Fast-forward 10 years, not much has changed.

The Minot High School seniors are donning their Magicians’ jerseys for one final act, a fruitful yet arduous campaign. Neither player needs to look too hard for motivation, as challenges come frequently.

“If we get switched onto each other in practice, it’s friendly smack talk,” said Gunville, a guard. “‘You can’t guard me’ and stuff like that. It’s always fun because (Larson) is probably the hardest-working teammate I’ve ever played with.”

Larson and Gunville have aided the Magi in their 4-1 (3-1 WDA) start. Although they play two vastly different roles, both players have showcased robust efficiency.

Jimmy Lafakis/MDN Minot senior center Easton Larson goes up for a layup during a game earlier this season. The Magicians are 4-1 (3-1 WDA).

Gunville is shooting 51% from the field, while Larson is converting at a 65% clip in the center spot. In Minot’s 72-61 win at Legacy on Dec. 20, Gunville broke Peyton Lamoreaux’s 3-pointer record of 147 all-time triples.

“It’s hard to put them together because they play so differently,” Minot head coach Dean Winczewski said. “(Gunville) has grown up being a shooter. We’ve tried to create more of an all-around basketball player. I don’t think anybody puts in more time than he does. He’s made himself into a really successful high school player.”

Winczewski was similarly effusive in his praise of the man in the middle.

“(Larson) is effort,” he said. “You watch it on film and you watch it in games. Just a tremendous amount of effort in what he does. It’s the same thing from a sophomore where he played a little bit of time to now, where we need him on the floor as much as we can. It’s been a pretty nice ride for him as well.”

Larson and Gunville both committed to Minot State over the summer. Both players wanted to play close to home, citing the importance of their families’ attendance.

Jimmy Lafakis/MDN Larson (left) and Gunville (right) wait to check in. Both players will continue their basketball careers at Minot State.

Gunville announced his decision in early June, with Larson following suit later in the month.

“I was already leaning toward Minot State when they asked me,” Larson said. “It just sealed the deal when (Gunville) said he was going there. That’s where I wanted to be.”

After teaming up on the ND Attack AAU team, Gunville and Larson went their separate ways in middle school. Gunville played for Ramstad, while Larson took the court for Jim Hill.

Gunville described their rivalry battles as “ferocious.” Nowadays, his trust in Larson flows as naturally as the Souris River.

“He continues to prove that there’s not a single person in the state who can guard him down low,” Gunville said. “We just need to keep feeding him the ball down there. If he keeps getting fouled and shooting free throws like he’s been, that will be great for us all year long.”

The teammates work in harmony on the court, with Larson’s deft post touch complementing Gunville’s marksman mentality. But as even the best of friends do, the duo will butt heads from time to time.

In fact, one of Larson’s recent decisions left Gunville scratching his head — and thankful for his own head of hair.

“I dyed my hair purple,” Larson said. “I had to bleach it twice because my hair was too dark to dye it. It was for $125 and a PlayStation 4 controller. My mom wasn’t too happy, but I think it was worth it, honestly.”

Gunville interjected: “Now he’s got permanent orange hair.”

Their friendship reached a fever pitch during football season. As Gunville called plays behind center, Larson cheered his heart out for Minot’s quarterback.

“I would say that I was Jaxon Gunville’s biggest supporter out there on the field,” Larson said. “I had some great fan signs. I was there, loudest cheers. I actually led the student section, so that was pretty big. Now it feels great to finally play with him and be out there on the court again.”

The players’ vocal abilities have served them well on the court this year. The younger Magi depend on both seniors to guide them.

“We need more out of them this year,” Winczewski said. “They’re more vocal, and they’re willing to take on that responsibility. They kind of understand the expectations, being here as long as they have. They’ve still got to get better at it. The best teams are player-led, not coach-led.”

Their senior season has just begun. Memories will be made, games will come and go.

Before the sun sets on their MHS careers, Gunville offered words of wisdom to the younger Magi.

“They have to continue the tradition of being good teammates to each other and playing for Coach Winczewski, who is an amazing coach,” Gunville said. “He has multiple state titles. Going out there and playing every single game like it’s your last, because who knows what could happen? In the snap of a finger, anything could happen. Just play every game like it’s your last.”

Jimmy Lafakis covers Minot High School sports and Class B high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @JJLII30.