SHOTS from the Hip

Prescott running back Aiden Russell ran for 177 yards on Friday and has now rushed for 1,099 yards on the season._ With at least two more games to play, Russell is on pace to have one of the most storied seasons of any Prescott running back in decades._ The WIAA football playoff seedings and matchups will be made next Saturday. _The Cardinals will find out whether they will be playing in Division 4 or Division 5 and whether or not they will be hosting a first round playoff game at Laney Field. There is an outside chance five teams from the Middle Border will qualify for the playoffs. A possible first round opponent for the Cardinals is Coulee Conference member West Salem._ The WIAA Board of Control announced last week that beginning with the 2023 season the baseball half sectionals will be seeded, a change supported unanimously by the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association._ Readers of this column will know whether or not the Prescott girls golf team has successfully defended its WIAA Division II State Championship._ After qualifying for a third consecutive season, Head Coach Chad Salay’s charges have become among the most accomplished teams in Prescott High School history._Word is they’re up and coming_ Saint Croix Central is the only Middle Border Conference volleyball team mentioned in the most recent Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association State Rankings._The Panthers with an overall record of 22-3 are listed as Honorable Mention in Division 2 and sit atop the conference standings. Area schools ranked in Division 3 include St. Croix Falls at #10, with Unity and Grantsburg both listed as Honorable Mention. Seeding meetings for the fast-approaching WIAA Tournament were held early this week.__ Approximately 20 years ago the Wisconsin Independent Schools Athletic Association (WISAA) dissolved and all private schools in Wisconsin began to participate under one state tournament umbrella – The WIAA._Thus began the discussion and debate regarding the participation of private schools, especially those with smaller school enrollments, in the tournament series. _From Eau Claire Regis to Stevens Point Pacelli, to Racine St. Catherine’s to Kenosha St. Joseph’s, and Dominican to Madison Edgewood, public school athletic fans will discuss the pros and cons (polls show mostly cons) of whether or not multipliers should be used to determine placement in postseason play._ Wow._ Durand’s Simon Bauer ran for 307 yards against Fall Creek last Friday, the third time the senior halfback has rushed for over 300 yards this season._Bauer has rushed for 1,941 yards this season, tops in the state of Wisconsin._Another opponent this season, Junior Quarterback Jackson Flottmeyer of La Crosse Aquinas is reportedly being recruited by several NCAA Division I schools._ Congratulations to Roy Finley, Char Magee, and Nick Schommer on their induction into the Prescott Hall of Fame this past weekend. _ Anyone interested in nominating someone deemed worthy of Hall of Fall Recognition has until June 2023 to submit names for possible induction. Remember, there is much, much more to the nominating process than simply submitting a name._A nominating letter, a minimum of two letters of support, a list of accomplishments and achievements, along with a description of the nominee's connection and involvement with the Prescott community are required. Once submitted, the nominees and all previous nominees are evaluated by an 11-member committee using a detailed, objective scoring rubric._The candidates with top two or three scores will then be inducted into the Hall of Fame._ Dave Hovel is the new Chair of the Hall of Fame Committee.__ Headshaker of the week:_More than a handful of spectators at Friday’s game commented on the inappropriate language used by the adult fans of_ La Crosse Aquinas. Throughout much of the game, Blugold rooters directed countless insults and catcalls at game officials._Additionally, it was also reported the actions, antics, and language of an Aquinas assistant coach in the press box tower was equally embarrassing. Today, when high school kids engage in such sophomoric behavior it can sometimes be blamed on youthful indiscretion. _But for adults to partake in such boorish activity is inexcusable. Come on, you should know better. The behavior of some La Crosse Aquinas fans and one coach on Friday?_ It was a headshaker. _