Northern Lights Preview

2023-24 Final Standings 1. Solon Springs 18-0 (27-3); 2. Washburn 15-3 (21-4); 3. Drummond 12-6 (19-8); 3. Hurley 12-6 (15-10); 5. Bayfield 10-8 (10-12); 6. Mellen 9-9 (10-14); 7. South Shore 8-10 (8-16); 8. Lac Courte Oreilles 4-14 (4-21); 9. Mercer 2-16 (3-19); 10. Butternut 0-18 (0-24). 2024-25 Picks 1. Mellen -- Going from sixth place to first place in one season is a big challenge, but the Granite Diggers could very well be up to the task as long-time coach Don Moreland returns four starters and welcomes newcomers from a 14-3 JV program. Now in his 29th year as head coach at Mellen, Moreland will look to senior Jehiel Zielke (6-3, 9.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg) and juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2547238' first='Xander' last='Beeksma'] (6-1, 17.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2634498' first='Ryan' last='Henri'] (6-2, 12.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg) and Bryce Maier (6-3, 5.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg) to lead the way for Mellen in 2024-25. Senior Jaymin Rux (5-9), juniors Marshall Zwetow (5-8) and Hayden Lewis (5-7), and sophomores Brooks Mesko (5-7) and Camdyn Casey (5-10) also will figure into the playing rotation as the Granite Diggers look to capture their first league title since 2019-20. 2. Drummond -- Annually one of the better teams in the Northern Lights, Drummond again figures to rank among the elite clubs in the conference. Josh Hanson needs seven wins to reach 300 for his coaching career and has two starters back from a 19-win squad in sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2630832' first='Aaron' last='Christenson'] (6-2, 12.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg) and Jadon Bletsch (5-10, 1.0 ppg). Christenson is one of the league's better young players and will have to take on a bit of a leadership role as the Lumberjacks do not list a single senior on their preseason roster. Juniors Cameron McKinney (6-2, 3.0 ppg) and Evan Bodin (6-1, 1.8 ppg) along with sophomores Brett Hanson (5-11, 1.2 ppg) and Ben Giersregen (5-9, 2.6 ppg) will contend for starting spots. 3. Bayfield -- Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2432839' first='Quintin' last='Bresette'] (5-11, 25.2 ppg), the lone returning first-team all-Northern Lights performer, is a four-year varsity performer for coach George Newago and the best offensive threat in the 10-team league. Bresette's ability to score from the mid range, from outside the three-point arc and in transition are all assets for the Trollgers. Senior guards Richard Bressler (5-10) and Dashon Tourdot (5-8) also return, giving Bayfield the most experienced backcourt in the conference. 4. Solon Springs -- The Eagles' dream season included 27 victories against jus three losses, a second consecutive Northern Lights title and the school's first trip to the WIAA Division 5 State Tournament. Solon Springs lost a hotly contested state semifinal game to eventual champion Columbus Catholic and now must replace its entire starting lineup. Coach Marcus Besonen's biggest loss was his biggest player in forward Isaiah Kastern (6-5, 28.9 ppg, 10.2 rpg, now playing at Bemidji State). Top returning players for Solon Springs include senior [player_tooltip player_id='2634500' first='Cade' last='Lisson'] 96-3, 4.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg) along with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1561943' first='Jaxson' last='Kastern'] (6-7, 1.5 ppg, 1.7 rpg) and Isaiah Ahlberg (5-10). Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2634501' first='Jake' last='Taggart'] (5-9, 3.4 ppg) should nail down a starting spot in the backcourt while classmates Taven Nelson (6-0) and Blaise Kidder (6-1) also will contend for playing time. 5. Hurley -- Depth and balance are strengths for the North Stars, who have averaged 16.3 wins per season during Mike Swartz's 10 years as head coach at the school. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2634503' first='Jeremiah' last='Wallis'] (5-10, 8.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2634497' first='Jack' last='Rowe'] (5-10, 9.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg) are returning starters from a 15-10 squad. That talented backcourt tandem will get help from seniors Gavin Moore (6-4, 4.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg), Devin Soltis (5-11, 4.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and Brodie Erickson (6-1, 1.