Winning one state title is hard. Defending it? That’s basically a nightmare. But if you’ve been following Dawson Boyd boys basketball lately, you know they don't really care about the odds. After clinching their first-ever Class A championship in March 2025, the Blackjacks didn't just hang a banner and call it a day. They went right back to work.
Honestly, the atmosphere in Dawson is different. It’s a town where people don't just "show up" for games; they live for them. When Head Coach Cory Larson—who has now won state titles in basketball, football, and golf—walks into the gym, there’s this quiet expectation of excellence. It’s not about being flashy. It’s about that grueling, defensive-minded identity that has made them a powerhouse in the Camden Conference.
The 2025-2026 Season: Life After the Ring
You’d think losing key seniors would slow a team down. Not here. As of mid-January 2026, the Blackjacks are sitting on a solid 11-2 record. They recently hit a high-octane stretch, putting up 92 points against Canby and a massive 94 against Tracy-Milroy-Balaton.
They aren't perfect, though. No team is. A tough 83-61 loss to Central Minnesota Christian earlier in January showed that the road back to the Target Center has plenty of potholes. But that's kind of the beauty of this squad. They respond. Following that loss, they rattled off two straight wins, proving they can handle the target on their backs.
Key Players Stepping Into the Spotlight
Brayson Boike and Drew Hjelmeland. If you follow Minnesota high school hoops, those names should be familiar. They were the captains who hoisted the trophy last year, and they are the engines driving the bus this season.
- Brayson Boike: He’s a matchup problem. Period. Whether he’s slashing to the rim or pulling up from deep, he’s the guy every defensive coordinator in Section 3A loses sleep over.
- Drew Hjelmeland: The kind of player every coach wants. He does the "dirty work" but has the skill set to take over a game when the offense stalls.
The roster is deep, too. You've got guys like Gunner Liebl, Mason Bothun, and Kade Solem filling roles that didn't exist for them a year ago. Coach Larson mentioned over the summer that the "identity of this team would be different." He wasn't kidding. They play faster now, but they still have that defensive "grit" that defined the 2025 championship run.
Why the "Blackjack" Way Works
It’s easy to look at the scoreboard and think it’s all talent. It’s not. Dawson Boyd boys basketball is built on a foundation of preparation that starts way before the first whistle in November.
Coach Larson is a local legend for a reason. He was a member of the 1991 state-qualifying team, and he understands the community's pulse. He talks a lot about being "humble in victory and gracious in defeat." You see it in the way the players carry themselves. There’s no trash-talking or unnecessary flair. They just beat you.
Section 3A: The Ultimate Gauntlet
The road to state isn't a cakewalk. Section 3A is notoriously lopsided with talent. You’ve got teams like Central Minnesota Christian and Southwest Minnesota Christian constantly lurking.
🔗 Read more: Warriors vs Orlando Magic: Why Most Fans Are Missing the Real Story
- Central MN Christian: Currently leading the Camden North, they are the biggest threat to the Blackjacks' local dominance.
- KMS (Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunberg): Always scrappy, always well-coached.
- The South Division: Teams like Renville County West are having breakout years, making the postseason bracket a total toss-up.
Right now, Dawson-Boyd is ranked #6 in the state for Division A. That’s a respectable spot, but for a team that tasted gold last year, it’s just motivation.
Looking Ahead: Can They Repeat?
Predicting a repeat in Class A is a fool's errand. One cold shooting night in the playoffs and you're heading home. However, the stats don't lie. The Blackjacks are averaging over 75 points per game while holding opponents to roughly 56. That’s a +19 margin that wins a lot of basketball games.
The upcoming schedule is brutal. They have dates with Minneota and a rematch with Central MN Christian on February 17th. That game? Mark your calendars. It’ll likely decide the conference and set the tone for the Section 3A seeds.
If you want to see what high-level small-town basketball looks like, get to Dawson. The gym is loud, the popcorn is top-tier, and the product on the floor is some of the best in the state.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Recruits
- For Fans: If you're planning to attend a home game, get there early. The "Blackjack" faithful fill the stands quickly, especially for conference matchups.
- For Players: Watch the way Dawson-Boyd moves without the ball. Their screening and spacing are textbook, which is why they get so many open looks from the perimeter.
- For Opponents: You have to break their rhythm early. If you let Boike and Hjelmeland get comfortable, it’s going to be a long night.
The story of the 2025-2026 season is still being written, but one thing is certain: Dawson Boyd boys basketball isn't going anywhere. They’ve built a culture that transcends a single championship. It’s a program now, not just a team. And in Minnesota high school sports, that’s the hardest thing to achieve.