Bayfield Trollers (2024-25 season: 21-6 overall, 15-3 conference, t-2nd)
The positive, the Trollers are coming off one of their best seasons since they made their State Tournament run in 2005. The downside, they graduated 10 seniors, including conference co-POY Quintin Bresette. It does seem that some of their younger talent who didn't play as much last season will step in and help this season. They had four freshman listed on this varsity roster last season. Adrian Antiel is one of those freshman who received a decent amount of playing time.
Butternut Midgets (2024-25 season: 0-19 overall, 0-18 conference, 10th)
It's been a couple rough seasons for the Midgets, and I'm not entirely sure when it's going to get much better. I wish I had better words of encouragement for them. No All-Conference selections lately. Offense really struggled last season. Hopefully they can get a win or two this season.
Drummond LumberJacks (2024-25 season: 15-11 overall, 11-7 conference, 5th)
There is enough talent for Drummond to make a run at a conference title. Unfortunately, I think they will be too young this season to make it a reality. We've talked about junior Aaron Christenson (1st-Team) in previous posts, but they do have some other pieces to work with. Fellow juniors Ben Guesregen (2nd-Team) and Cam McKinney (HM) should help the LumberJacks remain contenders for the next two seasons.
Hurley North Stars (2024-25 season: 21-5 overall, 15-3 conference, t-2nd)
The North Stars put together a somewhat quiet season, but also were in contention for the title. They handed Mellen one of their two Northern Lights losses last season. Seniors, Wyatt Hall (1st-Team), Ty Hall (2nd-Team), and Jack Rowe (HM) are the returning all-conference selections. You always know that Hurley is going to have strong and physical athletes. If they can put together good games against Mellen, we could see them winning the conference.
Lac Courte Oreilles (2024-25 season: 6-18 overall, 5-13 conference, t-7th)
This program has made some solid progress since they joined the Northern Lights in 2021 once Ironwood left the conference. Still have yet to finish above 7th in the conference, but also have never finished last. Graduated their long All-Conference selection in Richard Quagon (HM).
Mellen Granite Diggers (2024-25 season: 22-4 overall, 16-2 conference, 1st)
The Granite Diggers are the reigning Northern Lights Conference Champions. They lost in the Regional Final to Rib Lake, who ended up losing in the Sectional Finals. Returning a trio of All-Conference seniors in Xander Beeksma (1st-Team & conference co-POY), Hayden Lawver (HM), and Bryce Maier (HM). Lawver finished the season third in Division 5 for the WIAA 3-Point Challenge at 43.2% (63-146). There are some nice younger players coming up in the program as well. If this group can play together and get productive minutes from younger players, they should be one of the better teams in the sectional.
Mercer Tigers (2024-25 season: 2-19 overall, 2-16 conference, 9th)
Both wins last season came against Butternut. They graduated their lone All-Conference selection in Laken Walker (HM). Beating Butternut this season seems reasonable, but I'm not sure what else after that they will be capable of.
Solon Springs Eagles (2024-25 season: 14-10 overall, 12-6 conference, 4th)
All of their best talent was sophomores last season in Jake Taggart (2nd-Team) and Taven Nelson (HM). Unfortunately, I think youth is going to haunt Solon Springs for one more season. The flip side of that is the Eagles only graduated two seniors last year, so that youth should be experienced. Depth and size become the two biggest concerns for Solon Springs.
South Shore Cardinals (2024-25 season: 6-18 overall, 5-13 conference, t-7th)
Split with LCO last season after sweeping Butternut and Mercer. That seems to be the expectation for them heading into this season. Lose their only all-conference selection, Sam Swanson (2nd-Team). The Cardinals are going to need their returning leading scorers in Sylas Jardine and Brandon Madison to step up. The good news from that standpoint is both of those players are heading into their junior seasons. That gives them talent to build on and hope moving forward.
Washburn Castle Guards (2024-25 season: 11-13 overall, 9-9 conference, 6th)
Nice to see the Castle Guards back in Division 5. Vaughan Hoffman (2nd-Team) is probably the only true big in the Northern Lights standing at 6'6". He's developed a lot, but needs to be more consistent if Washburn wants to compete this season. Seniors Brodi Anderson and Max Phillips, along with junior Greyson St. Arnold are the other returning starters for the Castle Guards. Add that with Coach Gasperini (446 career wins) and they should put themselves in the mix.
Projections:
- Mellen
- Hurley
- Drummond
- Washburn
- Solon Springs
- Bayfield
- Lac Courte Oreilles
- South Shore
- Mercer
- Butternut
Conference Overview:
Mellen comes in as the favorite since they return arguably the most talent. Hurley was right there last season and could de-throne Mellen if they aren't ready. Drummond and Solon Springs are probably going to be the favorites next season, but I think they aren't experienced enough to pass Mellen and Hurley. I think Washburn returns enough experience to pass Solon Springs and move into the 4 spot, could move up to third if they play their cards right. Drummond, Solon Springs, and Washburn seem like any one of them could switch spots with each other. The 6-8 spots like a toss up between Bayfield, Lac Courte Oreilles, and South Shore. I can't picture a world where Mercer and Butternut aren't at the bottom this season.
Conference MVP: Xander Beeksma (Senior) - Mellen
Other Players to Watch:
Aaron Christenson (Junior) - Drummond
Ty Hall (Senior) - Hurley
Wyatt Hall (Senior) - Hurley
Vaughan Hoffman (Senior) - Washburn
Bryce Maier (Senior) - Mellen
Jake Taggart (Junior) - Solon Springs
Games to Watch:
Chequamegon @ Washburn (12/2/25)
Solon Springs @ Turtle Lake (12/2/25)
Hurley vs Mellen - both games (@ Hurley 12/15/25; @ Mellen 1/30/26)
Ashland @ Washburn (12/22/25)
Webster @ Drummond (1/29/26)
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