Tuesday night the Prescott Girls Varsity Basketball team started off its 2021 portion of the season as they welcomed the River Falls Wildcats to the Nest for a non-conference matchup. Prescott finished the 2020 portion of the season with 7-2 overall record and a 5-0 conference record. The Cardinals were ranked number nine in this week’s coaches’ poll for division three. The Wildcats had a slow start to the season and entered the night with a 1-5 record on the season.

Prescott’s defense forced turnovers on the Wildcats first two possessions, and on the Cardinals second possession, Sydney Matzek made a nice drive to the basket to give Prescott their first lead of the night at 2-0. The Cardinals struggled shooting the ball early missing several good looks at the basket, but their defense was playing well. With 10:24 remaining in the first half Prescott led just 9-6. Prescott then stole the ball on defense three straight possessions and scored each time on the break. With 9:00 left in the half, it suddenly was a 15-6 lead. Coach Radloff would sub in several players throughout the half. The Cardinals defense was fantastic all half no matter who was on the court. Prescott would lead 27-14 at the half. Nicole Dalman led a balanced attack with seven points in the first half.

Prescott started slowly in the second half. Two and a half minutes into the second half, Brynley Goehring got the Cardinals on the board with a three-point shot to give Prescott a 30-16 lead. Bella Lenz would get hot and knock down two three-point shots to keep the lead in double digits. Lenz then found Erin Boatman in transition for a layup. River Falls would then call a timeout with Prescott leading 38-22 with 10:43 to play. River Falls would again call timeout trailing 41-25 with 8:48 remaining. Prescott had 2-3 zone that was confusing the Wildcats. Dalman then would score on three straight possessions, and Prescott would lead 47-28. Prescott would continue to pour it on and would cruise to a 60-31 win.

Earlier in the day Dalman committed to Saint Catherine’s University. She celebrated her commitment with a dominant 14point, 21 rebound performance. Coach Rob Radloff was impressed with his senior’s effort.

“Nicole’s aggressiveness and toughness inside is what makes her good. She’s put in the time the last couple years to develop into a force inside. Having her on the floor takes some of the pressure off Bella and we need her for rebounding.” Dalman’s rebounding total was not only a person best, but coach Radloff mentioned it tied a school record as well “21 rebounds actually tied a school record for one game. Anna Linseth had 21 vs Elk Mound in the 94-95 season.”

Boatman also had a great game for the Cardinals. Erin came off the bench to score 10 points on 5-6 shooting. Coach Radloff said “Erin started the season missing some practice and game time and is finally feeling comfortable with our offense/defense. If she can contribute that every night and grab rebounds, it will make us tougher.”

Lenz would lead the way with 18 points. Bella would also lead the team with eight assists and six steals. She would also grab eight rebounds. Dalman had 14 points and 21 rebounds, Boatman scored 10 points, Matzek would chip in with six points and three steals, Tori Benck scored 4 points, Goehring and Rylie Radloff scored three points each, and Lila Posthuma added two points and three steals.

Prescott’s game on Friday January 8th was postponed due to coronavirus concerns that thankfully turned out to be negative. The Cardinals will look for their ninth win of the season next Tuesday night when they host Amery.