Sports Notebook, Tuesday

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Hermantown girls heavy favorite at home against Hibbing tonight, Esko on Thursday

Hermantown’s road-weary girls basketball team blitzed Grand Rapids 81-44 and lost to Duluth Marshall 81-43 in back-to-back Lake Superior Conference home games last week.

“It was nice to be back home after being on the road for ten straight games,” said Hawks coach Eric Borndal. “The energy on Thursday night was incredible and the girls fed off it. It was really fun to see Aurora Decker have her best game as a Hawk with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Bailey Hermanson also provided a nice offensive spark and we were able to put up 81 points, which is our season high.

“We followed that with a not-so-impressive offensive performance against Duluth Marshall. I really liked our early energy on defense, but a team like Marshall is going to find their groove and they did. When the ball didn't go in for us, the game got away from us. However, we look at a game like that and it reminds us how important every practice is so that we can continue to grow as a team.”

Hermantown (13-7 overall and 6-3 in the LSC) will host Hibbing (2-20, 1-7) tonight and nonconference Esko (9-15) on Thursday. The Hawks defeated both teams earlier this season on the road, blitzing Hibbing 67-41 on Jan. 21 and Esko 68-50 on Dec. 27.

The Esko game is Senior Night for Hermantown. Hawks seniors are Hope Kohanski, Mikayla Sweeney, Annika Nelson, Isabella Wojtysiak and Olivia Johnson.

“Both of these games will allow us to show how much we've improved as we've seen both opponents earlier in the season,” said Borndal.

Quote Me

Kevin O'Connell of the Vikings on being named The Associated Press' NFL Coach of the Year: "First and foremost, I want to thank God. I want to thank my family. It all starts with my beautiful wife, Leah; you are my rock. You are everything to me, and you fuel everything that I'm able to do in this profession. Our four kids — Kaden, Quinn, Kolten and Callie — they couldn't be here tonight, but they're definitely watching in Minnesota.

This is an organizational award. When I think about what this organization is for me and what it has been for me, it all starts with our people, and it all starts with our owners, Mark and Zygi Wilf. What you guys have provided me, the opportunity to be the head coach of your organization, is one of the most special things, and I don't take it for granted one day.

"To our players and coaches, this was a special year. This season was one I'll always remember. A special football team. They came together in a way that I am so proud of. The culture, the team that you guys built is what this is all about. We've got great support staff in our building, difference makers. The way I look at it, they make us as the Minnesota Vikings so proud to go to work every day.

And speaking of that, last but not least, our fans — the greatest fans in the National Football League. Can't wait to see you guys at U.S. Bank Stadium next year. SKOL, Vikings!"

Today's Games

Prep Boys Basketball

Rock Ridge (6-12) at Duluth Denfeld (13-7)

Hermantown (3-16) at St. Frances (5-14)

Duluth East (6-13) at White Bear Lake (10-8)

Esko (16-4) at Cloquet (16-4)