When the going became tough for the Hermantown girls basketball team, with players moving in and out of the lineup due to injuries and sickness, a few players stepped up to help the team win four of five games.
Bailey Hermanson, the lone freshman in the starting lineup, has continued to improve as a ballhandler and outside shooter, and Mikayla Sweeney, Izzy Wojtysiak and Jadyn Lind have given the Hawks another spark off the bench with great defensive pressure and scoring.
Hermantown's recent wins are against Princeton, Hibbing, Rock Ridge and Duluth Denfeld.
"We played a number of younger players and everyone has contributed, including our seniors and underclassmen," said veteran Hawks girls basketball coach Beth Clark. "Our kids have been playing with a lot more energy and confidence over the past three weeks."
Hawks standout Liv Birkeland, the team's scoring leader, reached the 1,000 point club against Rock Ridge last week.
"Lauryn Biondi, Birkeland and Emma Herstad have picked up the pressure on our opponents best players," Clark said.
"Kellyn Biondi has been doing a great job rebounding and providing our team with another scoring threat since she has been back from injury," said Clark.
The Hawks, finally healthy, appear ready to make a strong push late in the regular season and in the upcoming playoffs. Hermantown (6-16) will host Hibbing next Tuesday and Esko Thursday, before wrapping up regular season play at home against Duluth East on Feb. 21 and at Denfeld Feb. 23.
"The gym actually feels a little crowded with everyone back," Clark joked. "It's been great to see everyone playing and participating together again. We are going to be peaking at the right time. Tourney time is right around the corner."