Northern League: Top 5 Players on the Top 5 Teams

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moving on to the Northern League in our CHSAA conference-by-conference series, we have a competitive bunch consisting of a close battle across the board as the 2026 portion of the season begins. Windsor (6-4) and Fossil Ridge (6-4) are competing for the top spot, while Fort Collins (3-4) and Greeley West (2-3) are striving to add more wins to the column. Let's talk about it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1509232"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6959e6cfb1789"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1509232' first='Madden' last='Smiley'] has been sizzling hot this season and continues to showcase why he's the best hooper in the box state. Annihilating the competition is an understatement for Smiley, with his efforts contributing 23.3 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 2.8 SPG to the Windsor Wizards' dominant season so far. Smiley has mastered his pace of play and does a great job dictating where he wants to go on the hardwood. The All-State First Team combo guard looks to stay on fire in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1874429"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6959e6cfb17f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1874429' first='Drake' last='Walker'] dropped my jaw the first time I saw him play this summer. Walker is an elite shot creator who goes on a shooting spree when defenders give him the space to operate. Tacking on nearly 20 PPG on 49% from the field and 41% from downtown, Walker is a proven three-level scorer who elevates Fossil Ridge's offense each possession down the floor. Confidence will take Walker far this season, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled during the second half of his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1622289"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6959e6cfb183f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1622289' first='Peyton' last='Matkin'] has been on an absolute terror the past three games, averaging 21.3 PPG across the scorching stretch of contests. The elusive 6'2 shooting guard gets creative with the ball in his hands, utilizing his speed and acceleration to find the look he wants. As Rocky Mountain transitions into the new year at 4-4, Matkin will be one of the answers they rely on to produce a high volume of scoring. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2837164"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6959e6cfb1884"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2837164' first='Lucas' last='Dowling'] is paving his path to become Fort Collins' number one scoring option. Capping off the first half of his freshman campaign on varsity, he leads his team with 13.3 PPG and 2.7 SPG. Beyond the statistics, Dowling is focused and driven to get better. As a 36% shooter from distance, any coach can count on Dowling when they need a big shot in the clutch. Expect the 5'11 point guard to put up even bigger numbers in the near future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2399597"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6959e6cfb18c9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2399597' first='Karter' last='Nickell'] has been the driving force for a struggling Greeley West squad looking to get back on track. The 6'2 senior establishes himself well in the post and muscles through contact around the rim. One of Nickell's greatest strengths is rebounding on both ends of the floor, averaging 8.7 RPG. Nickell's quickness off the catch makes for a tough assignment for any defender to keep up with. The Spartans will rely on Nickell's consistency this winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->