The quartet are from Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.

“We are really excited about this group of signees,” Wildcats head coach Matt Majkrzak said in a news release about the recruits. “We place a high value on players that can shoot the ball and defend multiple positions. This group is extremely versatile. More than any group we have had, they really fit Northern Michigan and the Marquette community.”

Here is a brief basketball biography of each:

————–

Riley Brooks

Riley Brooks — This 6-foot-6 guard from Ripon, Wisconsin, High School averaged 25.8 points per game along with 9.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.8 steals in his junior year. He was named first team all-state

“Riley is a big-time scorer who can score on all three levels and combines a great jump shot with a scoring mentality,” Majkrzak said of Brooks. “He’s another coaches’ kid who really understands the game. He plays point guard at 6-6 but also averages close to double-digit rebounds, so there are a lot of different ways in which he can affect the game.”

————–

Cooper LePage — This 6-1 guard from Crystal Lake, Illinois, South High School was first team all-area and all-conference while averaging 13.1 ppg, 5.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.4 steals and shooting 37%.

“Both of Cooper’s parents were standout players for Northern Michigan University and his grandparents still live in Negaunee,” Majkrzak said. “It was a complete no-brainer to continue his family’s legacy at NMU.

Cooper LePage, left, of Crystal Lake South, Ill., dribbles in a December 2021 game in Algonquin, Ill. (Shaw Local photo by Sean King)

“As great as the fit is off the court, he’s also a perfect fit on the court for us. Cooper is a great shooter who can fill it up from deep, and plays with the high IQ you would expect out of a coach’s kid.”

————–

JR Lukenbill — This 6-5 guard-forward from Burlington, Wis., High School averaged 16.9 ppg along with 7.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 60% from the field and 42% on 3-pointers as a junior. He was named first team all-conference.

“JR is a high-flier who makes eye-popping plays with his athleticism,” Majkrzak said. “Although that is the first thing that catches your eye, he pairs it with an incredible IQ and feel for the game.

“We think he can guard any position on the defensive side of the ball while bringing three-level scoring on the offensive side.”

JR Lukenbill

————–

Brandon Trilli — This 6-5 guard-forward from Munster, Indiana, High School averaged 21.6 points and 7.6 rebounds as a junior while helping lead his team to conference and sectional championships.

He also broke the Munster single-season scoring record with 582 points, being named a Top-15 Supreme Underclassman, an Indiana Junior All-Star and to the Top 100 Indiana Camp.

“Brandon is exactly what you think of when you think of Indiana high school basketball,” Majkrzak said. “He’s skilled, tough and understands the game at an extremely high level. He has guard skills but isn’t afraid to mix it up inside if that’s what it takes for his team to be successful.”

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.

Brandon Trilli goes for a layup during a January game for Munster, Ind. (Photo courtesy Post-Tribune of Northwest Indiana)