Park's guard duo cuts its losses

Just two years ago, Park trudged through a 3-24 season in girls' basketball.

That was a tough year for a group of young student-athletes, most of whom were underclassmen. But deep down they knew success wouldn't be measured immediately in the win column.

Coach Stephanie Tolkinen steadied the ship.

"We weren't gauging our success at all by wins," said Tolkinen, now in her seventh year as head coach and 12th year in the program. "We were just trying to really get the kids to buy into improving -- improving their skills, improving their team play, improving their basketball IQ -- and I think we had accomplished that.

"Those kids learned a lot and they really grew together through those trying times. They met some adversity, but they grew up a lot in the game."

Tolkinen's continued messages and reminders took away some of the stigma associated with the 24-loss season, but junior Larissa Lurken and sophomore Sydney Lamberty remember those days.

"It was frustrating, but I knew we would get better," Lurken said. "I kept my head up and I knew we would succeed sooner or later."

Has it ever. The Wolfpack leaped to 15 wins last season, finishing above .500 and upsetting a tough Eagan team in the first round of section playoffs. Now, with more experience, confidence and chemistry, Park is looking to make another jump in the 2011-2012 season.

So far, so good. Park has jumped to a 9-3 start, including a 4-0 conference record, putting it atop the Suburban East. The team dominated in a 44-point victory over Hastings on Tuesday night.

Lurken and Lamberty have blossomed into two of the state's top guards in their classes. Each is averaging nearly 20 points per game.

"Those are the kids you're finding in the gym a little more often than your typical kid," Tolkinen said. "They have their goals set. They want their team to be successful. They don't ever want to taste that three-win season again, and I think that motivates them as well."

Guards and good friends, Lurken and Lamberty move the ball seamlessly. Lurken brings a three-point presence and strong attacking ability for the Wolfpack. Lamberty will often drive and kick it out to her teammate for the three-point shot or finish it herself. Stout defense has rounded out both girls into all-around competitors working for a future in college ball.