Warriors back in the win column against Willmar

Brainerd snaps 3-game losing streak with 85-76 victory over Central Lakes Conference foe

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Brainerd Warriors earned an 85-76 Central Lakes Conference win against the Willmar Cardinals, snapping a three-game losing streak. Eight different players scored for Brainerd, with four in double figures, led by sophomore Luke Merseth's game-high 21 points. The Warriors shot 54.2% from the field and hit 10 3-pointers, while holding Willmar's leading scorer Avery Christensen to just 7 points.

Why it matters

This victory helps the Warriors get back on track after a recent skid, as they look to build momentum heading into the playoffs. Brainerd and Willmar are both battling for positioning in the competitive Central Lakes Conference, making this an important conference matchup.

The details

Brainerd jumped out to a 43-36 halftime lead and never trailed, despite Willmar cutting the deficit to one point early on. The Warriors then went on an 8-0 run to pull away, with Merseth scoring 10 of Brainerd's next 13 points to extend the lead to 10. Brainerd maintained its advantage in the second half, going up by as many as 17 points late in the game.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • Brainerd next hosts Alexandria on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Luke Merseth

A Brainerd sophomore who finished with a game-high 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting, and played strong defense on Willmar's leading scorer Avery Christensen.

Avery Christensen

Willmar's leading scorer, who was held to just 7 points on 2-of-8 shooting by Brainerd's defense.

Charlie Schoeck

The Brainerd head coach, who praised his team's intensity, focus, and ball movement in the victory.

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What they’re saying

“I think intensity from the start of the game was a big key. We were focused on what we wanted to do. They come out in a zone pressure and we were able to handle that. We were calm and got the looks we wanted.”

— Charlie Schoeck, Brainerd Head Coach (Brainerd Dispatch)

“Luke Merseth and Brady Oseland found themselves on him quite a bit and did a good job of holding him.”

— Charlie Schoeck, Brainerd Head Coach (Brainerd Dispatch)

“I wanted to make sure he didn't get a lot of space. I know he is a good athlete and tonight I think we did a very good job on him.”

— Luke Merseth, Brainerd Sophomore (Brainerd Dispatch)

What’s next

Brainerd will look to build on this victory when they host Section 8-4A and Central Lakes Conference foe Alexandria on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The Cardinals previously defeated the Warriors 118-63 on January 13.

The takeaway

This win helps the Brainerd Warriors get back on track after a recent losing streak, demonstrating their ability to play stifling defense and share the ball effectively on offense. As they prepare for the playoffs, the Warriors will look to continue this momentum and prove they can compete with the top teams in their conference.