Northern State University head coach Saul Phillips announced three men’s basketball additions for the 2023-24 season. The Wolves are coming off their third NSIC Championships in just four seasons under Phillips. Northern will welcome Devon Brooke (Queen Creek, Ariz.) Isaiah Hagen (Orono, Minn.), and Ethan Russell (Aberdeen, S.D.).
Devon Brooke – Guard / Forward, Queen Creek, Ariz. / American Leadership Academy
Devon Brooke is a 6-foot-7, 230-pound guard/forward out of American Leadership Academy. He was a 3-year starter and team captain for the Patriots under the direction of head coach Ryan McCurdy. In his final two prep seasons, Brooke averaged 13.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, shooting over 40.0% from the floor. Brooke is the all-time leading scorer at ALA as a 1,000-point career scorer. He was an all-conference selection, 2-time all-region performer, and the Region Offensive Player of the Year. In addition, Brooke earned Arizona Coaches Association All-American honors and led his team to the Arizona 3A State Championship. He is the son of Brian and Rebecca Brooke.
Phillips Thoughts: “Devon comes to us after a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Devon’s recruiting story is a little unique, and that fits his personality and his game. Devon is very versatile and can play a number of positions. At his size, he has the ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket, as well as shoot at a high percentage from three. We know Northern fans will love watching Devon compete in a Wolves uniform.”
Isaiah Hagen – Guard, Orono, Minn. / Orono HS
Isaiah Hagen is a 6-foot-3, 180-pound guard out of Orono High School. He was a 3-year starter and team captain for the Spartans under the direction of head coach Barry Wohler. Hagen averaged 23.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. In addition, he shot 53.0% from the floor, 40.0% from the 3-point line, and 84.0% from the charity stripe. Hagen is a All-3A first team honoree, Prep Hoops MN All-State second team selection, MSHSL All-Tournament team member, and the Section 6AAA Player of the Year. He ranks second all-time in scoring at Orono High School and led the Spartans to a Section 6AAA Championship and third place finish at the MSHSL Tournament. He is the son of Kevin Craddock and Callee Hagen.
Phillips Thoughts: “Isaiah is someone with a great feel for the game of basketball. He has shown the ability to affect the game in a number of different ways throughout his high school career. Whether it be scoring, defense, or making his teammates better he will take on any roll you need him to. We are extremely excited to get Isaiah to campus and feel he will fit in great with his teammates and the Aberdeen Community.”
Ethan Russell – Guard / Forward, Aberdeen, S.D. / Aberdeen Christian
Ethan Russell is a 6-foot-6, 195-pound guard/forward out of Aberdeen Christian School. He was a 3-year starter and team captain for the Knights under the direction of head coach matt Rohrbach. Russell averaged 16.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. He is a 3-year member of the SDHSAA All-Tournament team and a 2-time all-conference and all-state selection. In addition, Russell won back-to-back Lake Region Conference MVP honors in 2022 and 2023. He is the son of Robert and Kimberly Russell.
Phillips Thoughts: “Ethan is a really skilled guard/forward with a great feel for the game, and an extremely high upside. We’re excited he chose to join our Northern State basketball family and stay right here in Aberdeen! Ethan’s a highly competitive player that doesn’t back away from a challenge and loves to compete. He has some great basketball in his future, we can’t wait to start working with him.”
