FAIRMONT – “You never fail if you know in your heart you did the best of which you are capable.”

I don’t usually lean on another person’s opinion, but this quote, often attributed to legendary coach John Wooden, has always resonated with me wholeheartedly. It’s a statement that goes beyond the hardwood, but rather, bleeds into multiple aspects of life.

It’s the exact demeanor both Fairmont High School boys and girls basketball teams should carry after having some of the best seasons in recent program history. Despite some uncertain preseason expectations, the two squads finished the year with a combined 50-8 record and at least one victory in the Section 3AA playoffs, giving the hometown fans plenty to cheer for during the brisk winter months.

Both programs deserve a moment in the spotlight for their growth and development as the season ran its course. Here’s a closer look at what made each team’s 2025-2026 campaign one worth remembering for all Cardinals fans.

Boys basketball: Building through turnover

A successful 17-10 season saw many key seniors leave head coach Jared Thompson’s program following last winter. The backcourt duo of Nolan Schultze and Haden Toomer logged over 500 minutes for Fairmont, while All-Sentinel Co-Player of the Year recipient Oliver Tordsen would take his 15 points and 9 rebounds per game with him upon graduation – leaving Thompson with considerable shoes to fill heading into 2025-2026.

The return of starters Logan Junkermeier and Joseph Hackett laid the foundation for Fairmont. Guards Brayden Williamson and Joe Long were expected to increase their roles off the bench, while Thompson looked to forward Reed Johnson making a smooth transition from junior varsity to the next level.

Add to this a bench rotation that went five players deep – Tavian Harvey, Jordan Thompson, Josh Soelter, Merritt Pomerenke, and Kellen Fritz – aiding Fairmont’s offensive and defensive efforts with constant substitutions. These pieces helped the Cardinals to a 5-2 record out of the gate, including an overtime win at Blue Earth Area.

What was even more impressive was Fairmont’s response to the opening round loss to Maple River in the Kwik Trip Bethany Holiday Tournament on Dec 26.

The Cardinals rattled off 14 consecutive victories following the 59-45 defeat, a winning streak that spanned a month and a half to place them inside the Class AA Top 10. Fairmont beat all five opponents who ranked above 100 in the Quality Ranking Formula [QRF] and cemented the hot stretch with an emphatic victory over the then No. 4-ranked Belle Plaine Tigers.

Girls Basketball: Staying consistent

Another 20-win season wouldn’t surprise anyone who follows head coach Sara Junkermeier’s Fairmont basketball team. The consistency has been remarkable over the last six years, with the Cardinals going 104-52 and producing a handful of Section 3AA Championship appearances.

But following up on a 21-8 record season was going to be a new challenge for Fairmont, with All-Sentinel honoree Ellie Ortega, Kennedy Becker, and Norah Traetow all leaving the program after successful careers.

However, one of the consistent pieces for Junkermeier over the past five years was Minnesota State University basketball commit Brylee Miller, who was coming off a remarkable 22-point, 7-rebound, 4-steal, 4-assist-per-game season.

Joined by returning starting forwards Makayla Lowry and Gwyneth Schultz, thoughts of another steady year were in the air heading into the season opener. But a victory over New Richland-H-E-G (145.1 QRF) showed fans that this season had the potential to be something more.

Fairmont’s first loss of the year would come over a month later to the same Panther team, 58-48. Much like the Cardinals boys, however, it only sparked another winning period – 17 consecutive victories spanning nearly two months, with Fairmont winning each contest by an average of over 27 points. Victories over St. James Area, Pipestone Area and Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton highlighted the run.

Part of that stunning dominance came from role players growing more comfortable at the varsity level. Emelia Klanderud anchored the starting backcourt with strong ball-handling and defensive skills. Forward Bria Williamson and point guard Olive Kawecki gradually grew more comfortable with the speed and competition, showing signs of serious potential as the year progressed.