As two-time defending Section 7AAA boys basketball champion, Hermantown always plays with a major target on its back and usually draws the best effort from its opponents.
Last week was no different for the Hawks, who posted three victories against elite opponents -- including an 89-87 home victory over St. Francis -- to improve to 17-6 overall.
Hermantown also defeated Grand Rapids 88-57, in Grand Rapids, and Mound Westonka 83-74 at home.
"We had a great week last week, not just in terms of picking up the three big wins, but we took steps towards March that we needed," Hawks coach Andy Fenske said on Monday morning. "Not only did we have players step up and provide us with great reps, but we played some teams that are getting us ready for playoffs."
Hermantown will play its final three regular season games on the road: Thursday at Superior, next Monday at Chisago Lakes and Friday, Mar. 1 at Duluth East.
"Superior is another great opponent to play right before our playoff push, and we have a chance to share the (Lake Superior) conference title if we can come out of their place with a win," said Fenske. "We'll need the continued support of our seniors. Abe (Soumis, senior forward) has moved up to second all-time in career points and points in a season. Both of those records should fall, if not on Thursday, then more than likely at Chisago Lakes. He also broke the single-season rebounding record and single-season free throw record Friday night against Mound Westonka.
"Nathan Hill has done a tremendous job at balancing his scoring at the rim, knocking down threes, and facilitating the ball as well as he has. Peyton Menzel has been our top distributor, averaging 8.4 assists per game over the last seven games all the while still being able to take guys off the dribble at any time. Brayden Lundeen had a huge week last week with 38 points, and a handful of rebounds, assists, and steals in each game as well."
The Hawks are getting dialed in to play their best ball in the playoffs, Fenske said.
"We have three tough road games coming up, but this is the type of basketball we need to get us prepared for playoff atmosphere and keep us on our toes as much as possible," Fenske added.
Hermantown has won its last six and 13 of its last 14.