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg) along with juniors Ty Hall (6-0, 4.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg) and Wyatt Hall (6-0, 2.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg). Sophomore Logan Schilling (6-3) will challenge for playing time on the frontline. 6. Washburn -- Outside of Solon Springs, no team in the Northern Lights was hit harder by graduation than Washburn, which lost its top six players from a 22-4 squad. Like a few others in the league, coach Duane Gasperini will look to underclassmen to carry the bulk of the load in 2024-25. Juniors Brodi Anderson (6-1, 5.8 ppg, 2.2 rpg) and Vaughn Hoffman (6-4, 1.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg) are the top returning performers for the Castle Guards. Newcomers who figure to contribute include juniors Max Phillips (6-0) and Carter Hauers (5-11) along with sophomores Cody Bush (6-0) and Greyson St. Arnold (5-10). 7. South Shore -- Second-year coach Brandon Madison has three starters from a year ago to work with as the Cardinals set out to better an 8-16 finish. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2634505' first='Sam' last='Swanson'] (6-4, 8.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg), Kaden Bryant (5-7, 7.4 ppg) and Daniel Truchon (6-3, 4.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg) give South Shore an experienced core while seniors Copter Kaewrith (5-10, 4.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg) and Brady Lahti (6-1, 4.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg) have a good chance to dent the starting lineup after being key backups last winter. 8. Lac Courte Oreilles -- Senior guards Bishop Thayer (5-10) and Meshane Nickense (5-9) are the top returning player for Lac Courte Orielles, which must replace graduated honprable mention all-league selection Jayden Quaderer. 9. Mercer -- Three starters return, but the Tigers lost their lone post play as Cameron Patton (6-5) graduated last spring. The regulars back include honorable mention all-league selection Laken Walker (5-10) along with junior Dylan Eith (5-11) and sophomore Aiden Galloway (5-8). Senior Luis Segura-Martell (6-0) and junior Carson McPeak (6-0) also will contend for prominent roles for coach Mike Guild's program. 10. Butternut -- Butternut is in the midst of a 50-game losing streak after finishing the past two seasons with 0-24 records. With just 58 students enrolled in the high school, it has become a difficult task to keep the Midgets competitive. Coach Will Smudde will look to junior Jayden Mojto (5-11) and junior Grady Dennis to help Butternut snap the long losing skid. Top Returning Scorers [player_tooltip player_id='2432839' first='Quintin' last='Bresette'], Bayfield (25.2 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2547238' first='Xander' last='Beeksma'], Mellen (17.9 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2634498' first='Ryan' last='Henri'], Mellen (12.8 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2630832' first='Aaron' last='Christenson'], Drummond (12.1 ppg) Jehiel Zielke, Mellen (9.3 ppg) [player_tooltip player_id='2634497' first='Jack' last='Rowe'], Hurley (9.0 ppg) Projected All-Conference Teams First Team [player_tooltip player_id='2432839' first='Quintin' last='Bresette'], 5-11, Sr., Bayfield [player_tooltip player_id='2630832' first='Aaron' last='Christenson'], 6-2, Soph., Drummond [player_tooltip player_id='2634497' first='Jack' last='Rowe'], 5-10, Jr., Hurley [player_tooltip player_id='2547238' first='Xander' last='Beeksma'], 6-1, Jr., Mellen [player_tooltip player_id='2634498' first='Ryan' last='Henri'], 6-2, Jr., Mellen Second Team Dashon Tourdot, 5-8, Sr., Bayfield [player_tooltip player_id='2634503' first='Jeremiah' last='Wallis'], 5-10, Sr., Hurley [player_tooltip player_id='2634500' first='Cade' last='Lisson'], 6-3, Sr., Solon Springs [player_tooltip player_id='2634505' first='Sam' last='Swanson'], 6-4, Sr., South Shore Brodi Anderson, 6-1, Jr., Washburn The Big Five Best Shooter: [player_tooltip player_id='2432839' first='Quintin' last='Bresette'], Bayfield Best Defender: [player_tooltip player_id='2634497' first='Jack' last='Rowe'], Hurley Best Rebounder: [player_tooltip player_id='2634498' first='Ryan' last='Henri'], Mellen Best Collegiate Prospect: [player_tooltip player_id='2630832' first='Aaron' last='Christenson'], Drummond Most Improved Player: [player_tooltip player_id='2634501' first='Jake' last='Taggart'], Solon Springs

