Wisconsin Grappler Magazine lists Prescott Cardinal senior Nolan Thomley the 12th ranked wrestler in the state at 150 pounds.  he online site lists Thomley’s victories over Cory Lindahl of Medford and Jonathan Krager of Chippewa Falls as key wins for the Cardinal four-year letter winner. 

Congratulations to Dallas Wallin on surpassing the 700 career rebound plateau and on the verge of setting the record for career caroms. The 6’6” senior will most undoubtedly finish his stellar prep career with more than 1,500 points and well over 800 rebounds. Bravo. Fellow senior Lila Posthuma continues her march toward the century mark as the Bradley University recruit enters 2024 with more than 950 points and over 600 rebounds. When it comes to scoring 1,000 points, Prescott sophomore Violet Otto appears to be the next Cardinal player to eclipse the century mark during their high school career. 

Although we are more than two and a half months away from the WIAA basketball tournament, Prescott cager fans are scouring media outlets for the latest on teams within the Cardinal boys and girls sectional brackets. For the boys, Elk Mound defeated previously unbeaten and 10th ranked Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau on the road giving the Mounders a record of 6-1. The G.E.T. Redbirds are now 7-1 on the season and lead the Coulee Conference. Somerset is 7-3, Baldwin-Woodville 5-2, and defending Middle Border Conference Champion Osceola is 5-2 overall, but are currently atop the conference standings. West Cloverbelt leader Bloomer currently has an overall record of 6-1. 

Did you know…In 1984 girls and women’s basketball teams began using a smaller basketball. Studies showed the switch had no impact on scoring or shooting percentage…One of the 13 original rules of basketball was the following: When the ball goes out of bounds, it shall be thrown into the field of play by the person first touching it. In case of a dispute, the umpire shall throw it straight into the field. The thrower-in is allowed five seconds; if he holds it longer, it shall go to the opponent. If any side persists in delaying the game, the umpire shall call a foul on that side. Yes, those in the stands could throw the ball in play. This is what led to the game being played inside a cage so the ball would not go up into the stands. That is why many basketball aficionados still refer to players as Cagers. 

Michigan Tech Guard Isabella Lenz is 39-41 (95.1) from the free throw line for the Huskies this season. 

For the girls, on paper the #6 ranked unbeaten Elk Mound Mounders (10-0) appear to be the favorite in the Arcadia Sectional. However, private school La Crosse Aquinas (8-2), who was the WIAA Division IV state runner up last year, is ranked #8 and currently is in first place in the Mississippi Valley Conference. Up north, the Barron Bears lead the Heart of the North Conference with a record of 8-0, and in the southern section of the bracket, the 8-2 Mauston Eagles and the 6-2 Arcadia Raiders appear to be among the contenders for a trip to Green Bay in March. 

Much to the dismay of many, of the 64 appeals made to the WIAA regarding the new placement of schools using the Performance Factor Process, only one appeal was accepted - the one made by the Wonewoc-Center girls volleyball team. All other appeals failed. The Prescott girls golf team will compete in Division I next fall. 

Dryden Seeley, a 2023 Prescott alumnus, will wear #18 for the Hamline Pipers baseball team this spring. Junior Bemidji State Outfielder Hunter Daymond will wear #1 for the Beavers on the diamond during the 2024 season. 

According to the Wisconsin Sports Network’s list of career scoring leaders, only six of the 67 players listed played before the era of the three-point shot. Those half dozen include Steve Wilhelm of Fall Creek, Joe Wolf of Kohler, and the incomparable Mickey Crowe of St. Nazianz JFK Prep. For the girls, only two pre-three-point shooting era players cracked the list: Anna Kattreh of Kohler (1983), and Megan Burhius (1984) of Brillion. 

Another note…I will continue denouncing boorish behavior and unsportsmanlike conduct in the realm of athletics and will persist to opine for a time when decorum, modesty, civility, humility, respect, and politeness in athletics become the rule rather than the exception.   

Headshaker of the week: The Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame recently identified the inductees for the class of 2024. Each honoree is asked to submit a photo to be included in the Hall of Fame Banquet Program and the sport yearbook. One of the nominees submitted a picture of themselves hoisting the state championship trophy following the title game award presentation. It’s a headshaker.