After a tough season last year, where wins were as rare as a white hawk sighting in winter, the Westonka girls basketball team has finally taken flight. Just five games into the season, these birds of prey have already tripled their victories from the previous year, clutching a solid 3-2 record in their talons.

The White Hawks swooped into the season taking on Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted on the road  on Nov. 21. The game was a grueling battle, filled with numerous fouls and stretching on longer than anticipated. Despite the challenges, the girls worked hard until the final whistle with the talented cast emerging victorious with a  62-49 win. The White Hawks did not have much time to rest and recover, hosting a talented Richfield team the very next day at home. In this outing they would fall short, losing  50-71 to the Spartans.  

After a few days of rest, the White Hawks hosted the Rockford Rockets on their home court. With several lead changes and a close score all game, in the final moments, the Hawks' strategy took off, leaving the Rockets sputtering and out of fuel. It was a sky-high showdown and the White Hawks proved they could soar higher with a thrilling 59-57 victory.

A week later on Dec. 3,  the White Hawks  continued to ascend, landing  their first back-to-back wins since January 2023 by toppling Zimmerman in a commanding 60-49 victory. Three wins in a row would have to wait, however, as they landed short on Dec. 5, losing 44-61 to a formidable St. Anthony squad.

Leading the White Hawks is senior captain Kayla Hatlestad, who soars with an average of 13.2 points per game. Close behind her are sophomore Val Mobagi with 10.2 and ninth grader Charlotte Huls with 9.8, adding to the team’s wingspan. On the defensive end, senior Charlotte Mitlyng anchors the nest, grabbing 10.2 rebounds per game, with Mobagi and Hatlestad contributing 6.2 and 5.8 boards, respectively.

“This team is taking off!” said Head Coach Caitlin Sunder. “Their grit and determination have been nothing short of inspirational. Watching them turn hard work into victories is incredibly rewarding."

Leading scorer Hatlestad reflected on the season so far saying, "The start to this season has been so fun to get everyone back on the court together and keep growing  not only as a team, but as an entire program. From the seventh graders to varsity, the team is like family, and it is so fun to be a part of so far. I'm excited to see what the rest of this season has in store for us!"

The White Hawks have proven that they are more than ready to defend their nest this season. With their sights set high, this group of determined athletes is ready to make this season one to chirp about.