The Prescott girls got the season started to the tune of two games to remember. The Cardinals opened the year against Elk Mound, losing 53-49. Just when people thought it could not get any closer, Thursday’s home opener against McDonnell Central ended in a 63-61 win.

Against Elk Mound, neither team could take firm control, with Elk Mound winning the first half 29-27 and the second half 24-22. It was a tough team to face on the road for a season opener, as the Mounders reached the State Semi-final in Division 3 a year ago.

In game two, the return home was a welcome one, as senior Violet Otto’s 30-point showing helped boost the Cardinals to a win. This time around, Prescott led for nearly the entirety of the game, but the Macks hung around and struck late to take things to the wire.

Recent St. Cloud State signee Otto has met lofty expectations through two games, averaging 28 points between the games with 15 total rebounds, six assists, six steals and two blocks. Sophomore Hannah Schommer has shown up in the scoring column as well, averaging 14 points on 56% shooting and 6-of-9 from deep.

Also worth mentioning, senior Nora Boles racked up a whopping 15 rebounds (six offensive) in the season opener and eight against McDonnell.

Prescott has placed an emphasis on difficult non-conference slates in recent years to prepare themselves for Middle Border play, and that’s what the Cardinals are up against once again. The team’s first conference matchup is Dec. 2 hosting St. Croix Central.

Another benefit to the tough stretch is the irreplicable late game scenarios. Teams can practice late game situations all they want, but every coach will tell you they do not compare to the real thing. To have two games come down to the final seconds during the first week of the year gives Prescott a leg up in navigating the building pressure of a thriller.

While Prescott has a lot of junior and sophomore contributors, many of them were also varsity contributors last season, so they know how to handle the big stage.