2026 Prospect Rankings: Northern Minnesota New Names

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We give you the new names you need to know from the senior class, and these names come from small schools in Northern Minnesota. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3102819' first='AJ' last='Bessler'] of Nevis (6'6). An all state player as a junior and a preseason Class A all state player entering his senior year. Bessler averaged 19 points and 11 rebounds a game leading Nevis to the state tournament for the 6th straight season. He is a top 100 player in the state that has looked more skilled facing up this off-season, but was also dominant in the paint on both ends as a junior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2575625' first='Avandre' last='Brandt'] of Staples-Motley (6'4). Brandt is an athletic forward that has a quick first step, he is quick to the basketball on the defensive end and he gets up and down with a great pace. Averaged 13.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists a game last year with the potential for big numbers as a senior. Brandt can be a complete disruption on the defensive end as well, great defensive potential. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2841057' first='Marshall' last='Dewey'] of West Central Area (6'4). A first team all league player in a tough lead, Marshall averaged 12.5 points, six rebounds and three assists per game last season. A high IQ guy that can be used just about anybody on the floor because of his size, smarts and skills. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2434178' first='Drew' last='Gullickson'] of Fertile-Beltrami (6'8). The Falcons are going to have one of the biggest and toughest frontlines in Class A basketball. He is a true low post guy that allows [player_tooltip player_id='1560792' first='Preston' last='Hanson'] to do a lot all around the court as Drew battles in the post on both ends. Averaged 14.5 points and 7.5 boards a game last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3102810' first='Brock' last='Hurst'] of Barnum (6'7). This is a player that is raved about for his effort and his ability to be coached. Brock is almost always the strongest and biggest player on the court and he uses that to battle with high effort. Averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds a game last season for a 19 win team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3102796' first='Jack' last='Kovatovich'] of Crosby-Ironton (5'10). A point guard with the pieces to be a good point guard. He handles it well, Jack is a good passer, he can shoot it, and he leads this team into a year with increased expectations. Averaged 16 points, three boards and 3.5 assists a game last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3102806' first='Caden' last='Pagnac'] of Stephen-Argyle (6'5). An all league double-double guy with size that averaged 15 points and 12.8 rebounds a game last year for a 17 win team. A high percentage shooter in the 60s and one of the most relentless hard working rebounders you will find. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2825709' first='Eli' last='Rutten'] of Staples-Motley (6'2). Eli was an all league first teamer last season after a 17-point, five rebound, three steals per game season for a team that was 16 games. Very efficient player as a combo guard that makes few mistakes and is a very good shooter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3102821' first='Jayden' last='Schultz'] of Browerville (6'3). Jayden was one of the more athletic players we saw this off-season. Good shooter that scored over 20 a contest last season for a 19-win team, Jayden is also very good at going to the rim with a quick first step and good bounce. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->