I think we shared the ball well and everyone got their opportunities and chances and I think just everyone playing together made it the fun night it was.”

Tenly Nelson

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Park (2-0) hosts Mounds View (3-0) Thursday, Dec. 5, then entertains Cretin-Derham Hall (2-1) on Tuesday, Dec. 10, both games starting at 7 p.m.

Coaches are sometimes asked which their team is best at, offense or defense.

The answer in the season opener for the Park Wolfpack was clearly both.

Park rolled to an impressive 57-22 triumph over the visiting Simley Spartans Tuesday, with both the offense and the defense playing superbly. For a team which won just four games a year ago, this was an eye-opening debut.

This one was over early. Park jumped out to a quick 9-3 lead and led 20-7 at the half. The Wolfpack then picked up the offensive pace in the second half, outscoring Simley 37-15, often beating the Spartans down the floor for easy baskets.

The Park defense shined throughout. No Simley player had more than five points and very few shots by the Spartans went uncontested.

“The defense has been my emphasis in practices,” said Park head coach Stephanie Tolkinen. “We just need to put more pressure on the ball without fouling and getting in the gaps and not let people penetrate. I think our girls did a really good job of that tonight. They just were really coachable and they just really played good team defense tonight.

Park’s offense got contributions from a lot of players. Junior guard Graycie Smith led the way with 16 points. Hailey Kieffer and Mesa Jameson scored 8 points each, Kenna German and Tea Alvarenga had seven each and Olivia Czarnota had five points.

“I think we shared the ball well and everyone got their opportunities and chances and I think just everyone playing together made it the fun night it was,” said Tenly Nelson.

Freshman reserve guard Malaya Ramirez scored just three points, but her fierce defense in the middle was a huge factor in the win. Alvarenga and Jameson were also notable forces on defense. This was a true team win with contributions up and down the lineup.

“That’s what their job is,” said Tolkinen. “They’re going to make a huge difference for us and then when Mesa gets in her mode – we have some things we’re going to be able to do with those three – and it’s just going to hopefully help us out. We scored a little bit in the second half but when we’re struggling with the scoring we have to rely on our defense to make some stops.”

“We had very good on-ball defense today, lots of pressure,” said Kieffer. “The gym was wild. The energy was so high. I’ve never been in a gym with such high energy. It was loud. Cheering, everyone was just up spirit. Our defense – Mesa with I think five blocks in the first half – phenomenal post defense. No one could get a shot over her.”

The new Park offense was another revelation.

“We worked on it all summer,” said German. “I really enjoy it. I think we get a lot of good ball movement, we get a lot of good shot opportunities, inside and outside.

Park 56, Bloomington Jefferson 42

Park made it 2-for-2 to start the young season Saturday, winning 56-42 at Bloomington Jefferson.

The Wolfpack’s two wins are exactly half of what the team won all season a year ago.

Park held a narrow 26-24 lead at the half but then dominated after intermission, outscoring Jefferson 30-18 after the break.

Mesa Jameson scored 18 points to lead the Wolfpack. Hailey Kieffer had 13, Olivia Czarnota 12 and Graycie Smith six.

Park (2-0) hosts Mounds View (3-0) Thursday, Dec. 5, then entertains Cretin-Derham Hall (2-1) on Tuesday, Dec. 10, both games starting at 7 p.m.