Cloquet’s Battaglia, Duluth Marshall’s Johnson named McDonald Award semifinalists
Two Northlanders have been named semifinalists for a prestigious state-wide award.
Cloquet’s Jack Battaglia and Duluth Marshall’s Brooks Johnson have been named semifinalists for the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association’s (MBCA) 2025 McDonald Award. In honor of the late, great coaching legend Bob McDonald, it’s awarded to the most outstanding Senior Player of the Year in boys high school basketball.
So far this season, Johnson is averaging 27.3 points and 13.9 rebounds a game. Meanwhile, Battaglia is averaging 24.9 points and 5.9 rebounds a game.
Both are in the section playoffs, which tip-off this week. Tuesday night No. 7 Duluth Marshall beat No. 10 Crosby-Ironton 72-61 to advance to the Section 7AA quarterfinals Saturday against No. 2 Pequot Lakes. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. at Hermantown High School. For the full bracket, Click here.
On Wednesday, No. 3 Cloquet tips off their Section 7AAA quarterfinals hosting No. 6 Hermantown at 6 p.m. For the full bracket, Click here.