lane and tied it up with an easy midrange look. Some good ball movement from the Cardinal’s found Nielsen an open look and he connected on a deep three pointer to go up 23-20 before Prescott went on to win.

Nielsen again led in scoring and assists, finishing with 24 and five. Holte scored 12 and dished out four assists. Dylan Malmov was close behind with 11 points, five rebounds and a pair of assists and steals. Jacob Doffing scored six points, grabbed 10 rebounds and assisted on three made baskets. Walker Lenz and Gabe VanHolbeck both scored five points and grabbed three boards. Lenz also had a pair of assists. Senior Riley Anfinson recorded five rebounds, four assists and made the only shot he took. Senior Jared Knott helped hold down the lane, ending the game with six rebounds, three points, an assist and a blocked shot. Seniors Patrick Haas and Lane Budworth both hit a three pointer. Haas grabbed a pair of rebounds and Budworth grabbed one as well.

The Cardinals shot a very efficient 63% from the floor as a team to Amery’s 30%. Doffing led the defense once again and finished the game with six blocked shots and Nielsen swatted another three. Jared Knott and Wyatt Holum blocked one each as well. Doffing and Dylan Malmov each stole a pair of passes and Nielsen, Holum and Mason Holte all recorded a steal.

The Cardinals finished strong in both games, scoring 41 points in the second half of each game last week.

“We’ve got big time minutes and production from three newcomers to varsity this season,” Coach Nick Johnson said. “We knew Wyatt, Walker and Jordan needed to step up. We knew what we had with Parker, Jacob, Mason and Dylan. These three have really understood their roles and have put the team first in all aspects of their game.”

With another conference title within reach, the Cardinals have positioned themselves at the top of the Middle Border Conference, well within reach of the goal they set out to accomplish at the start of the year.

“When we lost at home to New Richmond, we knew how challenging that goal was going to be. Our conference is very challenging and we couldn’t afford to overlook any game. This group has been extremely focused,” Johnson said.

Prescott heads to Baldwin-Woodville on Thursday for their last game before playoff action gets started. Friday, March 6th the #1 seeded Cardinals host the winner of #8 Hayward and #9 Ellsworth.

“We need to continue to understand the importance of each possession. Every game here on out is for a championship. I believe the way last year ended has taught our players there is no such thing as a guarantee,” Johnson said about his top-seeded team.

Photo by Joseph Back.