The Wisconsin Sports Network released their first set of rankings for the 2020-21 season. The Prescott girls basketball team heads into the week ranked #9 in Division III. The St. Croix Central Panthers are the lone ranked Middle Border Conference boys team at #10.

Fans will learn a great deal this week about the 2020-21 Middle Border Conference girls basketball season. After crucial games with Ellsworth and Somerset this week, the Cardinals can catapult themselves into sole possession of first place heading into the holiday break and forcing the rest of the MBC to play catch up the rest of the season. This coming Monday the Cardinals will travel to St. Croix Falls to take on the #4 ranked Saints who now play in the Heart of the North Conference.

After surpassing 1,500 career points this week, it appears Bella Lenz will become Prescott’s all time leading scorer on the road. The Cardinals do not return to the friendly confines of Prescott High School until December 30th when they host Durand. Reports are there are plans in the works to recognize the Michigan Tech recruit on becoming the most prolific scorer in Prescott Girls Basketball history. Stay tuned.

Those who have followed Prescott girls basketball over the years certainly remember the exploits of former Cardinal cager Kaycee Charette. A 2009 alumnus, Charette not only is the all time leading scorer in girls basketball history, she was also an all conference athlete in volleyball and track and field. When asked about the exploits of Lenz, Charette is impressed. “I have seen Bella play a few times and have really been impressed with the way she sees

by Cripe Olson

the court. She really knows the game and plays with a great deal of confidence and is really tough minded. Bella is really fun to watch.” After a stellar prep career, Charette received an athletic scholarship to play at Division II Moorhead State in far Western Minnesota. Lenz, like Charette received the same to play at Division II Michigan Tech. “I think Bella has a great future at the next level,” says Charette. “Playing college ball requires even more commitment. It seemed like everyone of my teammates was their high school team’s scorer. All the players were expected to get tougher and stronger and I am sure that has not changed. I expect Bella to be up to the challenge.” Charette who graduated with a business degree works for a financial company based in Minneapolis. After two knee surgeries, the former Cardinal believes her competitive playing days most likely over, but has thought about coaching in the future. “I certainly have thought about getting into coaching and if and when there is an opportunity I would strongly consider it.”

Guard Parker Nielsen and the West Texan A & M Buffaloes are slated to open their 2020-21 season with three games this week. Picked to win the Lone Star Conference, the NCAA Division II Buffaloes among the top ranked teams in the nation and are picked as one of the teams to contend for the national title.

The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Council of Chancellors has voted to resume winter sports competition for the 2020-21 season in February contingent upon the securing of ongoing COVID-19 testing. It was noted the plan may need to be adjusted due to the ever-changing conditions of the pandemic.

The resumption of play includes the sports of men’s and women’s basketball, women’s gymnastics, men’s and women’s ice hockey, men’s and women’s indoor track & field, men’s and women’s swimming & diving, and wrestling. The conferenceonly schedules will begin the week of Feb. 1, 2021 and be released at a later date.

From the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources…. want a tremendous stocking stuffer for the holidays? Look no further than a Department of Natural Resources 2021 annual vehicle admission state park sticker. They are now on sale. Admission stickers can be purchased online, over the phone by calling 1-888-305-0398 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or at individual properties via self-registration stations, electronic kiosks or drive-up window service. From Willow River to Copper Falls, Interstate to Wyalusing, and Mill Bluff to Rib Mountain, Wisconsin’s State Parks are jewels to be enjoyed by everyone.

North Dakota State Infielder Peter Brookshaw will don the uniform of the St. Cloud Rox of the Great Plains Region Northwood League this summer. Brookshaw, a two time 1st Team All State infielder in high school, is hoping to continue the hot start he enjoyed in the Covid-19 shortened 2020 season.

Speaking of baseball, it looks like the CAB Company is at it again at Firehall Field. Looks like some earth has been moved for the eventual construction of a much needed storage shed adjacent to the batting cages. Bravo to CAB President Dallas Eggers and the rest of the organization for continuing to make improvements even during these trying times.

Headshaker of the week: Like many fans, perusing the internet for sports content is full of trial and tribulations. From watching euphoric high school fan reactions to parent fisticuffs in the stands the video content runs the gamut. However a clip I came across recently was both head shaking and head spinning. During a youth football game, two coaches ON THE SAME TEAM started arguing with each other on the sideline. After pleasantries were exchanged both screaming coaches tore off their shirts and were ready to exchange blows. Thankfully cooler heads prevailed and the impending sideline brooha was averted. It was a headshaker.