The Packers faced off against one of the biggest front lines they’ll see all year and it didn’t slow them down as they knocked off New Prague (1-1 overall) 60-45 in their boys basketball season opener Tuesday.

Zach Wessels had 18 points, five assists and Bret Lukes had 14 points and three steals for the Packers (1-0 overall), but it was the defense of their big men that helped them walk away with the win.

“Curtis Oberbroeckling, Noah Brehmer, Jacob Kempen and and Gach Gach were all really good on defense for us under the basket,” Austin head coach Kris Fadness said. This is by the far the biggest team we’ll play this year. Since our kids have played them over the summer, it didn’t affect them too much.”

Austin junior Nik Gasner scored 11 points off the bench and Gach finished with eight points, nine rebounds and three steals.

Austin scoring: Zach Wessels, 18; Bret Lukes, 14; Nik Gasner, 11; Gach Gach, 8; Curtis Oberbroeckling, 5; Ajuda Nywesh, 2; Zach Coffey, 2; field goals: 48 percent (21-for-44); three-pointers: 35 percent (8-for-23); free throws: 63 percent (10-for-16); rebounds: 29 (Gach, 9)