We have to bring a higher level of energy and every single night we can compete like this and we can win some of those games. But we have to bring it in practice because practices are homework. This is our test.”

Park head coach Stephanie Tolkinen

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Park (3-1, 1-1) plays at Stillwater (4-1, 2-0) Friday with a 7 p.m. start time.

Park’s Wolfpack, who won just four girls basketball games all of last season, were oh so close to a 4-0 start this winter.

After three straight wins to open the season, Park looked like it was going to get No. 4 Thursday until the very last minutes.

But visiting Mounds View did everything right down the stretch to steal a 47-44 decision form the host Wolfpack.

Park led 39-33 with 6:19 to play, but that lead gradually shrank away. The Wolfpack were still clinging to a 44-42 lead with 2:02 left, but Mounds View scored the last five points of the game to earn the victory. Mounds Valley drained a clutch three-point field goal, then salted the win away at the free-throw line, including a killer rebound off their own miss in the final seconds.

“We’ve got some things to work on,” said Park head coach Stephanie Tolkinen. “We’re really proud of them. The things that we didn’t do well is stuff that we have to come and bring even more focus and attention to the details in practice. It’s practices where we have to compete. We have to bring a higher level of energy and every single night we can compete like this and we can win some of those games. But we have to bring it in practice because practices are homework. This is our test.”

“I think we need to be a little more sure with the ball,” Tolkinen continued. “I mean that’s the first time that we’ve seen like that kind of pressure. Just having the composure, even the zone, we didn’t have a full press but seeing that zone we were ready for it, we practiced for it. I feel like we were ready for it. But when it really came down to it we just didn’t quite execute the way we wanted to. The girls, I think in their brain, know what they want to do, but then all of a sudden it comes time to see what the defense is doing and whoa, that was a little bit different. We’ve got to be able to settle down a little bit more.”

Graycie Smith led a balanced Park offense with 10 points. Mesa Jameson scored 9, Olivia Czarnota 7, Kenna German 6, Hailey Kieffer 5, Tea Alvarenga 4 and Ramsey Nelson 3.

Park 47, Forest Lake 44

Down by four at the half, Park rallied for a big road victory Tuesday, downing the host Forest Lake Rangers 47-44 in a Suburban East Conference girls basketball opener.

The Wolfpack trailed 28-24 at the break by outscored the hosts 23-16 after intermission to go to 3-0 on the young season.

Mesa Jameson led Park with 15 points and Graycie Smith scored 11. Kenna German added 7 points and Hailey Kieffer 6.

Park (3-1, 1-1) plays at Stillwater (4-1, 2-0) Friday with a 7 p.m. start time.