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 2022-2023 season are listed, graduating classes of 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
2. Brooks Johnson (Hermantown) - Had some great games on a struggling Marshall team as a sophomore. Transferred to Hermantown heading into his junior season. Averaged 31.4ppg as a sophomore. Scored over 40 points six times, including a career-high 56 points on two separate occasions. The 6'5" wing has been looking pretty bouncy in the summer AAU season. Already owns D1 offers from Northern Illinois and Charleston and a D2 scholarship offer from Minnesota-Duluth.
3. Gavin Gores (Cumberland) - The 6'8" forward came on strong during his sophomore season. Averaged 16.3ppg and 9.6rpg while shooting 57.8% from the floor. Those are solid numbers and he'll need to improve on those as he continues to mature. Gets up and down the court very well. The nice thing with him is he has plenty of room to develop and continue to grow his game. Landed his first D1 offer from Loyola Maryland in July 2023.
4. Grant Warren (Marathon) - Had a strong sophomore year, then followed it up with a Marawood Conference Player of the Year his junior year. The 6'9" forward will look to build on his 24.0ppg and 13.4 rpg from last season. A versatile player that can step outside and drive/knock down threes, score in the post, or get out and run in transition. Owns an offer from Michigan Tech heading into his senior season.
5. Jobe Juenemann (Duluth East) - The 6'2" guard had a great senior season along with being named a semi-finalist for the MBCA McDonald Award in Minnesota. Has deep shooting range to go along with being a good athlete. Averaged 16.3ppg and shot 41% from three as a senior. I'm a little surprised he didn't garner more D2 interest. Committed to Bemidji State.
6. Isaiah Kastern (Solon Springs) - The 2024 6'5" forward really took his game to another level during his junior season. Should be the favorite for the Northern Lights Conference Player of the Year, and hoping to lead his team to the WIAA State Tournament. Averaged 23.4ppg and 11.0rpg as a junior. Very strong athlete who can finish at the rim through contact or step out to the perimeter and be a scoring threat. Has garnered plenty of D2 interest, but I'm currently unaware of any official scholarship offers.
7. Austin Josephson (South Ridge) - Finished his high school career with over 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. The 2023 6'9" forward has still been developing and should benefit from some consistency at the college level. Has great length and size, just needs to combine everything to become more well-rounded. Committed to Bemidji State.
8. Oskar Kangas (Iron Mountain) - One of the better players in the Upper Peninsula currently, and still has two years of high school (class of 2025). The 6'6" wing-forward is a tough matchup for a lot of opponents. He can go inside and outside and is a very willing passer for his team.
9. Ryan Popowich (Bruce) - Has been a staple for Bruce since his freshman season. The 2024 6'5" wing has caused some problems in the Lakeland Conference. He'll need to step up his production this season if Bruce wants to remain towards the top of the conference. That might be a lot asking him to build off Lakeland Player of the Year, 23.2ppg and 8.9rpg.
10. Stephen McGee (Greenway) - The only 2026 player on this list is the 6'8" forward. A relatively unknown player from Greenway, Minnesota. There is plenty of room for him to grow his game over the next couple of years for the slender lefty forward. Capable of knocking down three pointers, has a soft touch around the rim, and is a willing passer. Once he adds more weight and confidence he has the potential to be a real threat in the Northwoods!
