Senior Ivy Tickel and junior Lily Olson are the top returners for the girls, both having earned All-Section honors last season, with Olson also receiving All-State Academic recognition.  They are joined by senior Trista Baer, juniors Dru Dauner and Sophie Cook, and freshmen Mikayla Jelinek and Rachel Swan.

“Our squad returns a lot of experience,” acknowledged Coach Stoa.  “That experience should help guide our newcomers throughout the season, helping us build depth and perform at our peak during the championship season.”

Stoa sees United North Central and Riverside Christian/DNA Home School as the top teams in Section 8A.

Returners for the Hawley boys’ include seniors Landon Bakke and Aiden Eilertson, juniors Bridger Larson, Drake Dagenais and Braydan Aldinger, sophomore Coleman Hoff and freshman Landon Nathe.

“Our upperclassmen last year showed the way for this group,” noted Coach Stoa.  “If that leadership carries over, this group can find themselves near the top of the section at years end.”

Stoa points to Park Rapids as the team to beat in Section 8A.