25-26 Conference Previews - Great Northern (WI)

Team Previews:

Antigo Red Robins (2024-25 season: 11-14 overall, 4-8 conference, t-5th)

Graduated three All-Conference seniors from last season. It will be tough to replace Mitch Meyer, Gus Schuessler, and Colton Thomae. Two best returning scorers are a junior (Scotty Hagerty - 6.6 PPG and 4.7 RPG) and a sophomore (Isaac Buchman - 5.3 PPG). New head coach, Chris Lucas.

Lakeland Thunderbirds (2024-25 season: 10-15 overall, 4-8 conference, t-5th)

It was an extremely young roster for the Thunderbirds last year, only two seniors on the team. Their top three scorers from last season are returning, including two All-Conference selections. Senior Evan Zoch was a 2nd-Team All-Conference and junior Jackson Burnett was Honorable Mention last season. Zoch led the team in scoring at 14.6 points per game. Burnett was second on the team at 11.5 points per game. Senior Benny Gahler averaged 6.6 points per game last year.

Medford Raiders (2024-25 season: 13-11 overall, 9-3 conference, t-2nd)

Nick Krause is returning for his senior season after a 2nd-Team All-Conference selection last season. He was second on the team in scoring at 11.7 points per game, while shooting 33.7% from three (66-196). Fellow senior Will Daniels was a Honorable Mention selection last year. He averaged 5.3 points and 3.5 rebounds per game as a junior. It will be exciting to follow the upcoming sophomore Devin Dassow, who was Honorable Mention as a freshman. Dassow was a full-time starter last year, averaged 5.5 points per game, and led the team with 3.4 assists per game. 

Merrill Bluejays (2024-25 season: 11-15 overall, 2-10 conference, 6th - Wisconsin Valley)

First year of joining the Great Northern Conference. They graduated their lone All-Conference selection in EJ Weix (Honorable Mention). Tyson Ott is a junior who averaged 9.3 points and 2.2 steals per game last year. Cooper Wendorf and Eli Burtman are two senior who played in all 26 games last season, both started a few games. Wendorf averaged 4.4 points per game and Eli Burtman averaged 3.8 points per game. Finished 5-3 against Great Northern teams last season; wins were against Antigo (2x), Lakeland, Medford, and Tomahawk.

Mosinee Indians (2024-25 season: 18-8 overall, 9-3 conference, t-2nd)

The five leading scorers from their team are back for more this season. Brayden Reinke was named to the WBCA Division 2 All-State team as a sophomore after he averaged 20.1 points (led conference), 11.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Treve Stoffel (14.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game) was another 1st-Team All-Conference selection. Carson Balgord (11.4 PPG) shot 38.0% from three last season (57-150) and Sebastian Andersen (8.9 PPG) were Honorable Mention selections as juniors. Mitchell Michlig (5.4 PPG) is another senior who should contribute heavily.

Northland Pines Eagles (2024-25 season: 15-11 overall, 6-6 conference, 4th)

Mylo Albrecht was one of the best players in the conference as a junior, he should be able to continue that trajectory as a senior. He was their leading scorer and rebounder last season at 16.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Outside of him, they will be a little inexperienced but do return two juniors who saw good action as sophomores. Jack Albrecht (4.5 PPG) was a full-time starter last season and Ethan Miller (4.3 PPG) brought some good size at 6'6" off the bench. Assuming Miller will step into a full-time starter role this season. 

Rhinelander Hodags (2024-25 season: 19-6 overall, 10-2 conference, 1st)

Return lots of talent from last season's team that won the Conference Championship. Losing their leading scorer and 1st-Team All-Conference selection, Truman Lamers, will have it's challenges. Devin Feck and Evan Schroeder (both 2nd-Team All-Conference selections) will both be asked to lead the team. Honorable Mention selections, Abe Gretzinger (JR) and Jay Barkaus (SR) should provide more depth for the Hodags. Feck (13.2 PPG), Schroeder (9.5 PPG), Gretzinger (8.5 PPG), and Barkus (7.1 PPG) round out last seasons top-five scorers.

