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Duluth East boys basketball coach Rhett McDonald on his 2024-25 team, which held its first official workout Monday – "Like every new season, our players and staff are filled with excitement and optimism as we begin the 2024-25 campaign. Last year, we finished strong, but we know there’s still work to be done to return to championship form. This off-season, our team put in a tremendous effort to grow together, and we’re coming into this year with a special group of guys who have the potential to achieve something great.
Our focus this season is simple: we’re turning inward and committing to the process. Every practice, every game, and every moment off the court is an opportunity to build the habits and mindset of a championship-caliber team. March success starts with what we do today, and we’re asking everyone—players and coaches alike—to stay locked in on that mission. We believe in this team, and we’re excited to see how far we can go when we come together.
We have the majority of our team coming back from last year's group. Both Brennan Meyer and Ty Nyberg are back to lead our backcourt. Both averaged close to 35 points collectively on a nightly basis. Their experience will help us as we progress throughout the season. We also look forward to having Aaron Anderson-Bonner back on the court with us as he was out with an injury last season. He gives us a lot of athleticism at the wing position that we desperately needed last year.
We have a couple of other key senior contributors in Braden Bement and Caleb Winkels who played big minutes last year as well. We also have what I think is an emerging group of sophomores and freshmen that could end up in the rotation this year as well.
It’s essential for us to reconnect with what Duluth East Basketball truly represents. Our program has always been built on the strength of the 'we' over the 'me.' I’ve been fortunate to coach some remarkable kids — players who could have easily averaged 30 points a game elsewhere but chose instead to focus on winning section championships and competing at the state level.
This season, our challenge is clear: to recommit ourselves to the championship mindset that defines our program. If we embrace that mentality, work selflessly, and hold ourselves to the highest standard possible, this could be a season we’ll remember for all the right reasons."
Hermantown High Sports This Week
Today
Girls Hockey – Proctor/Hermantown hosts Moose Lake Area at Proctor Arena, 5 p.m. JV, 7 p.m. Varsity. Varsity Notes: The Mirage (2-2-0 overall) are hoping to rebound from a 6-1 nonconference road loss at Edina last Saturday. Sophomore defenseman Avery Milbridge has a goal and team-high three points, and Ella Rothe, Cambriia Thomas, Myra Gunderson and Ella Kaups all have two points. Senior goaltender Neelah McLeod is 1-2-0 with a 5.08 goals-against average and .846 saves percentage. Junior goaltender Lillian Clemons had six saves in a 3-0 road victory at Bloomington Jefferson last Friday night. Moose Lake Area is 1-2-0 overall, including a 2-1 home victory against North Shore last Thursday night.
Saturday
Boys Hockey – Varsity and JV scrimmages at Hermantown Arena. Hermantown vs. Eden Prairie (JV), 9 a.m. Hermantown vs. Eden Praiie (Varsity), 10:15 a.m. Hermantown vs. Benilde-St. Margaret’s (JV), 3 p.m. Hermantown vs. Benilde-St. Margaret’s, 4:15 p.m. Varsity Notes: The Hawks are led by senior forward River Freeman and senior defenseman Henry Peterson, a St. Thomas commit. Seniorforward Charlie Marchand is another player to watch.
Girls Basketball – Hermantown at Cloquet (JV), 11:30 a.m. Hermantown at Cloquet, (Varsity), 1 p.m. Varsity Notes: The Hawks finished 7-20 a year ago, but return senior center Olivia Johnson, senior guards Hope Kohanski and Mikayla Sweeney. Junior guard Bailey Hermanson is also a player to watch. Hermantown lost twice to Cloquet last season, 72-27 in Hermantown and 76-42 in the Wood City.
Girls Hockey – Prior Lake vs. Mirage (JV), noon Proctor. Prior Lake vs. Mirage (Varsity), 2 p.m. Proctor.
