As the No. 1 team in Class 3A, it’s pretty much a given that any list of Orono’s strengths will be deservedly lengthy. They’re unselfish, athletic, deep and very, very talented.

After a 70-42 quarterfinals victory over Thief River Falls, another can be added: They’re honest.

While they certainly didn’t seem nervous in dismantling a Thief River Falls team that entered the game with just three losses  -- only one to a team in Class 3A – guard Kiera Nelson admitted that the emotions were roiling under the surface prior to Tuesday’s game.

“Oh, we were so nervous before this game,” said Nelson, who led the team in scoring with 18 points. “We were all shaking before the  game. I mean, you should be nervous before the state tournament, but once the game started, it was just another game.”

Orono coach Ellen Wiese has a reputation for preparation, putting together an in-depth scouting report before every game. The Spartans  followed Tuesday’s game-plan – push the ball up-court and play hellacious defense – to a T.

“I think everybody that got into the game played well,” Weise said. “Our strategy was to get out and run and put pressure on their bigs [Thief River Falls boasted 6-2 Madison Brekke and 6-3 Jenna Tadych in its starting lineup]. We can always play defense. We held a very good team to just 42 points.”

Center Meghan Mandel added 13 points for Orono (29-1). Thief River Falls, making its first state tournament appearance, was held to just 30.8 percent shooting from the floor (12-of-39) and committed 22 turnovers. The Prowlers (26-4) were led by Meleah Biermaier’s 11 points.

Orono continued what has appeared all season to be a spot in the Class 3A championship game with a 70-42 victory over Thief River Falls in the Class 3A quarterfinals.

Kiera Nelson scored 18 points and Meghan Mandel chipped in with 13 for the No. 1-ranked Spartans (29-1).

Thief River Falls, making its first state tournament appearance, fell to 26-4. The Prowlers were done in by 22 turnovers and shot just 30.8 percent from the floor (12-of-39).