Tomahawk Hatchets (2024-25 season: 4-21 overall, 0-12 conference, 7th)

Bring back their lone All-Conference selection, senior Jeremiah Johnson (HM) who was their leading scorer last season. They graduated last seasons next two leading scorers. The loss of Dominic Boos will be tough to fill, he led the team in rebounds and assists along with being second in scoring.

Projections:

1. Mosinee

2. Rhinelander

3. Medford

4. Northland Pines

5. Merrill

6. Lakeland

7. Antigo

8. Tomahawk

Conference Overview:

Mosinee might have the best player in the conference, and they have a lot of scoring back. Rhinelander returns a very good senior class, and could really give Mosinee a run for their money. Medford is one of those teams that always seems to be in the mix, no matter how much experience they have coming back. With three All-Conference selections back, they should be in the mix of things. Northland Pines is a team that could be a bit of a sleeper. They could make a bit of a push up the standings, but maybe not to a title. Merrill comes in and has had some success in recent seasons against teams that are picked below them. Lakeland has enough pieces returning that they should be a middle of the road team at worst. Antigo graduated a decent amount of production, it will be a young team with a new head coach. Tomahawk just hasn't had much lately, not sure when that is going to change for them.

Conference MVP: Brayden Reinke (Junior) - Mosinee

Other Players to Watch:

Mylo Albrecht (Senior) - Northland Pines

Devin Feck (Senior) - Rhinelander

Nick Krause (Senior) - Medford

Evan Schroeder (Senior) - Rhinelander

Treve Stoffel (Senior) - Mosinee

Games to Watch:

Xavier @ Mosinee (12/2/25)

Altoona @ Medford (1/20/26)

Northland Pines @ Wausau East (1/20/26)

Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln @ Rhinelander (2/3/26)

Mosinee vs. Rhinelander (@ Rhinelander 1/16/26 and @ Mosinee 2/26/26)

25-26 Conference Previews - Marawood-North & South

NORTH

Team Previews:

Abbotsford Falcons (2024-25 season: 9-16 overall, 3-13 conference, 5th)

Three players who were recognized for All-Conference awards last season are back for the Falcons. Christian Fuentes-Rivera (5.6 PPG) was named to the All-Defensive team. While Irvin Aguilera-Lozoya (9.4 PPG) and Koren Decker (11.2 PPG) were Honorable Mention selections. Replacing Grayson Totzke (2nd-Team) will be tough, he averaged 16.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.

Athens Fighting Bluejays (2024-25 season: 8-17 overall, 7-9 conference, 4th)

Riley Schultz-Becker comes into his senior season as a two-time 1st-Team All-Conference selection. As a junior he finished 3rd in scoring (18.3 PPG) and assists (3.5 APG) in the Marawood-North. Jordan Frahm (6.0 PPG) and Dax Diethelm (8.8PPG) were Honorable Mention selections last season. Eli Paul made the All-Defensive Team. Returning five of their top six scorers from a season ago.

Chequamegon Screaming Eagles (2024-25 season: 3-22 overall, 1-15 conference, 6th)

With a core group of senior returning, this seems like the time that we could see Chequamegon make moves in the conference. Their biggest issue, the rest of the conference is old and experienced as well. Cooper Michalski (1st-Team) returns and is hoping for a breakout season. He averaged 22.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Not too frequent to find a play average over 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, but Michalski did it last season with 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks. They didn't have a senior on last season's roster. Marcus Purdy (12.4 PPG) and Jarrett Heckendorf (10.4 PPG) give them solid senior play. Sean Morgan is a sophomore who averaged 2.8 points per game last season.

Phillips Loggers (2024-25 season: 17-9 overall, 9-7 conference, 2nd)

Losing Lane Abraham (1st-Team) to graduation is going to hurt, he averaged 17.1 points per game as a senior. Other seniors lost, Shay Denzine and Collin Kleinschmidt (both Honorable Mention). JJ Heikkinen (2nd-Team) is going to be asked to do more this season as the lone returning All-Conference selection. Heikkinen was also named to the All-Defensive Team last season. Sophomore, Josh Edwards (3.9 PPG) is the only other returning player who saw real significant time last season.

