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The countdown to another exciting Northland girls basketball season has begun, and Howie Sports is launching its inaugural Early Northland Girls Basketball Watch List. This is not a ranking. Instead, it's a collection of players who have already distinguished themselves through varsity production, postseason success, college recruiting attention or exceptional long-term potential.
As the season approaches, we'll continue evaluating players throughout northeastern Minnesota, talking with coaches, reviewing statistics and watching games. Additional players will be added to this Watch List before unveiling our first-ever Howie Sports' Northland Top 25 during the season.
Early Watch List
Chloe Johnson, PG, Duluth Marshall – The premier girls basketball prospect in the Northland and one of the nation's elite young guards. Johnson already owns one of the most impressive résumés in Minnesota high school basketball and enters the season as the area's marquee player.
Candice Ndomb, Duluth Marshall – A key contributor to Marshall's Class AA state runner-up finish whose all-around game continues to develop.
Anna Neyens, Mountain Iron-Buhl – One of northern Minnesota's premier shooters and scorers after helping lead the Rangers back to the Class A state championship game.
Izzy Wiita, Mountain Iron-Buhl – An outstanding two-way guard who impacts every phase of the game with her scoring, defense and athleticism.
Farrah Thomas, Mountain Iron-Buhl – One of the Northland's brightest young players after an impressive freshman campaign and another key piece of the Rangers' future.
Paige Norman, Mountain Iron-Buhl – A strong interior player whose rebounding and physical presence make her one of the area's best returning post players.
Sami Warwas, Mountain Iron-Buhl – An experienced veteran who provides leadership, toughness and valuable frontcourt production.
Kenzie Zagelmeyer, Hermantown – A cornerstone player expected to help lead the Hawks during the 2026-27 season.
Jailynn Sherrill, Hermantown – An emerging scorer with the opportunity to become one of the Lake Superior Conference's top offensive players.
Players to Be Determined – These spots are intentionally reserved. Throughout the summer and early weeks of the season, Howie Sports will continue evaluating players from Cloquet, Rock Ridge, Grand Rapids, Proctor, Esko, Duluth East, Hibbing, Two Harbors and other Northland programs. The next standout to emerge will earn this place on the Watch List.
