We’re challenging them to play hard, which I think they’re doing. We just have to continue to dig down deep.”

Park head coach Stephanie Tolkinen

For a half, Park played some of its best basketball of the season.

The Wolfpack led visiting Mounds View 20-13 at the break and seemed in control of the game.

But the second half was a completely different story Friday. The Mustangs found their game and used their press, height and rebounding prowess to outscore the Wolfpack 28-9 after intermission and take home a 41-29 victory.

Mounds View went on an 18-7 run in the first eight minutes of the second half to catch and pass Park at 31-27 and really never looked back. Mound View lead grew to 39-27 with 3:35 to play as the Wolfpack seemed to get stuck on 27 points for an eternity.

“We got off to a really nice start, it was nice to see,” said Park head coach Stephanie Tolkinen. “The kids had a lot of really good energy. I thought we were really tough on defense, just made it difficult for Mounds View. They have some pretty good players, some pretty good shooters. I thought we were tough on the board, tough on defense and it was nice to go into the locker room with a little bit of a lead.”

The Mustangs flipped the switch in the second half however, controlling the game with their defense and rebounding abilities.

“Mounds View went to that zone, and I feel like there was a little confusion,” Tolkinen said. “We also, that press, we struggled a little bit with that press, slowed it down and we just didn’t get as many opportunities as we needed to. And then when we did have the opportunities, we’re missing some shots, we’re missing some open shots. And that’s kind of been the struggle lately, is making the open shots when we get them. The kids are working hard. We’re challenging them to play hard, which I think they’re doing. We just have to continue to dig down deep.”

Leading scorer Olivia Czarnota led Park with a dozen points and Tea Alvarenga had 7, but no other Park player managed more than three.

Park slipped to 0-6 in the Suburban East Conference and 2-7 on the season. Mounds View evened its SEC record at 3-3 and went to 6-5 overall.

Park Alumni Game is Jan. 3

Next up for the Wolfpack is a home game against Hastings on Saturday, Jan. 3, starting at 1 p.m. That’s also the Alumni Day. All Park High School girls' basketball alumni are encouraged to attend.

White Bear Lake 50, Park 34

Visiting White Bear Lake kept Park winless in the Suburban East Conference Wednesday night in a 50-34 decision.

Ramsey Nelson led Park with 9 points, Raimee Ashfaq scored 8 and Olivia Czarnota 6.

Park slipped to 0-5 in the SEC and 2-6 overall. Whie Bear Lake improved to 2-3 and 3-4.