Prentice Buccaneers (2024-25 season: 16-9 overall, 8-8 conference, 3rd)

If there is a team that could give Rib Lake a good run for their money for the conference title, it has to be Prentice. Senior Aiden Hause (15.3 PPG) and Evan Lord (18.9 PPG) have both been staples for the program during their careers. Lord has the most career points for any returning player from Northern Wisconsin with 1266 career points. Add to the mix Honorable Mention selections in senior Eliah Harding (4.0 PPG) and junior Hagan Isaacson (7.8 PPG). Their top eight scorers from last season are returning.

Rib Lake Redman (2024-25 season: 21-8 overall, 12-4 conference, 1st)

Reigning conference champions, who return virtually everyone from a team that lost in the State Semi-Finals against Turtle Lake. Jed Henderson returns for his senior season after being named Conference POY as a junior. The 6'5" forward averaged a double-double last season with 16.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Along with Henderson they return 2nd-Team All-Conference selections in seniors Seth Borchardt (12.3 PPG) and Talon Scheithauer (13.1 PPG and 35.1% from three; 65-185) and Honorable Mention picks in senior Ethan Cook (3.2 PPG) and sophomore Blake Henderson (7.2 PPG). Should be one of the favorites in the Sectional when playoffs begin.

Projections:

1. Rib Lake

2. Prentice

3. Athens

4. Phillips

5. Chequamegon

6. Abbotsford

Conference Overview:

As close of a 1A and 1B conversation that we'll have in the previews. Coming off a season where Rib Lake and Prentice split during the regular season and Rib Lake won the rubber match in the Sectional Semi-Finals, I'm going to give the nod to Rib Lake. Although, the deciding factor is probably going to be how both teams do against Marawood-South teams. Athens always seems to be in the mix, Schultz-Becker and company should be a tough out. Phillips loses a lot, but they always have younger players ready to step in and contribute at the varsity level. Chequamegon has one of the better players in the conference in Cooper Michalski, but they need to prove they can win more games. Abbotsford lost their best player from last season and I think that will drop them in the standings.

Conference MVP: Jed Henderson (Senior) - Rib Lake

Other Players to Watch:

Aidan Hause (Senior) - Prentice

JJ Heikkinen (Senior) - Phillips

Evan Lord (Senior) - Prentice

Cooper Michalski (Senior) - Chequamegon

Talon Scheithauer (Senior) - Rib Lake

Riley Schultz-Becker (Senior) - Athens

SOUTH

Team Previews:

Assumption Royals (2024-25 season: 10-16 overall, 8-8 conference, 4th)

Graduated only one senior from last season, who was their third leading scorer at 6.9 PPG. JT Schlaefer was named to the WBCA Division 5 All-State team as a junior last season, along with being an unanimous 1st-Team All-Conference kid. He led the conference in scoring at 19.5 points per game and finished third in assists at 4.1 assists per game. Schlaefer has the 4th most career points returning in Northern Wisconsin at 1125 career points. Fellow senior, Logan Nystrom was an Honorable Mention player last season and averaged 9.8 points per game. Returning 86.9% of their scoring from last season.

Auburndale Eagles (2024-25 season: 24-4 overall, 13-3 conference, 2nd)

Graduated their leading scorer, Blake Raab, and a 6'8" post presence in Thomas Aue. Raab was a 1st-Team All-Conference selection last year, Aue was 2nd-Team. Peyton Weinfurter returns as a 2nd-Team All-Conference player, and averaged 9.2 points per game while shooting 39.4% from three (41-104). Josh Lundgren was Honorable Mention while averaging 8.7 points per game and shot 40% from three (32-80). Junior, Jaxon Grube is the only other player returning who averaged over 1.0 points per game, at 1.2 PPG.

