As a four-year varsity performer for River Falls, Johnson may not be an “emerging player” per say, but he is one of the better lead guards in the state and sets the tone for the Wildcats with his physicality, unselfishness and ability to defend on the perimeter. His time with the Wildcats basketball program is coming to an end and he is playing like he knows his time is limited. His sense of urgency was apparent in the win over Heritage Christian as he scored early and often to help his squad to a commanding 13-1 lead just two minutes into the contest. Johnson finished with 17 points, six rebounds and four assists while also using his lateral movement and strength to make things difficult for the Eagles on the perimeter. Johnson will play college football at NCAA Division II Minnesota State-Moorhead in the fall.

The NCAA Division II football recruit for Minnesota State-Moorhead also is a very good basketball player. A four-year varsity performer at point guard for the Wildcats, Johnson handles the ball at a very high level while also using his physical strength and speed to get into the lane and score or find an open teammate. He had to score a bit more than usual for the Wildcats against Kaukauna since his backcourt running mate — junior Brody Graetz Brody Graetz 6'2" | PG/SG River Falls | 2026 State WI (17.9 ppg) — missed the game with an injury. And Johnson came through with 18 points while also handing out seven assists and coming up with three steals.

Preston Johnson Preston Johnson 6'2" | PG River Falls | 2025 State WI excels as an exceptional passer with supreme court vision, averaging 4.7 assists per game last season while also contributing as a double-digit scorer. His unselfish play on the offensive end extends to his team-first effort defensively, notably swiping 1.3 steals per game. Johnson plays with determination, hustle and strong instincts, which make him a plus defensive player for the Wildcats. Adding 2.8 rebounds per game, despite spending most of his time on the perimeter, he finds ways to impact multiple facets of the game. A well-rounded player and floor general, he combines his passing mastery, defense, and scoring skills with leadership, to elevate his team’s performance.

Running the offense from the point guard position for River Falls, Johnson is an impressive left-hander with a high basketball IQ and instincts. He effectively uses the triple threat position on the perimeter, leveraging all three options to keep opponents off-balance. With a quick first step, he will frequently blow by defenders off the dribble and score from the midrange or at the hoop, with an ability to hit unbalanced shots and drain pull-up jumpers. A strong athlete, Johnson will take the ball to the rack with confidence and finish through contact. Taking advantage of his defender’s attempts to counter his driving abilities, he’ll use a jab or step-back from the triple threat position to put up shots from beyond the arc. He also keeps his head on a swivel and will make the extra pass, as evidenced by his 4.7 assists per game last season for the Wildcats.