Losing 10 seniors and two elite players, the Prescott boys basketball team is going to definitely have a different look this year.

But 10th year Coach Nick Johnson knows his team will be ready to play.

The Cardinals start with three games this week.

“We’re jumping right into it,” said Johnson. “We like what we’re seeing. During the offseason, people would say we lost 10 seniors, we’re going to have a rebuilding year. We don’t use that word in our program. It seems like it’s a wasted year. We’ll be just fine. Our goals are the same. The guys are working hard, and they’ll be ready.”

Last year’s Prescott team was destined for a spot at the WIAA State Tournament when the rug was pulled out from under high school boys basketball. After a Sectional Semifinal win, the season was abruptly cancelled.

Prescott’s senior laden team was led by Parker Nielson, who averaged 27 points and 5.2 assists per game and big man Jacob Doffing, who averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds per game.

“We lost 10 seniors, and a couple were two of the top players to ever come out of Prescott. So when you lost those guys, that’s tough, but that being said, we’ve got some guys who are really stepping up so far, who are going to play significant minutes. We can play different styles with what we bring to the table. Our perimeter play looks good. Our post players look good,” said Johnson.

Regardless of who’s on the floor for the Cardinals, the competition will be tough. Two of the first three games are non-conference tilts against Altoona (Tuesday, Dec. 8) and Eau Claire-Regis (Saturday, Dec. 10, 1 p.m.), always at the top of the Western Cloverbelt Confernce. Friday, Prescott hosts Somerset, which will be a tough test. And don’t get Johnson started on the Middle Border Conference overall!

“This year is tougher than I can remember. I think top to bottom it’s as good as it’s ever been,” he said, with St. Croix Central, New Richmond and Ellsworth rising to the top. “And Somerset is really good,” said Johnson. “This conference is going to be legit.”

Prescott Cardinals 2020-21 G Jordan Malmlov Sophomore G Justin Syverson Junior G Philip Seifert Junior G Eric Korfhage Junior G Hayden Pattridge Senior F Aiden Russell Junior F Walker Lenz Senior G Dallas Wallin Freshman F Tanner Dalman Senior F Kyle Holman Senior C Teddy Huppert Senior C Damoin Huppert Senior F Ben Rohl Junior