UPSSA Announces All-UP Boys' Basketball Team

Westwood's Ethan Marta named Mr. Basketball and Division 1-3 Player of the Year

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:03pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a high school basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange representing the dynamic action on the court.The UPSSA All-UP boys' basketball team honors celebrate the region's top high school talent and coaching, showcasing the passion for the sport across Michigan's Upper Peninsula.L'Anse Today

The Upper Peninsula Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association (UPSSA) has announced its 2025-26 All-U.P. boys' basketball team selections. Westwood senior Ethan Marta was named Mr. Basketball and Division 1-3 Player of the Year, while Dollar Bay senior Liam Tourtillott was honored as the Division 4 Player of the Year. Menominee head coach Sam Larson and Dollar Bay head coach Jesse Kentala were selected as Coaches of the Year for Divisions 1-3 and Division 4, respectively.

Why it matters

The UPSSA All-UP boys' basketball team is a prestigious annual honor that recognizes the top high school basketball talent in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. These awards highlight the exceptional skills and leadership of the region's standout players and coaches, showcasing the strong basketball culture and tradition in the U.P.

The details

Ethan Marta, a 6-3 senior from Westwood High School, was named both Mr. Basketball and the Division 1-3 Player of the Year. Liam Tourtillott, a 6-0 senior from Dollar Bay High School, was honored as the Division 4 Player of the Year. Menominee head coach Sam Larson and Dollar Bay head coach Jesse Kentala were selected as the Division 1-3 and Division 4 Coaches of the Year, respectively.

  • The UPSSA released its 2025-26 All-U.P. boys' basketball team selections on Monday, April 3, 2026.

The players

Ethan Marta

A 6-3 senior from Westwood High School who was named Mr. Basketball and the Division 1-3 Player of the Year.

Liam Tourtillott

A 6-0 senior from Dollar Bay High School who was named the Division 4 Player of the Year.

Sam Larson

The head coach of the Menominee High School boys' basketball team, who was selected as the Division 1-3 Coach of the Year.

Jesse Kentala

The head coach of the Dollar Bay High School boys' basketball team, who was selected as the Division 4 Coach of the Year.

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The takeaway

The UPSSA All-UP boys' basketball team honors showcase the exceptional talent and coaching in the Upper Peninsula, highlighting the region's strong basketball tradition and the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches recognized.