Edgar Wildcats (2024-25 season: 12-14 overall, 7-9 conference, 5th)

Senior Gavin Mauer and junior Carson Nowak are both back after receiving Honorable Mention All-Conference last season. Nowak averaged 10.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game and Mauer averaged 10.0 points per game. Tucker Streit is back for a senior year after averaging 4.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game a year ago. Three of their four top three point threats are back in Maverick Butt (36.8%), Kaden Bargender (30.5%), and Mauer (26.9%).

Marathon Red Raiders (2024-25 season: 17-9 overall, 12-4 conference, 3rd)

Seems to be the team with the most returning talent from last season. Drew Woefel (1st-Team) averaged 10.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. True Thurs (2nd-Team) wasn't far behind with 9.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, but also added 3.8 assists per game. Thurs was also All-Defensive Team with 1.9 steals per game. Add in Landon Sneider (HM) and his 6.4 points per game and 35% from three point range.

Newman Catholic Fighting Cardinals (2024-25 season: 4-21 overall, 2-14 conference, 6th)

After their State Tournament appearance, it's been a bit of a drought. With that being said, they do return four All-Conference selections from last season. Quincy Pfender (2nd-Team), Cooper Guld and Lucas Pfiffner (HM), and Lucas Erdman (All-Defensive). Quincy Pfender finished 2nd in the Marawood-South in scoring at 19.0 points per game. 

Stratford Tigers (2024-25 season: 24-3 overall, 14-2 conference, 1st)

Reigning conference champions, that lost in the State Semi-Finals against Turtle Lake. Lost a 1st-Team All-Conference selection in Drew Bruesewitz to graduation. Along with Bruesewitz, Curt Schmidt has resigned as the head coach. Losing a coach of his caliber isn't easy to replace. On the positive side, they return Brooks Vanderhood (2nd-Team) and Riley Spindler (HM) as their two All-Conference selections. Brady Berg is the only returning player who averaged over 3.0 points per game last season. New head coach in Drew Jorgenson.

Projections:

1. Marathon

2. Assumption

3. Stratford

4. Auburndale

5. Edgar

6. Newman Catholic

Conference Overview:

The Marawood-South might be one of the toughest conferences to predict what is going to happen. Each team has success in the league and at any time could make a run. The league is once again very senior dominated. I really think Marathon is going to be a really tough out this season. They rebound the ball very well and can score. Assumption returns one of the best players in the conference and a lot of scoring. Stratford lost some really important pieces, but always seem to be in the mix. Auburndale lost a lot of size from last year, but return enough pieces that they could climb up the standings. Edgar and Newman Catholic could swap spots in the conference, but I'm not sure it will be enough for either to compete for the conference title.

Conference MVP: JT Schlaefer (Senior) - Assumption

Other Players to Watch:

Quincy Pfender (Senior) - Newman Catholic

True Thurs (Senior) - Marathon

Brooks Vanderhoof (Senior) - Stratford

Peyton Weinfurter (Senior) - Auburndale

Drew Woefel (Senior) - Marathon

Games to Watch:

Marathon @ Eau Claire Regis (12/2/25)

Prentice @ Wabeno-Laona (1/6/26)

Stanley-Boyd @ Stratford (1/8/26)

Rib Lake @ Flambeau (1/23/26)

Rib Lake @ Prentice (1/27/26)

25-26 Conference Previews - Heart O' North

Team Previews:

Ashland Oredockers (2024-25 season: 3-22 overall, 2-16 conference, 10th)

Coming into the season, the Oredockers seem to have their best players in their sophomore and junior classes. 6'5" junior, Gavin Greene (Honorable Mention) will be expected to lead the way. Aiden Jolma is the other full-time returning starter from last season, averaged 6.7 points per game as a junior. Senior Jayden Popovich was a part-time starter who will be returning, while he averaged 3.0 points per game.

Barron Golden Bears (2024-25 season: 15-10 overall, 13-5 conference, t-3rd)

Returning the most All-Conference selections (two) in Zac Edwards (2nd) and Glendon Thompson (HM). Along with that, they also graduated two other All-Conference players (Brett McDonough - 1st; Adam Wirth - HM). New head coach in former Golden Bear, Eric Holten.

