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When the schedule came out for the 2021 season with Walker, Sebeka, Deer River and Northwoods in the first four games, a 2-2 start seemed optimistic, but after starting out 4-0, the Eagles seem poised for bigger and better things. The latest Minnesota Basketball News Poll has them sitting at number 3 in Class A and includes six other teams in a very strong Section 7A.

"We may not be a top three team in the state, but we certainly can shoot for a top four playoff seed in the section which would mean up to two home playoff games" stated Eagles coach Chris Carlson.

The week started with a 78-60 victory over Sebeka in a game that Northland controlled from the start. Carson Johnson, The Eagles defensive stopper matched up against Dawson Bullock, the Trojans top player and former classmate, making him earn all of his 17 points. On offense the Eagles used a myriad of motion and cuts to get easy baskets near the hoop all night long. Leading the way in scoring was Alec Wake with 25 points to go along with five assists. Junior Nathan Johnson added 20 points and tied for the team lead in rebounds with six. Harris and Aiden Carlson also had six rebounds in the winning effort.

Closing out the week, the Eagles welcomed the Deer River Warriors who came in looking to avenge last season's loss to the Eagles in which they gave up a 27-point lead. The Warriors came in with one of the best lineups in the section that included Ty Morrison and Mikhail Wakonabo, two highly rated Juniors and a host of other talented players.

"We knew this game would be a measuring stick for us, it would determine if the win over Northwoods was a fluke" stated Coach Carlson.

As the game began it looked like Deer River would have their way, forcing three quick turnovers off their full court press, but the Eagles would go on to commit only five more the rest of the game as the Eagles ran their motion offense to perfection, scoring off countless back door cuts and nifty passing plays on their way to a 68-60 victory. The game was close throughout and had the Eagles trailing 61-60 in the closing minutes, but a driving score by Liam Wake and a three-point play by Nathan Johnson gave the Eagles a four-point lead that they never gave up.

Carson Johnson again drew the toughest assignment on defense and didn't disappoint, holding Morrison to 15 points. Alec Wake led the Eagles in scoring with 21 points to go along with five rebounds and six steals. Nathan Johnson dominated the paint with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Nolan Carlson had 12 points and Harris Carlson added 10 while playing a strong all-around game handling the Warrior pressure.

The Eagles face off against Hill City and Cherry in two sections games this week.

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