Our goal was to set the tempo and control the basketball in the first half, and we didn’t get that done,” said C-I coach Mike McDonald.
Spring Lake Park dominated the first half and led 57-33 at intermission.
After Park went up 71-40 midway in the second half, the Jackets finished the game by outscoring the Panthers 26-10, but still lost 81-66.
Matt Swanson led the C-I scoring with 16 points, while Kyle McDonald came through with 14 points.
Princeton
In a charged and emotional game against old rivals, the Bluejackets bested Princeton 85-77.
“It was a great win,” said a very pleased coach McDonald.
The Jackets got off to a great start, and with Jake Johnson’s scoring 10 points, C-I led by 10-12 points in most of the first half. The Bluejackets went into intermission with a 45-34 advantage.
The Bluejackets had to battle the never-say-die Tigers as Princeton, at one point, cut the C-I lead to 6 points in the second half. The Bluejackets managed to recover and went on to a very nice 85-77 victory.
One big reason C-I did so well in claiming the win was because of their balanced scoring with six Jackets getting into double figures.
Aaron Allen came off the bench to lead the Bluejackets in scoring with 17 points. Johnson scored 15, Swanson 14, Hunter Vavra 13 and McDonald 11 points.
The Bluejackets will participate in the Moorhead Tournament Dec. 28-29.
Spring Lake Park 57 24-81
Bluejackets 33 33-66
Scoring: Swanson 16, McDonald 14, Allen 8, Vavra 8, Johnson 8, Cox 7, Banks 4, Douglass 1
Bluejackets 46 40-86
Princeton 34 43-77
Scoring: Allen 17, Johnson 15, Swanson 14, Vavra 13, McDonald 11, Banks 5