Cameron Comets (2024-25 season: 18-9 overall, 13-5 conference, t-3rd)

It's very rarely a good decision to bet against Cameron, no matter how much talent they graduated the year before. There are a handful of returners who got playing time last season, although stats weren't available on wissports for Cameron. JV and Freshman teams were both solid last season.

Cumberland Beavers (2024-25 season: 21-6 overall, 14-4 conference, t-1st)

Big loss when you lose a talent like Gavin Gores (6'10" freshman at Wyoming). It wasn't a one man show by any means, but those are just big shoes to fill. Top returning scorers are Troy Majewski (5.8 PPG) and Parker Peteron (4.8 PPG). Size is going to be a concern for the Beavers. New head coach in Ryan Zemke this season.

Hayward Hurricanes (2024-25 season: 6-18 overall, 6-12 conference, t-6th)

Lucas Hansen (2nd-Team) is going to be expected to lead the way heading into his senior season. Four of their top six leading scorers are coming back from last season. Hansen led the team in scoring at 15.0 points per game, second leading scorer (junior - Caleb Springer) is also returning after averaging 11.2 points per game. Ryker Chipman (9.7 points per game) and Preston Sullivan (7.6 points per game) are the other returners over 5.0 points per game.

Ladysmith LumberJacks (2024-25 season: 21-7 overall, 13-5 conference, t-3rd)

After graduating three players who were All-Conference selections last season (Andrew Lehman and Timmy Meltz - 1st; Braeden Little - 2nd), the LumberJacks have some big shoes to fill. They have no returners who averaged more than 5.0 points per game. On top of all that, add in having a new head coach in Ahmed Yassien.

Northwestern Tigers (2024-25 season: 19-8 overall, 14-4 conference, t-1st)

The only returning 1st-Team All-Conference selection from last season is junior Kam Kroll. Tysen Teal (3.5 assists per game) will be relied on more to have a big season now that his brother (Boden Teal - 1st-Team All-Conference) has graduated. Bring back 6'3" Ethan Harms, who was second on the team in rebounding at 6.4 per game. There was enough of a presence from the 2026 and 2027 classes last season on this team, that they appear top of the league.

Saint Croix Falls Saints (2024-25 season: 8-17 overall, 5-13 conference, 8th)

Elliot Wilson almost averaged a double-double last season as a junior with 10.3 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Carson Marks appeared in 16 games as a junior, started 15 games and averaged 8.1 points per game. Brett Sladky saw time off the bench during his sophomore season, he's the only other returning player who averaged over 5.0 points per game last season (5.4 points per game).

Spooner Rails (2024-25 season: 6-19 overall, 4-14 conference, 9th)

Graduated their do-it-all player in Evan Potaczek (2nd-Team All-Conference) who averaged 17.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Joey Romportl is the lone returning player who averaged over 5.0 points per game last season.

Unity Eagles (2024-25 season: 14-11 overall, 13-5 conference, t-3rd - Lakeland-West)

Heading into their first season in the Heart O' North after being very competitive in the Lakeland-West. They do return three Lakeland-West All-Conference selections who all happen to be seniors; Isaiah Fugate (2nd), Beckett Schmidt (HM), and Kasyn Fisher (HM). Expect a bit of a learning curve coming into the bigger conference. Played two Heart O' North team last season (Cumberland and Saint Croix Falls), finished 0-2 against them.

