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.

The Northwoods Top 2028 Players 1.0

The Top 15 2028 Players in the Northwoods, listed alphabetically. Making the list is based on statistics, team success, college projections, among other things. This list will be updated throughout the year. There might be players that aren't included now, that could play their way onto the list. By the summer of 2026, this list will expand from 15 players to 20 players.

Adel Amparo (Hayward)

Carson Chrisman (Florence)

Gage Chynoweth (Hancock)

Devin Dassow (Medford)

Blake Henderson (Rib Lake)

Ziggy Hietala (Two Harbors)

Jude Hogelum (Mora)

Kellan Isaacs (Deer River)

Sam Lee (L'Anse)

Easton Lurvey (Three Lakes)

Braxtyn Male (Esko)

Alex Prines (Gladstone)

Ty Schingen (Duluth East)

Kobe Twyman (Chippewa Falls)

Gavin Wegworth (Grand Rapids)

Top Returning Scorers (25-26)

WISCONSIN

1) 1266 points - Evan Lord (Senior) - Prentice

• Lord has been a three time All-Marawood-North selection, including 1st-Team as a sophomore. Scored a career-high of 43 points against Butternut during his sophomore season. As a junior he had nine games of 20 or more points. 

2) 1211 points - Calvin Anderson (Senior) - Superior

• Lake Superior Conference Champions and Conference POY as a junior. Recently made his college decision to play for Division 2 Minnesota-Duluth. Averaged 23.0 points per game last season, up from 16.0 points per game during his sophomore season. 

3) 1145 points - Dayne Mumm (Senior) - Clayton

• Lakeland-East Conference POY as a junior, and 2nd-Team All-Lakeland-East as a sophomore. Last season he record eight games of 30 points or more. That includes career-highs of 37 points on three different occasions, against Prairie Farm and Winter (twice). It was pretty rare for him to score less than 20 points as a junior.

4) 1125 points - JT Schlaefer (Senior) - Assumption

• 2nd-Team All-Marawood-South as a sophomore and 1st-Team All-Marawood-South as a junior. He is currently a 38.5% three point shooter for his career with 94 total makes in three years of varsity. Averaged 19.5ppg and 4.1apg as a junior. Last season he scored his career-high of 34 points against Pacelli.

5) 1121 points - Brandon Wagner (Senior) - Turtle Lake

• Fresh off a WIAA State Tournament appearance where he scored 27 points in the State Semi-Final game. The 6'6" forward was a 1st-Team All-Lakeland-West selection as a junior and 2nd-Team as a sophomore. Scored over 30 points three times last season, including career-highs of 33 against Mille Lacs (MN) and Northwood. He increased his scoring average from 15.2ppg as a sophomore to 21.2ppg as a junior.

6) 1075 points - Xander Beeksma (Senior) - Mellen

• Northern Lights Conference Co-POY as a junior, along with Conference Champions. He was also a 2nd-Team All-Northern Lights selection as a sophomore. Beeksma started the season strong by scoring 31 points against conference opponent South Shore in the second game of the season.

7) 963 points - Riley Schultz-Becker (Senior) - Athens

• Schultz-Becker is a two-time 1st-Team All-Marawood-North selection (sophomore and junior seasons). Scored a career-high of 32 points against Assumption during his junior season. Sevens times as a junior he scored over 20 points.

8) 959 points - Cooper Michalski (Senior) - Chequamegon

• Easy to say he has gotten better every year during high school, and his stats show it. In the Marawood-North he's been 2nd-Team as a sophomore (15.2ppg) and 1st-Team as a junior (23.0ppg). Scored his career-high against as a junior against Phillips with 39 points. Had three games of 30+ points last season.

9) 913 points - Canton Chrisman (Junior) - Wabeno/Laona

• The lone junior on this list from the Northern Lakes Conference. He's a two-time 1st-Team All-Northern Lakes selection (unanimous as a sophomore). Averaged 15.5ppg as a freshman and 18.9ppg as a sophomore. Scored a career-high of 32 points against Sevastopol last season. Chrisman has 13 games as a sophomore where he scored 20 or more points.

10) 900 points - JJ Heikkinen (Senior) - Phillips

• Another staple on the All-Marawood-North list for the last three seasons. The 5'10" point guard has been Honorable Mention, 2nd-Team, and 1st-Team throughout his high school career. Scored a career-high of 29 points against Chetek-Weyerhaeuser during his junior season. Averaged 15.0ppg and 2.7apg last season.

*All stats are from what is available on wissports.net