My list of the Top 10 players currently in the Northwoods who I think will make the biggest impact once they get to college. This is based on statistics, in person evaluation, and my personal preference for style of play. Only high school players from the 2021-2022 season are listed, graduating classes of 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
1. Isaac Asuma (Cherry) - It seemed like a lot of people had their doubts about Asuma until he led Cherry to the Minnesota State Tournament as a sophomore. Already ranked as a top 10 player in the 2024 class in Minnesota, his stock could raise even more to a possible top 5 player. He's able to do a little bit of everything on the court. Already owns a couple of scholarship offers.
2. Noah Feddersen (Menomonie) - The 6'10" North Dakota State commit ended up being named the co-Big River Conference Player of the Year. It would be tough to find a better big man that can control a game than Noah. Able to go inside and play outside, Feddersen is a tough matchup for most forwards in the area.
3. LJ Wells (Eau Claire Memorial) - Wells grew 4 inches from his junior to senior year of high school and it made a huge difference for him and his recruitment. Able to play inside and outside with his ball handling skills. The 6'8" lefty now holds multiple scholarship offers including from Minot State, Northern Kentucky, and Toledo.
4. Colin Hudson (Escanaba) - One of the most versatile wing/forwards (6'7") to come out of the Upper Peninsula in recent years. Intriguing prospect due to his ability to play on the wing but also go score on the block. His father is the coach at Escanaba and Colin definitely understands the game and what he needs to do. Was offered by Lake Superior State and Northern Michigan the summer heading into his senior year, but I have not heard of a commitment yet.
5. Austin Josephson (South Ridge) - Still developing big man. Has grown from 6'6" as a high school freshman to 6'10" at the end of his junior year. Seems to be more comfortable when he is 15 feet and in, but is able to handle the ball enough to step outside and hold his own. Seems like a no brainer that scholarship schools will be heading up north to watch him play during his senior season.
6. Isaac Nyakundi (Duluth East) - Very similar to Adamson where he is still developing for a 6'8" big man. What makes Nyakundi more intriguing is that he's only been playing basketball for about three years now. He's made a lot of growth in that time though, to the point that he should be able to receive a couple of scholarship offers heading into his senior year.
7. Ayden McDonald (Hibbing) - Everyone in Minnesota knows the McDonald name and the history that goes with it. Ayden is another addition to that legacy. Plays for his father and has a deep understanding of the game, which is exactly what you want from your point guard. Very fundamentally sound and is listed at 6'4" in most rosters. Augustana (SD) got a player that will fit their system perfectly.
8. CJ Campbell (New Richmond) - Committed to Northern Michigan, Campbell was one of the more versatile players at this size (6'7") in the Big Rivers Conference. Was one of the top scoring and rebounding players in the conference. Was the go to guy for New Richmond and made a couple of game winning shots as a senior.
9. Tyler Orr (Rice Lake) - The sharp shooting combo guard has been nothing short of great for Rice Lake during his high school career. He's a little undersized (5'11"), but he shoots the ball at a high enough rate to be effective in college. Regardless, he'll make some coaches very happy wherever he ends up. He's the third player on this list that plays high school basketball for his father.
10. Tate Besteman (Rudyard) - This 6'8" forward, with a longer wingspan, came out of nowhere on my radar. His per game numbers during his senior year were: 16.1 points (over 1,000 career points), 9.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. He was voted the Defensive Player of the Year in the Eastern UP Conference for two years in a row. I've heard of a couple of schools that have shown interest, but unaware of any college decision at this time.
