The Cook County girls’ basketball team earned its first victory of the season with a 72-12 win over Lakeview Christian Academy. The Vikings played a great all-around game to start off their season. Five Vikings finished in double figures as the outmatched Lions were overwhelmed with Cook County’s more athletic and talented lineup.
Four minutes into the game Cook County was leading 4-0. As the game looked like it might be a bit low-scoring, Head Coach T.J. Super called a timeout to remind his team about the style of basketball they play: tough, aggressive defense that leads to scoring in transition and on the offensive end of the court.
The Vikings went on a 16-0 run and didn’t allow the Lions to even get a shot attempt off on their end of the court. Leading 20-0 early, Coach Super took off the full-court press, but the Vikings’ man-to-man defense didn’t miss a beat. Many steals led to fast-break points and gave Cook County a commanding 42-5 halftime lead.
Junior guard Ailee Larson led the first half in scoring with 10 points. Ashley Deschampe added nine and Brea Boomer had eight points at the break.
In the second half, Coach Super utilized his young bench extensively. Freshmen Leah Utities, Taylor Ryden, Kaitlynn Linnell, and Theresa Morrin all played extended minutes for the Vikings. All four players did a really nice job of maintaining Cook County’s defensive intensity throughout the game.
The Vikings outscored the Lions 30-7 in the second half to win 72-12. Deschampe led all scorers with 13 points. Senior center Essa Jacobsen and freshmen Taylor Ryden each added 12 points while Boomer added 11 and Larson finished with ten points.
When a game quickly becomes one-sided, it is often tough for a team to stay focused. The Vikings did just that and Coach Super was pleased, “Normally in a lopsided game like that, it is tough to be happy as a coach. You often see mental letups and sloppy play. Tonight the girls really played well, though, and I am very proud of their performance.”
Cook County’s next game is on the road in Two Harbors on Tuesday, December 15. The Vikings next play at home on Tuesday, December 22.
Come cheer our Vikes!
Tuesday, December 15
Away · 6:30
vs. Two Harbors
Friday, December 18
Away · 4:45 p.m.
vs. Cromwell
Monday, December 21
Away · 4:45 p.m.
vs. Mountain Iron-Buhl
Tuesday, December 22
Home · 4:45/6:30 p.m.
vs. Silver Bay
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