Projections:

1. Northwestern
2. Barron
3. Cameron
4. Hayward
5. Unity
6. Ashland
7. Spooner
8. Ladysmith
9. Cumberland
10. Saint Croix Falls

Conference Overview:

It's to the point that it's tough on any given year to pick Northwestern or Cameron outside of the top 4 in the Heart O' North. It's traditionally a very senior dominated conference, older teams do well and younger teams tend to struggle. Barron comes in 2nd in the rankings, mostly because they return the most All-Conference selections. Cameron could give them a run for that position (because of what I said above). After those three, the conference starts to get interesting and could probably be a toss up at any of the spots. Hayward returns a decent amount of talent, mixed with up-tempo play should put them towards the top. The conference transition for Unity is going to slow them down a little bit, but I think they will still be middle of the road in the conference. Ashland returns one of the better juniors in the conference, along with a skilled junior and sophomore class. Spooner doesn't return a ton, but I could see them moving up a few positions still. The last three positions seem to be a bit of a toss up, but could also see these teams move up and surprise some people. Ladysmith lost a lot and with a new coach, I think it's going to be a bit of a down season. Cumberland has to find a way to replace a Division 1 recruit in order to be competitive, not an easy task for anyone. Saint Croix Falls just hasn't had much going lately.

Conference MVP: Kam Kroll (Junior) - Northwestern

Other Players to Watch:

Zac Edwards (Senior) - Barron

Gavin Green (Junior) - Ashland

Lucas Hansen (Senior) - Hayward

Tysen Teal (Junior) - Northwestern

Glendon Thompson (Senior) - Barron

Games to Watch:

Northwestern @ Baldwin-Woodville (12/6/25)

Osceola @ Hayward (12/13/25)

Barron @ Eau Claire Regis (1/3/26)

Northwestern vs. Altoona @ UW-Eau Claire (1/31/26)

Ashland @ Rice Lake (2/10/26)

Barron @ Northwestern (2/12/26)

25-26 Conference Previews - Northern Lights

Team Previews:

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:

1. Mellen
2. Hurley
3. Drummond
4. Washburn
5. Solon Springs
6. Bayfield
7. Lac Courte Oreilles
8. South Shore
9. Mercer
10. 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)

Too Early Preseason Team Rankings (25-26)

MICHIGAN

1. Westwood (24-25 Record: 22-6)

2. Crystal Falls Forest Park (24-25 Record: 25-3)

3. Negaunee (24-25 Record: 15-9)

4. Dollar Bay (24-25 Record: 20-5)

5. Menominee (24-25 Record: 13-12)

6. Munising (24-25 Record: 19-3)

7. Houghton (24-25 Record: 17-6)

8. Wakefield-Marenisco (24-25 Record: 14-10)

9. Baraga (24-25 Record: 15-7)

10. Norway (24-25 Record: 18-6)

MINNESOTA

1. Hibbing (24-25 Record: 19-10)

2. Bemidji (24-25 Record: 15-12)

3. Braham (24-25 Record: 22-7)

4. Cherry (24-25 Record: 31-2)

5. Duluth Denfeld (24-25 Record: 20-11)

6. Esko (24-25 Record: 22-8)

7. Duluth East (24-25 Record: 10-17)

8. Nevis (24-25 Record: 27-6)

9. East Central (24-25 Record: 20-8)

10. Red Lake (24-25 Record: 13-13)

WISCONSIN

1. Superior (24-25 Record: 14-11)

2. Rhinelander (24-25 Record: 19-6)

3. Mosinee (24-25 Record: 18-8)

4. Northwestern (24-25 Record: 19-8)

5. Rib Lake (24-25 Record: 21-8)

6. Barron (24-25 Record: 15-10)

7. River Falls (24-25 Record: 13-12)

8. Turtle Lake (24-25 Record: 21-6)

9. Mellen (24-25 Record: 22-4)

10. Marathon (24-25 Record: 17-9)

Wisconsin Gym Capacities

Assorted by gym capacity, largest to smallest, heading into the 2025-2026. All information according to the WIAA website.