2023-24 Final Standings

1. Solon Springs 18-0 (27-3); 2. Washburn 15-3 (21-4); 3. Drummond 12-6 (19-8); 3. Hurley 12-6 (15-10); 5. Bayfield 10-8 (10-12); 6. Mellen 9-9 (10-14); 7. South Shore 8-10 (8-16); 8. Lac Courte Oreilles 4-14 (4-21); 9. Mercer 2-16 (3-19); 10. Butternut 0-18 (0-24).

2024-25 Picks

1. Mellen -- Going from sixth place to first place in one season is a big challenge, but the Granite Diggers could very well be up to the task as long-time coach Don Moreland returns four starters and welcomes newcomers from a 14-3 JV program. Now in his 29th year as head coach at Mellen, Moreland will look to senior Jehiel Zielke (6-3, 9.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg) and juniors Xander Beeksma Xander Beeksma 6'1" | CG/SG Mellen | 2026 State WI (6-1, 17.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg), Ryan Henri Ryan Henri 6'2" | SF Mellen | 2026 WI (6-2, 12.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg) and Bryce Maier (6-3, 5.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg) to lead the way for Mellen in 2024-25. Senior Jaymin Rux (5-9), juniors Marshall Zwetow (5-8) and Hayden Lewis (5-7), and sophomores Brooks Mesko (5-7) and Camdyn Casey (5-10) also will figure into the playing rotation as the Granite Diggers look to capture their first league title since 2019-20.

2. Drummond -- Annually one of the better teams in the Northern Lights, Drummond again figures to rank among the elite clubs in the conference. Josh Hanson needs seven wins to reach 300 for his coaching career and has two starters back from a 19-win squad in sophomores Aaron Christenson Aaron Christenson 6'2" | SF/SG Drummond | 2027 WI (6-2, 12.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg) and Jadon Bletsch (5-10, 1.0 ppg). Christenson is one of the league's better young players and will have to take on a bit of a leadership role as the Lumberjacks do not list a single senior on their preseason roster. Juniors Cameron McKinney (6-2, 3.0 ppg) and Evan Bodin (6-1, 1.8 ppg) along with sophomores Brett Hanson (5-11, 1.2 ppg) and Ben Giersregen (5-9, 2.6 ppg) will contend for starting spots.

3. Bayfield -- Senior guard Quintin Bresette (5-11, 25.2 ppg), the lone returning first-team all-Northern Lights performer, is a four-year varsity performer for coach George Newago and the best offensive threat in the 10-team league. Bresette's ability to score from the mid range, from outside the three-point arc and in transition are all assets for the Trollgers. Senior guards Richard Bressler (5-10) and Dashon Tourdot (5-8) also return, giving Bayfield the most experienced backcourt in the conference.

4. Solon Springs -- The Eagles' dream season included 27 victories against jus three losses, a second consecutive Northern Lights title and the school's first trip to the WIAA Division 5 State Tournament. Solon Springs lost a hotly contested state semifinal game to eventual champion Columbus Catholic and now must replace its entire starting lineup. Coach Marcus Besonen's biggest loss was his biggest player in forward Isaiah Kastern (6-5, 28.9 ppg, 10.2 rpg, now playing at Bemidji State). Top returning players for Solon Springs include senior Cade Lisson Cade Lisson 6'3" | SF/PF Solon Springs | 2025 WI 96-3, 4.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg) along with juniors Jaxson Kastern Jaxson Kastern 6'7" | SF Solon Springs | 2026 WI (6-7, 1.5 ppg, 1.7 rpg) and Isaiah Ahlberg (5-10). Sophomore Jake Taggart Jake Taggart 5'9" | PG Solon Springs | 2027 WI (5-9, 3.4 ppg) should nail down a starting spot in the backcourt while classmates Taven Nelson (6-0) and Blaise Kidder (6-1) also will contend for playing time.

5. Hurley -- Depth and balance are strengths for the North Stars, who have averaged 16.3 wins per season during Mike Swartz's 10 years as head coach at the school. Senior guard Jeremiah Wallis Jeremiah Wallis 5'10" | CG Hurley | 2025 WI (5-10, 8.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and junior guard Jack Rowe Jack Rowe 5'10" | CG Hurley | 2026 WI (5-10, 9.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg) are returning starters from a 15-10 squad. That talented backcourt tandem will get help from seniors Gavin Moore (6-4, 4.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg), Devin Soltis (5-11, 4.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and Brodie Erickson (6-1, 1.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg) along with juniors Ty Hall (6-0, 4.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg) and Wyatt Hall (6-0, 2.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg). Sophomore Logan Schilling (6-3) will challenge for playing time on the frontline.

