---

   The HCN Storm, under new head coach Alec Wake, has started out the 2025–26 season with a section win against Southridge at home and a big win versus Nevis on the road.

   The season opener against Southridge gave the Storm their first win of the season with a score of 52–29. After nerves wore off, the Storm settled down and took control of the game pretty much from the start. The first half saw the Storm shooting well and using height to their advantage. Due to fatigue, their shooting cooled down in the second half, but the Storm still controlled the boards. 

   “The first part of the season is about getting in shape, building team chemistry and focusing on our roles as players,” said Coach Wake. “ I think you saw that in our first game.”

   Nora Wake finished the game with 19 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and five steals. Maddie Barnes contributed eight points and three assists. Maddie King had eight points, 11 rebounds and Ashlyn Schwarz pulled down 14 rebounds.

   The Storm didn’t have time to relax, the next day saw them on the road heading to their second game of the season against Nevis. The Storm’s goal was to avenge a close game loss against Nevis from the previous year. With Nevis returning all of their starters, they knew that it was going to be a tough one. Nevis came out with a different game plan this year, focusing on taking Nora Wake out of the offense due to her hot hand on three’s against them last year. The Storm proved that they play as a team and had multiple girls step up to score. 

Charity Berg led the team with 23 points and four steals, Jasmine Kingsley was hot from the three and finished with 14 points and 3 steals. Maddie Barnes added 13 points as well. 

   Once again, the Storm dominated the boards. Madi King pulled down an amazing 18 rebounds, Ashlyn Schwarz had 10 rebounds and Nora Wake had seven. 

   “I figured that they were probably going to come in focusing on Nora, so we had a game plan ready for that. We had a great night of shooting from the other girls and once again we dominated the glass. We had 21 second chance points and Nevis had none. The girls are taking pride in their roles and I expect to see improvement as the season moves on,” said Coach Wake. “ We have a tougher schedule this year and are probably in one of the toughest parts right now. I believe the girls can be competitive in most of their games this year.”

   HCN faces Deer River on November 25th in Remer and after Thanksgiving they will host Walker December 2nd and MIB December 4th, both in Hill City starting at 7:15.

---