The Hermantown girls basketball team has found its rhythm — and its confidence — heading into January.
After navigating an early stretch that tested the Hawks against quality competition, Hermantown has posted seven straight victories and enters the week at 8-2 overall and 3-1 in the Lake Superior Conference.
“After a tough early stretch that included Bemidji (a 60-27 Hawks' loss) and Proctor (a 74-35 Rails' victory) we have found a bit of a groove,” Hawks coach Eric Borndal said.
That groove began to take shape during the Wood City Classic in Cloquet. Hermantown edged the Jacks 67-63 in a tight game behind a 31-point performance from senior Bailey Hermanson.
The following day brought an offensive breakthrough, as the Hawks connected from long range and pulled away from Cromwell-Wright, 79-47.
“We hit 11 3-pointers and were led by Jailynn Sherrill who had 17 against Cromwell-Wright,” Borndal said.
Hermantown carried that momentum and edged 55-53 Anoka on the road, grinding out a defensive battle that showed the team’s growing maturity.
“Hermanson had 17, Sherrill 12, and Aurora Decker 10 against Anoka,” Borndal said.
Defense, particularly on the perimeter, proved decisive against Anoka.
“Key to Friday's game was tough defense all around and especially from Claire Niksich and Brooke Wiese,” Borndal said. “The girls are gaining trust with one another and we've had different players step up in different moments.”
Leadership has mattered during the uneven stretches. Senior captains Hermanson and Decker have been steady influences, both when the Hawks are rolling and when they are searching.
“I appreciate our captains Bailey and Aurora leading us through the beginning of our season,” Borndal said.
Hermantown’s seven-game winning streak includes victories over Esko, Grand Rapids, Duluth East, Duluth Denfeld, Cloquet, Cromwell-Wright and Anoka, underscoring a stretch in which confidence, defense and leadership have aligned at the right time.
The Hawks will look to keep building this week as it opens a three-game homestand, hosting nonconference opponents East Grand Forks on Friday at 7:15 p.m. and Thief River Falls on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
“Then will see a gauntlet of tough teams in mid-January with Rock Ridge, Proctor, and MIB,” said Borndal. “It'll be fun to see how this team continues to trust each other and build as a team. Our goal is to take one game at a time and play for each other.”