PRESCOTT — Returning plenty of contributors has allowed the Prescott boys basketball team to get right back to winning, going 3-0 during the season’s opening week.

The Cardinals beat Durand-Arkansaw 63-52, Colfax 101-67 and Elk Mound 69-51. This roster has extreme athleticism which was part of the reason for the second place Middle Border Conference finish a year ago.

“Obviously we’re playing pretty well offensively and defensively,” Head Coach Nick Johnson said. “Considering we’re one week into the game season, we like a lot of things the team’s doing.”

Prescott’s offense is as balanced as it gets, with no players scoring 20 points in a game through the opening three games.

“Experience is huge at the high school level,” Johnson said. “We return six of our top eight from last year, and it’s just so important. Those kids have now taken a huge step as leaders.”

The team is packed with leaders. After losing to Amery at home in the Regional Final a year ago, the returners have a bit of a chip on their shoulders.

A whopping seven have scored double-digit points through the opening week alone being Emmett Otto, Kobe Russell, Max Monteith, Jackson Matzek, Evan Kochendorfer, Gavin Peters and Eyan Miller. Johnson said what makes the team hard to guard is that the Cardinals score both through a variety of players and in a variety of ways.

“I wouldn’t say we really had that option last year,” Johnson said. “It’s tough to gameplan against teams that have that kind of depth of scoring.”

Johnson mentioned the coaching staff feels comfortable going to the bench because of the talent they have.

As for necessary improvements as the year goes on, the Cardinals are looking to be more patient on offense and take care of the ball.

“Just offensive flow. We still kind of get to a point where we kind of settle for outside shots,” Johnson said. “Turnovers have been an issue.”

Ahead of the year, Coach Johnson said the team goal is a conference championship, and to do that it will take both mental and physical toughness. That was on display in the Colfax game. Despite the final score, the game was physical and the two teams were not afraid to go out and earn it.

Now, Prescott starts the journey toward a conference title. The Cardinals have a highly anticipated matchup with Ellsworth on Dec. 18 in Ellsworth that may have major conference implications at the end of the year.