Journal Sports

Coming into Friday’s game at home, Park wanted revenge from an earlier eight-point loss to Suburban East Conference rival Woodbury.

Park dominated the action from start to finish Friday night and won going away, 70-47. It was – by far – Park’s best offensive showing of the season and the most points scored by a Wolfpack team since a season-opener 72-15 romp past North St. Paul in the opening game of the 2019-2020 season.

Park led 19-9 after the first eight minutes in the first half, and was up 40-21 at the break.

The Wolfpack went up 58-29 with 11:18 to play in the second half and coasted home with the victory.

Park’s offense was clicking on all cylinders Friday as the Wolfpack had success bombing away from outside, driving inside and grabbing offensive rebounds for easy put backs. The Wolfpack made eight three-point field goals, including three each for freshman guard Tori Henderson and sophomore guard Edie Walton.

“The first night it was a lot different, we had a different energy,” said Walton. “But tonight we all came with the same mind set and we just wanted that win, we wanted that payback to them. Because we knew we could do better than the first time we showed them. Because we didn’t show them what we’ve got and tonight we really proved ourselves I think.”

The Wolfpack improved to 2-5 on the season.

Woodbury is also 2-5 in the SEC.

It was a shocking turnaround from the previous game on Tuesday, a 33-point home loss to 10th-ranked Forest Lake.

The 23-point Park win also put an end to a six-game Woodbury winning streak in the series.

“We brought energy, the kids played together tonight,” said Park head coach Stephanie Tolkinen. “They were more focused on what we wanted to do and I don’t think they took Woodbury that seriously the first time. They didn’t get up for that game.

“We really challenged them on Wednesday in practice after the Forest Lake game,’ Tolkinen continued. “We thought we were better than that. W thought we should have given a better performance. Not that we should have won but we have to come out, we have to compete every single day. We have to compete in practice, we have to compete in games. And tonight they did that all the way from the beginning to the end.”

Henderson led a balanced Park offense with 17 points. Guard/small forward Justine Jameson had 14, Walton 13 and Elsa Olson 9. Ten players scored for the Wolfpack.

Henderson was only momentarily stumped when asked which played better, Park’s offense or defense.

“I can’t choose,” said Henderson. “I think the defense definitely. I’d say our defense because our defense is usually not like that. We definitely stepped it up this game because we knew we had to get back at Woodbury. Once we got a stop everyone was, everyone was like we just fed off each other’s energy and it was just great.”

Riley Rosenthal had 13 points to lead the Royals, but she was the only Woodbury player to score in double figures.

“The kids are starting to play together,” said Tolkinen. “They’re starting to build some trust, building some chemistry together and the younger kids that are in the starting lineup are starting to feel a little more confident like Tori Henderson. She went off tonight and that’s what we’ve been waiting for.”

Park hosts Roseville (3-3) Tuesday, Feb. 9, then plays at Irondale (0-7) Friday, Feb. 12.

Park guard Tori Henderson looks for an opening in the Woodbury defense Friday night. Henderson led all scorers with 17 points in Park’s 79-47 victory.Photo by John Molene