6. Washburn -- Outside of Solon Springs, no team in the Northern Lights was hit harder by graduation than Washburn, which lost its top six players from a 22-4 squad. Like a few others in the league, coach Duane Gasperini will look to underclassmen to carry the bulk of the load in 2024-25. Juniors Brodi Anderson (6-1, 5.8 ppg, 2.2 rpg) and Vaughn Hoffman (6-4, 1.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg) are the top returning performers for the Castle Guards. Newcomers who figure to contribute include juniors Max Phillips (6-0) and Carter Hauers (5-11) along with sophomores Cody Bush (6-0) and Greyson St. Arnold (5-10).

7. South Shore -- Second-year coach Brandon Madison has three starters from a year ago to work with as the Cardinals set out to better an 8-16 finish. Seniors Sam Swanson Sam Swanson 6'4" | PF South Shore | 2025 WI (6-4, 8.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg), Kaden Bryant (5-7, 7.4 ppg) and Daniel Truchon (6-3, 4.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg) give South Shore an experienced core while seniors Copter Kaewrith (5-10, 4.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg) and Brady Lahti (6-1, 4.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg) have a good chance to dent the starting lineup after being key backups last winter.

8. Lac Courte Oreilles -- Senior guards Bishop Thayer (5-10) and Meshane Nickense (5-9) are the top returning player for Lac Courte Orielles, which must replace graduated honprable mention all-league selection Jayden Quaderer.

9. Mercer -- Three starters return, but the Tigers lost their lone post play as Cameron Patton (6-5) graduated last spring. The regulars back include honorable mention all-league selection Laken Walker (5-10) along with junior Dylan Eith (5-11) and sophomore Aiden Galloway (5-8). Senior Luis Segura-Martell (6-0) and junior Carson McPeak (6-0) also will contend for prominent roles for coach Mike Guild's program.

10. Butternut -- Butternut is in the midst of a 50-game losing streak after finishing the past two seasons with 0-24 records. With just 58 students enrolled in the high school, it has become a difficult task to keep the Midgets competitive. Coach Will Smudde will look to junior Jayden Mojto (5-11) and junior Grady Dennis to help Butternut snap the long losing skid.

Top Returning Scorers

Quintin Bresette, Bayfield (25.2 ppg)
Xander Beeksma Xander Beeksma 6'1" | CG/SG Mellen | 2026 State WI , Mellen (17.9 ppg)
Ryan Henri Ryan Henri 6'2" | SF Mellen | 2026 WI , Mellen (12.8 ppg)
Aaron Christenson Aaron Christenson 6'2" | SF/SG Drummond | 2027 WI , Drummond (12.1 ppg)
Jehiel Zielke, Mellen (9.3 ppg)
Jack Rowe Jack Rowe 5'10" | CG Hurley | 2026 WI , Hurley (9.0 ppg)

Projected All-Conference Teams
First Team
Quintin Bresette, 5-11, Sr., Bayfield
Aaron Christenson Aaron Christenson 6'2" | SF/SG Drummond | 2027 WI , 6-2, Soph., Drummond
Jack Rowe Jack Rowe 5'10" | CG Hurley | 2026 WI , 5-10, Jr., Hurley
Xander Beeksma Xander Beeksma 6'1" | CG/SG Mellen | 2026 State WI , 6-1, Jr., Mellen
Ryan Henri Ryan Henri 6'2" | SF Mellen | 2026 WI , 6-2, Jr., Mellen

Second Team
Dashon Tourdot, 5-8, Sr., Bayfield
Jeremiah Wallis Jeremiah Wallis 5'10" | CG Hurley | 2025 WI , 5-10, Sr., Hurley
Cade Lisson Cade Lisson 6'3" | SF/PF Solon Springs | 2025 WI , 6-3, Sr., Solon Springs
Sam Swanson Sam Swanson 6'4" | PF South Shore | 2025 WI , 6-4, Sr., South Shore
Brodi Anderson, 6-1, Jr., Washburn

The Big Five

Best Shooter: Quintin Bresette, Bayfield
Best Defender: Jack Rowe Jack Rowe 5'10" | CG Hurley | 2026 WI , Hurley
Best Rebounder: Ryan Henri Ryan Henri 6'2" | SF Mellen | 2026 WI , Mellen
Best Collegiate Prospect: Aaron Christenson Aaron Christenson 6'2" | SF/SG Drummond | 2027 WI , Drummond
Most Improved Player: Jake Taggart Jake Taggart 5'9" | PG Solon Springs | 2027 WI , Solon Springs