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Duluth Pack, America’s oldest canvas and leather bag and pack manufacturer, will be recognized on Fox & Friends segment on Saturday morning. Read more.

Prep Boys Basketball Preview: Hermantown

Defending Section 7AAA boys basketball champion Hermantown returns seven of its top eight players from a year ago.

“We’re set up to be an even better team than last season,” said seventh-year Hawks coach Andy Fenske. “With the improvements our seniors and juniors made over the summer, the challenge is finding enough minutes to keep everyone satisfied.”

The Hawks open Dec. 2 at Cloquet.

Hermantown will again be led by senior guard Blake Schmitz, a three-year starter who averaged just under 22 points per game last season.

“Blake’s just shy of 1,000 career points and has an outside chance of breaking the school’s all-time career scoring mark of 1,697 points, held by Cole Zuidmulder (2015),” said Fenske of his 6-foot-2 elite player. “He’s best when he uses his quickness to get to the rim. He’s got deep range, shoots for a high percentage from the three, and set the school record for steals last year with 100. He’ll play at the next level.”

Three-year starter Keaton Christianson is a catch-and-shoot guard who averaged 14.9 points a game last season.

“Keaton runs the floor well and has a high basketball IQ,” said Fenske. “He’ll play a pivotal role for us again this season.”

Also being asked to step up are seniors Broc Sundland and Drew Schmitz, Blake’s twin brother.

“We might ask Broc to bring the ball up the court,” said Fenske. “He’s a catch and shoot, knock down the three player, who averaged just shy of eight points a year ago. He has quick hands and feet, and has added muscle since last season. For us to be successful, he has to shoot more.

“Drew is a wing player with some good muscle mass, who runs well and we’ll expect him to finish stronger around the rim.”

Junior guard Abe Soumis is a two-year starter who averaged 11.5 points and nearly eight rebounds per game last season.

“Abe finishes strongly around the rim and is a tough matchup for teams,” Fenske said.

Lightning-quick junior guards Nathan Hill averaged nearly eight points and Peyton Menzel five points per game last season.

“We averaged 79 points per game, and bring back about 70,” said Fenske. “We’re a hungry group. The past two seasons we’ve been the underdog, and now we’re the team to beat.”

► A MESSAGE FROM DULUTH AGING SUPPORT

A special thank you to all the inspiring caregivers for being anchors in the lives of those you care for! November is National Family Caregiver Month, and Duluth Aging Support is excited to recognize and honor all the inspiring caregivers who care for someone with dementia with a special Anchor Dementia Caregiver Appreciation video in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association MN-ND Chapter and The Remember Project. Whether you're a caring family member, neighbor, or volunteer, this video was created to honor and celebrate inspiring caregivers just like you.

► A MESSAGE FROM URSHAN RETIREMENT GROUP

Urshan Retirement Group, Inc. strives in helping people achieve retirement goals. This is accomplished through education of the financial planning process, analyzing each individual's investment needs, as well as continuously reviewing and monitoring their personalized plan. Jordan Urshan (pictured) and Dan Urshan work as partners to ensure long-term consistency to your investment portfolio. They look forward to earning your business. Please give them a call to schedule your appointment. Call 218.625.7575 or stop by their office located at 5033 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown, MN 55811.

Securities offered through Securities America, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Urshan Retirement Group and Securities America are separate entities.