A method for creating a path list for use in finger assignments comprising clearing a list of paths, choosing a sector for consideration from an active set of sectors, establishing a searcher window around the sector for consideration, and determining up to 'n' local maxima stronger than a threshold value. If a sector under consideration is transmitting on supplemental channels, the method involves artificially biasing the findings of the searcher window by a predetermined value. The biasing value may be constant, variable or proportional to the number of supplemental channels on the base station. After the local maxima corresponding to base stations transmitting on supplemental channels have been biased, the path lists are created. After the path list is created, a finger for consideration for assignment is chosen, and if the finger is not presently in lock on a path, the finger is de-assigned from the path.