High School	Conference	Division	Capacity
Menomonie	Big Rivers	1	3500
New Richmond	Big Rivers	2	3000
Hudson	Big Rivers	1	2400
Superior	Lake Superior	1	2400
Northland Pines	Great Northern	1	2100
Lakeland	Great Northern	2	2000
Antigo	Great Northern	1	1800
Ashland	Heart O' North	1	1800
Edgar	Marawood-South	1	1800
Chippewa Falls	Big Rivers	1	1700
Eau Claire North	Big Rivers	1	1700
Spooner	Heart O' North	3	1650
Chequamegon	Marawood-North	4	1500
Merrill	Great Northern	2	1500
Rhinelander	Great Northern	2	1500
River Falls	Big Rivers	2	1500
Eau Claire Memorial	Big Rivers	1	1450
Unity	Heart O' North	4	1250
Athens	Marawood-North	5	1200
Elcho	Northern Lakes	5	1200
Hayward	Heart O' North	3	1200
Marathon	Marawood-South	4	1200
Phillips	Marawood-North	4	1200
Prentice	Marawood North	5	1200
Tomahawk	Great Northern	3	1200
Webster	Lakeland-West	4	1200
Auburndale	Marawood-South	4	1100
Bruce	Lakeland-East	5	1100
Cameron	Heart O' North	4	1100
Frederic	Lakeland-West	5	1100
Ladysmith	Heart O' North	4	1100
Medford	Great Northern	2	1100
Rice Lake	Big Rivers	2	1100
Saint Croix Falls	Heart O' North	3	1100
Three Lakes	Northern Lakes	5	1100
Barron	Heart O' North	3	1055
Cumberland	Heart O' North	4	1050
Abbotsford	Marawood-North	4	1000
Crandon	Northern Lakes	4	1000
Florence	Northern Lakes	5	1000
Hurley	Northern Lights	4	1000
New Auburn	Lakeland-East	5	1000
Northwestern	Heart O' North	3	1000
Shell Lake	Lakeland-West	4	1000
Stratford	Marawood-South	4	1000
Turtle Lake	Lakeland-West	5	1000
Wabeno-Laona	Northern Lakes	5	1000
Flambeau	Lakeland-East	5	900
Newman Catholic	Marawood-South	5	900
Mosinee	Great Northern	3	895
Luck	Lakeland-West	5	860
Grantsburg	Lakeland-West	4	850
Assumption	Marawood-South	5	800
Butternut	Northern Lights	5	800
Mercer	Northern Lights	5	800
Siren	Lakeland-West	5	800
Washburn	Northern Lights	5	800
Cornell	Lakeland-East	5	750
Solon Springs	Northern Lights	5	700
Lac Courte Oreilles	Northern Lights	5	620
Winter	Lakeland-East	5	600
Birchwood	Lakeland-East	5	550
Bayfield	Northern Lights	5	540
Mellen	Northern Lights	5	500
South Shore	Northern Lights	5	500
Lake Holcombe	Lakeland-East	5	475
Rib Lake	Marawood-North	5	475
Drummond	Northern Lights	5	400

Conference Previews Schedule (25-26)

A list of our upcoming conference previews. Previews will include team write-ups, projected order of finish, conference overview, conference POY, players to watch, conference games to watch, and non-conference games to watch.

Monday, November 3 - Northern Lights (WI)

Tuesday, November 4 - Heart O' North (WI)

Wednesday, November 5 - Marawood - North & South (WI)

Thursday, November 6 - Great Northern (WI)

Friday, November 7 - Lakeland - East & West (WI)

Monday, November 10 - Big Rivers (WI)

Tuesday, November 11 - Northern Lakes (WI)

Wednesday, November 12 - Lake Superior (WI/MN)

Thursday, November 13 - Polar - Large & Small (MN)

Friday, November 14 - Iron Range (MN)

Monday, November 17 - Northland (MN)

Tuesday, November 18 - Great River (MN)

Wednesday, November 19 - Arrowhead (MN) 

Thursday, November 20 - Northern Lakes (MN) - *Discontinued Conference*

Friday, November 21 - Copper Mountain (MI)

Monday, November 24 - Great Northern (MI)

Tuesday, November 25 - Skyline - Large & Small (MI)

Wednesday, November 26 - West PAC - East & West (MI)

Thursday, November 27 - Mid Peninsula (MI)

Friday, November 28 - Eastern UP/Straits Area (MI)

This sheet will continue to be updated with links to previous previews as these are posted.