Blackjacks bring back more experience after a rebuilding year

BY TOM ELLIOTT | West Central Tribune

DAWSON — The Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks are in the midst of a rebuilding effort and head coach Rachel Hakanson has the hope that a lot of returning experience will improve the won-lost record in 2022-23.

The Dawson-Boyd girls basketball team loses one senior from a 1-26 team that gained valuable playing time under new head coach Rachel Hakanson.

“I am hopeful for all of our returning letterwinners as last year was a building year for us,” said Hakanson, who led the Blackjacks in her first season as head coach. “And I hope they can improve individually, as well as a team.”

Dawson-Boyd guard Chelsie Husby plays defense above the three-point line during a Dec. 10, 2019, contest against Central Minnesota Christian from Central Minnesota Christian School.

West Central Tribune file photo

Leading the way are senior forward Kate Dahl and senior guard Chelsie Husby. Also back are junior guards Alli Estling and Ayiana Hastad. DawsonBoyd lost one key senior, Laney Bartunek.

“I am looking to our two seniors, Kate and Chelsie, especially, to be leaders on and off the court,” Hakanson said. “They both can put points on the board for us and they work well together.”

Hakanson sees other positives.

“We have decent numbers in our junior class, who also help bring experience for us, as we were a younger team last year, and they saw a lot of minutes,” Hakanson said. “Alli Estling was our point guard last year and is fun to watch, as she is aggressive and is finetuning her skills as a point guard.

“Last year was Ayiana Hastad’s first year playing since sixth grade and she made great improvements throughout last year, becoming one of our best defensive players. (She) is a versatile, natural athlete, so I am excited to see her continue to be a key players for us.”

Dawson-Boyd guard Allison Estling picks up her dribble under heavy pressure duringa Camden Conference game against MACCRAY on Feb. 5, 2021, from MACCRAY High School.

West Central Tribune file photo

Another player expected to contribute is junior center Hayley Anderson.

“I am looking for Hayley Anderson to step in and make a big impact for us,” Hakanson said. “I am also looking forward to seeing the other girls continue to improve and fill roles on our team so we can keep everyone fresh and utilize a deeper bench.”