A bash in the UP

Star basketball players who recently graduated from UP and Wisconsin Northwoods high schools in both men and women divisions waged battle for bragging rights in the Border Bash on June 6 at Gogebic Community College in Ironwood, Mich.

The Bash began with the UP women taking down Wisconsin 118-98 behind a 36 point outburst from former Negaunee High School Miner Ella Mason, the UP female basketball player of the year in 2024 who will be playing at Michigan Tech in Houghton in fall. Northern Lights Conference guard Jaana Aukee from Hurley contributed seven points and myriad assists for Wisconsin.

On the men’s side, Wisconsin squeezed past the UP 98-95 after surrendering a commanding 25 point halftime lead. It took five straight late points from Rhinelander guard Will Gretzinger, a Madison Edgewood College recruit, to seal the win for Wisconsin after the UP got up 95-93 in the game’s final 30 seconds. Northern Lights Conference player of the year and all-state first team selection Isaiah Kastern from Solon Springs, who has committed to playing at Bemidji State University, was named the game MVP after dropping 32 points. Kastern also won the dunk contest, securing his title by leaping over a fan to complete the last of his three slams. Gogebic Community College Samsons volleyball and basketball teams have included many Bay Area athletes over the years, some of whom have returned to compete for Northland College. Current LumberJacks men’s basketball coach Cole Schreiner arrived to Northland after serving as Head Coach in the same position at Gogebic.